The ladies all laughed. Except Lady Farnsworth, who tapped something for attention. “Enough of this. Let us finish. Of the two topics for Mrs. Dalton’s history essay, who favors the investigation into whether there were female druids?”
A little vote ensued; then Mrs. Galbreath ended the meeting by reciting the calendar for the next issue’s various tasks. When the ladies dispersed, Amanda felt a presence by her side.
Mrs. Galbreath looked over her shoulder. “I can’t believe how quick you are at this, Miss Waverly. You put me to shame.”
“It is easy for me to be fast. Your accounts are in excellent order.” She really made quick with it so the tradesmen would be paid in a timely manner. When she’d first begun, a few accounts had been in arrears. She felt bad for those who had to wait on their pay due to carelessness.
She also wanted these accounts up to date because she probably would be leaving them to Mrs. Galbreath soon. Or to some replacement for herself that the club would find.
“If you are finished, would you come with me? I want to show you something.”
Amanda put away her ink and pen, then followed Mrs. Galbreath from the library. They went up the stairs. Mrs. Galbreath opened a door and led the way into a bedchamber.
“Lady Farnsworth has confided that she worries about your domestic situation,” Mrs. Galbreath said. “She pictures you in some sad room with no heat.”
“I have heat.”When I buy fuel. She had never told Lady Farnsworth where or how she lived. The good woman had surmised the truth merely using her imagination.
“The duchess suggested that I invite you to live here instead. This chamber would be yours alone. No one would interfere with you and your activities. We do not seek to make a child of you, or place you under supervision.”
Amanda had not even considered that they might try to do that. Mrs. Galbreath perhaps spoke from her own experience, however.
Amanda strolled around the chamber. Although of modest size, she thought it was perfect. The appointments possessed quality but not luxury. The prospect from the windows allowed a view of the activity and trees on the square. The tiny dressing room could hold a wardrobe far bigger than her own.
It reminded her of her chamber at school, only larger and nicer by far. She pictured herself reading in the chair come winter, facing a fine fire. She imagined herself sleeping in the bed with the drapes drawn closed. She might even have Mrs. Galbreath for a friend if she lived here. Or at least one or two of the servants. She might have a real home.
Her heart ached to say yes. She hated all the reasons she could not.
“You and the duchess are too kind. I think, however, that I will remain where I am. It is closer to Lady Farnsworth, for one thing. Not far off Leicester Square. I am moved by the generosity of this offer, and hope you will understand if I decline.”
“I told Clara—the duchess—that you prize your independence too much to relinquish it. I do understand, Miss Waverly. Please know you are welcome here should you ever change your mind.”
Amanda followed Mrs. Galbreath out of the chamber, looking back one last time before she closed the door.
* * *
Gabriel checked his pocket watch, then put it away. Beside him, Stratton did the exact same thing at the same time.
“She is fine. Your son is too,” Gabriel said after he called for cards. “We have at least an hour before I can let you go back.”
He had dragged Stratton to this gaming hall at the new mother’s request.I beg you to take him away for an evening, her note had said. Kidnap him if necessary. His constant watch is driving me mad.
“Should she need me—”
“She only needs you to stay away so she has a few hours of peace.”
“I refuse to believe she told you that. I will ask her, and if you lied so you could have company to relieve your boredom—”
“Has fatherhood made you an idiot? She did not want you to know. Nor would you if you had not thwarted every manner of persuasion I could summon. Informing you of her request was a confidence between friends and you are sworn to secrecy.”
“I did not swear a damned thing.”
“Then do it now, so I do not risk having her angry with me. She scares me, to be honest. I have a list of people whom I never want as enemies and she is high on it.”
Stratton laughed at that. “I confess she is high on mine too.”
“Then swear it, so you don’t do something that gets us both on her bad side.”
Stratton threw in his cards.
