Chapter 25
“I can’t believe you’re leaving the boardinghouse.” Betsy sat on the bed in Cassandra’s tiny chamber with a pout. “It feels as if you’ve only just arrived.”
“I’ve actually been here a few weeks now.” Cassandra reached for her cloak and hung it on the hook. “Sometimes it seems like forever, and other times it seems like it has only been a day.”
Betsy looked to the ceiling and frowned. “And I can’t believe you stayed in this room all this time! Poor dear. Had I known it was this unpleasant, I would have shared mine.”
Cassandra glanced around the sad little chamber and folded her nightdress, then put it in her trunk. “Truly, it hasn’t been that bad.”
“Not bad? It is freezing.” Betsy rubbed her arms and shivered. “No wonder you’re eager for a new situation.”
“I’ve no choice but to find a new situation.” Cassandra reached for her pocket watch. “Things can’t go on as they are. If so, my money will be gone. I don’t think Mrs. Martin would let me stay just out of the goodness of her heart.”
Betsy tittered. “I’m not even certain she has a heart. So tell me all about Mr. North last night. Was he doting? Everything a dutiful suitor should be? I saw him from the window as he was leaving. He did look handsome.”
Cassandra considered Mr. North’s behavior the previous night. Yes, he’d been attentive . . . and perhaps a bit too opinionated. His disapproval about the governess position still did not bode well with her. “I don’t think that Mr. North approves of my taking a position at Briarton Park.”
“But why would he object?”
“He said I’m ruining my chances to be taken seriously by society here. I think he wants me to be something different than I am, which is really just a poor teacher. It would be lovely to be a fine lady and be able to follow all of society’s rules, but I must work. And I do think this will be a good position for me.”
“You needn’t convince me.” Betsy lounged back on the bed on her elbows. “I understand completely. If I had your experience and education, I would take that situation in a minute over this overcrowded boardinghouse and the drafty sewing rooms.”
“And why shouldn’t I?” Cassandra stuffed a petticoat and her extra stays next to the nightdress. “It’s a good position, with a good family. I’m grateful. And honestly a little excited.”
“Well, I’m happy for you, but selfishly I’m heartbroken. I thought I was to have a fast friend here, and now you are to leave.”
Cassandra sighed and sat next to Betsy. “I will still see you. Sundays, of course. And my days off. And at charity outings. Mr. Warrington is aware of my desire to continue the search for my family, and he has said he would support it.”
Betsy’s green eyes twinkled. “I’ve always thought Mr. Warrington a handsome man. Maybe even more so than Mr. North.”
“Betsy,” laughed Cassandra, “do you think of nothing else?”
“Not really.”
“Well, such thoughts about my new employer would hardly be a good way to start my time in a new home.”
A knock at the door interrupted their discussion. A maid appeared and extended a missive.
Cassandra jumped up and accepted the letter. “Thank you.”
She opened it and located the signature.William Longham.
“Who’s it from?” The earnest expression on Betsy’s face was sincere.
How Cassandra longed to tell her friend every detail of the journey she was on. But she mustn’t. Not now. Not yet. It almost felt like she was lying. But what could be done? “It’s a letter from a friend.”
If Betsy was offended, she gave no indication. Instead, she stood from the bed. “I will leave you to read your letter. I’ll be back to help you later.”
Once Cassandra was alone, she dropped to the bed and read the message eagerly.
Miss Hale,
I have news regarding Mr. Peter Clark. It pains me to report that he is not pleased with these developments, but then again, I warned you that he might not be. He has, fortunately, agreed to an interview with us this Thursday. I will collect you at the boardinghouse at the noon hour and accompany you there personally. I will bring all of the necessary documentation. Don’t forget, Miss Hale, my priority is to see the will fulfilled to Robert’s specifications. Then we may all put the matter to rest.
Until then,
William Longham
