Chapter Six

Home of the Friendly Orphanage.

Maryland.

Lizzy placed her hands on her hips. Not long after her interaction with the grounds man, Lizzy checked the chest but when she looked for fingerprints, she found there wasn't any. She was Baltimore's orphanage and she wanted to help them to the best of her abilities. Lizzy offered a prayer as she peered over at the reception desk. One of the women, whom she knew, was working there and Lizzy noticed the lady was talking with a couple with a firm expression.

"The adoption papers are confirmed; we just have to wait for more information to accomplish this." Lizzy heard the lady say.

"They're adopting from the orphanage." Lizzy thought. She peered around and hearing the happy cries of children, she made her way over to the parlor where she could see them playing outside. The orphanage had a lawn and when the children were finished with schooling, they were given the chance to step outside and play. Lizzy knew this as she'd been adopted from the orphanage herself.

Lizzy approached the window in time to see the children at play. She smiled when she recalled her days when she used to do that. After she finished her prayer, she folded her arms and watched as the boys and girls began to play with each other. She smiled when she realized a few of them were going to play hide and seek, whereas others were rushing over towards a few of the bushes.

"They're all happy because the grounds man gave them the indication that there was treasure in the bushes, Miss Bennet." A voice interrupted her watch.

Turning around, Lizzy smiled when she saw Mrs. Vitals enter. Not Deborah but her mama, Swaneldia Vitals. She aided the orphanage and Lizzy recalled how she and her husband worked together when there was a call for it. Swaneldia Vitals was a wonderful woman and Lizzy liked her as a motherly figure as well as a good friend. When Swaneldia approached, she smiled at Lizzy as she added.

"I didn't want to interrupt your watch but I wanted to put some input to the children. They're all blessings and we're all happy they will find homes at the right time."

"No doubt indeed." Lizzy replied.

Swaneldia joined her and both of the ladies smiled. The happy crises of the children were heard and when Lizzy looked, she watched as a few of them gathered together to begin their game. She liked hearing them as happy as they could be. Lizzy offered a prayer of thanks as she and Swaneldia watched them. She remembered her days at the orphanage and the friends' she made yet most of them had grown and discerned their calling to where God wanted them to be. Lizzy watched as they played outside and she smiled more. She knew God had callings for each of them; that was to be decided when He would call them at His Timing.

But for the moment, Lizzy was occupied with helping the orphanage. She liked interacting with Swaneldia and she looked to her as elder and woman of great wisdom and trust. As the happy cries of the children were heard, Lizzy looked around and noticed that the parlor was prepared for visitors. She knew the orphanage was going to let families, who wanted to adopt, come and interview with the directress.

Lizzy offered a prayer for them; remembering the first couple earlier.

"I overheard that couple talking about adopting?" Lizzy inquired.

"Yes; you heard correctly. They want to come and see one of the children they were going to adopt. But our receptionist told them they will have to wait. He's detained from what I know." Swaneldia answered.

"Understood. Adopting isn't easy."

"You know it well." Swaneldia added and she smiled at Lizzy. She in turn returned it but she couldn't help but ponder at something. When Swaneldia peered out the window, Lizzy was about to inquire about the child the couple was adopting, when she paused as Swaneldia remarked. "Gracious; I wonder what that carriage is doing out there."

Lizzy turned at the same time Swaneldia exited. Making her way over to the window, Lizzy watched as carriage stood outside of the orphanage. A few of the children paused in their play as the coachman dismounted; he approached the door and as Lizzy watched, he walked over to the door before opening it. The moment the door opened, a finely dressed gentleman appeared; at the same time, Swaneldia appeared and

Lizzy heard her greet the man.

"One of the councilmen is what he looks like." Lizzy thought. She watched as Swaneldia approached and greeted him. But even from where she was, Lizzy guessed he wasn't in the mood for chit chat. He wore a fine suite but Lizzy noticed his boots were covered in dirt. From where she was, she guessed he'd been working but she didn't know where. All she knew was, based on how he interacted with Swaneldia, he was there on business.

"Wonder what it is he wants to talk about?" Lizzy thought. She waited as Swaneldia continued to converse with him. As she waited, Lizzy offered a prayer before she peered at the children who resumed playing. She would wait until later to know what the stranger wanted.