Goodness, her employer was married to a duke so she must stop thinking of her as Bethany. The same correction had been made when her cousin, Tessa, had become a duchess. It was Tessa who insisted that she forego the formalities and continue to address her in the same manner as she had done since they were children
“When it is just the two of us, please call me Bethany. I am still not used to the title.”
“I suppose it does take getting used to. My mother told me that for a short time after she had wed when she heard, Her Grace, she looked around forgetting that she was the one being addressed.”
“I completely understand and have done the same.” Bethany laughed.
“What might your proposition be?” Blythe asked.
“With Tessa away for the Season and now that I have unexpected duties, especially since I had never intended to wed, we are in need to someone to manage when we are not here, which will likely be most nights once the Season begins.”
Blythe hoped that Bethany meant her, and not someone else, even though they had four other employees who could also fill the position. Blythe had simply stepped in when Bethany did not return right away after Christmas.
“Tessa and I believe that it should be you, if you are willing to be here the four nights a week.”
“Yes, of course.” Blythe did not even need to think about the offer. The busier that she kept herself the less likely she would be to think about Orlando.
“You may also keep a room above-stairs so that you do not need to travel to your home so early in the morning, after Athena’s Salon closes. It is not a safe time for a woman to be alone. We hope that you do since neither Tessa nor I will be living here any longer.”
While Blythe enjoyed being at Athena’s Salon, she did hate having to return home alone at two or three in the morning. It would be nice to be able to lock the door and retire to a chamber.
“Thank you.”
“Once invitations begin to arrive for the Season, I will keep you apprised of which nights I will be otherwise occupied.”
Blythe nodded.
“That does not mean that you cannot also enjoy entertainments. If you have a ball or other function that you would like to attend, another can stand in your place.”
“I will not be attending any balls,” Blythe assured her.
“I hadn’t seen you at any before, but you did attend the Venetian Breakfast yesterday.”
“That was for Lavinia and it was at her invitation.”
“Just so, you will not be forced to remain here every night we are open if there is something else you would rather do.”
“Thank you,” she answered not expecting to ever have anywhere else to be.
“Now that those matters are settled, I would suggest that you move some of your belongings upstairs so that you have a change of clothing, nightrails, and all other essentials so that you are not inconvenienced the four nights you are here and then we can prepare for tonight.”
Blythe stood. “I will see to it right away.” She turned and was about to leave when Bethany called out.
“I granted two vouchers today.”
Blythe turned. Vouchers were only give to men and were not an automatic membership. They had to first convince either Bethany or Tessa that they were open minded and considered women equally as intelligent and talented. The second test was to watch their behavior and attitude once they spent an evening at Athena’s Salon. If the character remained true to what they portrayed earlier, then they would be allowed membership.
“They would like to visit and I need to make certain they will suit, though I truly have no concerns.”
“Who are they?” she asked.
“Mr. Demetrius Valentine, but I do not expect him to be a regular visitor since he and Lavinia will be moving to Seaford.”
“And the other?” Blythe asked, already knowing.
“Dr. Orlando Valentine. He was visiting his brother, who is staying with His Grace and myself, when the topic was broached earlier today.”
Her pulse quickened and Blythe was not certain if the churning within was from anxiety or anticipation. “I will see that they are granted access.”
