“Indeed,” Robert agreed.
“If you find no success there,” Henry said, “I shall be happy to assist in the matter.”
“Thank you, Mr. Langford,” I responded with a nod.
After dinner, I undressed, considering both the events of my day and the task ahead. Nervousness filled me, though I did not understand if the cause was my reunion with Tilly or my upcoming encounter with Headmistress Williamson. Returning to the orphanage after three short months as a duchess overwhelmed me. I could only imagine the reaction such news would garner from the headmistress.
As I eased back into the pillows, I attempted to push both events from my mind. Tilly’s life was her own, not mine to interfere in. She made her choices. I fell asleep repeating this to myself as disturbing thoughts crept through my mind.
I stood outside the run-down form of St. Mary’s Orphanage for Girls, staring up at the building. I had spent over one decade here, yet it now seemed so foreign to me. Invisible hands held me back from crossing the street and entering the place I’d once considered my home.
Nervousness was a sentiment I rarely suffered from. Given my experience with the dead, I seldom found many circumstances with the living that flustered me. Still, my experience here, while not horrid, could not be categorized as pleasant. My life had taken a tremendous turn for the better, and I had no desire to return to my previous world.
Nevertheless, I had a task to complete. I drew in a deep breath, steadied myself, and took my first step toward the building. I drew confidence with every step I took. And by the time I climbed to the top step, I knocked on the door without hesitation.
One of the younger girls, with whom I was not well acquainted, opened the door. “May I help you?” she asked in a crisp voice, as we were instructed.
“Yes, Mrs. Lenora Fletcher to see Headmistress Williamson,” I announced. The girl stood aside, motioning for me to enter the foyer.
“Wait here, please, madam, I shall announce you,” she responded.
“Thank you,” I said, clutching my purse in both hands as I stood awaiting an audience with the headmistress. Normally being in this position was not something to be enthusiastic about, however, this time was different. Still, my stomach disagreed with my breakfast as old sentiments swept over me.
The girl disappeared into the headmistress’ office, then returned a moment later. “You may enter,” she stated, motioning to the door.
I nodded at her, entering the room and closing the door behind me. Headmistress Williamson tended a plant near her window. She glanced to me as I entered, nodding her head as she returned her gaze to the plant.
“Headmistress Williamson,” I began, though the waving of the headmistress’ hand interrupted me.
She finished watering her plant before speaking. I expected an offer to be seated, however none came. “Well, Lenora,” she stated as she set the watering can aside, “I cannot say I am surprised to see you. I suspected it was you when Molly announced the name, though I was not sure. I believe she misspoke your name, assuming you a married woman. I shall speak to the child about the danger of assumptions.”
“But…” I began, attempting to set the record straight.
Another dismissive wave as Headmistress Williamson spoke over me. “Lenora, please. You have not been given permission to speak! Now,” she continued as she paced behind her desk, “you may NOT have your old room back. I am afraid you shall be given the only available bed remaining in the facility in the attic. You are quite lucky there is any space at all, girl!”
I sighed and the headmistress finally set her gaze upon me. I prepared myself for the inevitable chiding about my sighing, but she stopped short. I glanced up at her, noting her furrowed brow and slack jaw. For the first time in my visit, she had looked at me and actually seen me. My appearance should have made it obvious I did not plan a return to the orphanage for boarding.
I took advantage of her lost voice to fill in the details before any embarrassment occurred on either of our parts. “Headmistress Williamson, please allow me to make clear my purpose here. I have not returned to reclaim a space at the orphanage, quite the opposite.”
“Oh?” Headmistress Williamson queried in a hoarse voice.
“Yes,” I continued. “I am here seeking a girl to fulfill the position of ladies’ maid.”
Her brow remained furrowed as she processed the information. “You… wish… You wish to fulfill a ladies’ maid position for your mistress?”
“No,” I corrected. “I wish to fulfill a ladies’ maid position for myself.”
“Yourself? Lenora, stop talking nonsense and explain yourself. How many times have I told you to be clear when you speak? Now, what is it you wish to achieve?”
My shoulders sagged for a moment as I bit my tongue. After a clarifying breath, I explained, “Headmistress Williamson, I apologize if I’ve been unclear. I wish to fulfill a ladies’ maid position within MY household. I am married and mistress of the Blackmoore estate.”
Shock was apparent on the woman’s face. She blinked at me as though understanding would not come to her. “You…” she gasped, hesitating and struggling to find words. “You are… the Duchess of Blackmoore?”
“Yes, I am,” I confirmed.
The woman collapsed to her chair. After a moment, she motioned for me to sit across from her. Perplexed, she gazed at me. I perched on the edge of my chair, wondering if I should fetch a glass of water for the poor woman. “I see,” she murmured. She raised her eyebrows, swallowed hard, and sat straighter in her seat. “Well,” she began, pushing her shoulders back and raising her chin, “unfortunately, I am unable to assist you.”
This time, my brow crinkled. Surely, I reflected, there were girls seeking positions at the orphanage. Within three months’ time, all eligible girls could not have found positions. I opened my mouth to
