“You mentioned Effie is opposed to more schooling?”
“Aye. We had a few governesses in the past. She found fault with every one of them and none lasted long. I suppose I should try again. She is also opposed to the idea of going away to a girls’ school, and after losing her mother, I didna have the heart to insist. Katrin’s sister offered to take Effie’s education in hand, but I wasna keen on the idea. She is well-intentioned, as I’ve said, but a bit—what is the term here—scatterbrained?”
Sarah nodded. “When we visited, I noticed she had a slight limp.”
“Did she? It was gone by the time we got home. The woman is forever striking her toe on something. Forgets to look where she’s going.”
“Oh.”
“I hope ye don’t think less of me for saying so.”
“And I hope you don’t take a severe view of women in general.”
“I do not. In fact, I am thoroughly impressed with you, Miss Summers. You’re gracious and capable, kind and lovely, and”—he smiled softly—“not scatterbrained in the least.”
Sarah smiled in reply and finished her tea. Then she glanced at the clock in the corner and was startled to see the time. The errand had taken longer than she’d realized. She set down her cup andsaid, “And now I really must return home. Mrs. Besley is unwell, and I need to assist her in the kitchen.”
She rose, and he followed suit.
“Might I lend a hand? I would be happy to help.”
“And I would be happy to accept, thank you.”
On her way home from the school, Georgiana walked down Fore Street, past several shops, still having no idea what she might buy for her mother and sisters for Christmas, and still having no money to buy anything even had she an idea.
She thought she glimpsed Sarah and Mr. Henshall walking down a side street together but they were too far away to hail.
She looked ahead, and her steps faltered. There stood Colin Hutton talking with Miss Marriott outside a millinery shop.
For a moment, Georgiana considered cutting through an alley to avoid them, but she trudged on, continuing along her intended path home.
At the sound of her footfalls, Miss Marriott turned. Colin, meanwhile, seemed oblivious to anyone but the elegant Eliza.
“Good day, Georgiana.” The young woman’s gaze fell to her hems. “You have been ... enjoying the outdoors again, I see.”
“I’ve just come from the school,” Georgie replied. “Played ball with the children there, as I often do.” She gave her skirt a few downward tugs, trying to hide her muddied petticoat.
“I’m surprised they played today. Mr. Hutton was just telling me about the poor orphan girl there.”
“I think the game cheered us all. Even Cora.”
Eliza went on as though Georgiana had not spoken. “I admit her loss reminds me of my own dear Mamma, gone these many years.”
“I am sorry,” Colin said. “And I quite understand.”
After a few moments’ silence, Eliza regarded Georgiana once more. “How good you are. How ... playful. Though I suppose you are still practically a child yourself.”
“I am not a child, Miss Marriott.”
Colin said, “Though you are indeed a sportive girl, Miss Georgiana. I have often said so.”
“I admire your freedom,” added Miss Marriott. “My stepmother would never approve of me running wildly about like that. I fear she would call me a hoyden.”
Eliza nodded toward the shop window. “She is in there now, selecting a new white fichu or tippet for my Christmas gift. I shall pretend to be surprised, of course.”
She turned back. “And you, Miss Georgiana. Have you settled on gifts yet for your mother and sisters?”
“Not yet.”
