She turned to see Winnie coming down the passage towards her. Sparrow stiffened slightly, but Genevieve put a hand on her arm. “Good evening, Winnie.”
Winnie did not look as self-composed as she usually did. Her haughty demeanor had faded into apprehension and a bit of a sullen pout. Belatedly, she curtseyed. “Congratulations on your marriage.”
“Thank you.” Genevieve waited.
Winnie shifted. “I heard that you were offering jobs to people, and I thought…well, because we were friends and all, that I might be considered.”
Genevieve tilted her head and regarded Winnie. “Well, we have several positions for maids as well as a restoration crew, those willing to clean and rebuild sections of the Ossuary.”
Winnie’s face soured. “I thought there were seamstress positions.”
“You had never seemed very interested in piecework or sewing before. I didn’t think you’d be interested.”
“Well, it’s better thanscrubbing,” Winnie said.
“I’m afraid we’re reserving those positions for people with a passion for the work. So I would say it’s cleaning or nothing.”
Winnie’s jaw dropped.
“No?” Genevieve asked.
“Is this because of what I said before?” Winnie burst out. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“For…being rude. And…pushy.”
She certainly appeared remorseful, but remorse did not always equal repentance. Anyway, in Genevieve’s mind, Winnie’s sins had a quite different root.
“You know, Winnie, I think thereissomething we need help with,” Genevieve said after a moment’s thought. She could not say whether this was a good idea or a bad one. “Why don’t you come with me? Sparrow, I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“Of course. Have a good evening,” Sparrow said, her eyes alight with curiosity.
Genevieve and Winnie found Joseph in Carmine House’s cellar, going through some of the supplies he had collected from various sources.
“How goes it, Joseph?” Genevieve asked.
“If worse comes to worst and the endeavor fails, we would at least be able to make money as an apothecary,” Joseph said, dusting off his hands and inclining his head to the two of them. “Joseph, meet Winnie. Winnie, Joseph is a doctor.”
“Was,” he said.
“Is,” Genevieve said firmly. “You finished that anatomy book in three days, and you helped Fletcher heal. You are still a doctor.” To Winnie, she said, “Joseph was previously Carmine House’s caretaker, but now he wishes to pursue other interests. Joseph will receive a monthly stipend for supplies and resources and will go and treat the needy at no cost. He could use an assistant and nurse on his rounds.”
“Treat?” Winnie repeated. “Humans?” Her nose scrunched up in evident baffled disdain.
“Yes, humans. The people who keep us sanguine and tethered to this mortal coil.” Joseph crossed his arms. “But if you don’t want the job, then?—”
“No! I—” Winnie broke off, looking uncertainly from Joseph to Genevieve.
“Joseph will pay his assistant from the stipend, so you must decide if you will suit,” Genevieve said.
“I would like the position,” Winnie said, swallowing.
Joseph looked up her up and down, blonde curls and the dress full of flounces. “I’ll take you on a trial basis,” he said finally, reluctance written all over him. “Meet me here tomorrow evening and wear something less…fluffy.”
“The Ossuary will provide a uniform,” Genevieve murmured, since Winnie probably did not possess anything less fluffy.
“If you can’t do what’s needed…” Joseph warned.
