“Then you must surely see that he had no choice. He’s only marrying me so my name won’t be sullied.”
Much to Harriet’s surprise, Emily smiled with a hint of humor. “I truly think you’re making an issue of something that’s hardly an issue at all.”
Harriet stared at her friend. “What are you saying?”
Emily bit her lip. She eyed Harriet carefully before saying, “I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re not…known. Your presence in Corwin’s home would not have been of much interest to anyone.”
“I’m an unmarried gentlewoman.”
“Who’s never been out in Society. That maid could have shouted her gossip from the rooftops, but the truth is, no one would have batted an eyelid.”
“But…” Harriet dropped her gaze to her lap. Was Emily right? It was true that she hadn’t been introduced to theton. Papa had died before she’d had the chance. And Betsy hadn’t known her real name. She’d only known her surname - a fairly common one unlikely to draw attention. She glanced at Emily. “Brody insisted marriage was necessary.”
“I would advise you to ask yourself why that might be.” When Harriet gave her an expectant look, Emily simply grinned. “Think about it.”
“You won’t tell me?”
“It’s only a suspicion for now so I’d rather not say. Besides, if I’m right, you’ll be glad you worked it out on your own.”
Harriet gave her head a quick shake and stood. “Very well. I’ll heed your advice and give it some thought. In the meantime, I wonder if you might help with something. It’s impossible for me to go anywhere or do anything without others hovering over me. It’s awful, having been used to roam about by myself for so long.”
“Do you want to pretend you’re still here while sneaking off elsewhere?”
“Just for an hour or so while I visit Hudson & Co. I’ve not had a chance to return there, and it’s been gnawing at my conscience. The men I worked with were more than colleagues. They were my friends. I’d like to tell them what happened and inform them of the church service in case they’d like to attend.”
“Are you certain that’s wise? You mustn’t forget that they knew you as Harry. Arriving as Harriet could make them angry. Especially if they said things to you that they’d never have said to a woman.”
It was one of the many reasons why Brody had gotten upset. Still, she felt an obligation toward Mr. Hudson and Oliver at the very least. It wasn’t right to disappear despite knowing Mr. Hudson had actively tried to replace her. Stopping by and personally apologizing to the man who’d been so very good to her was the least she could do.
“I’m aware, but that’s a chance I’m willing to take.”
“Very well then. As long as you won’t be too long.”
“I’ll be back before you know it.”
Harriet hugged her friend and departed through the back garden without Fiona being the wiser. She hurried along the streets, not halting to catch her breath until she arrived at her destination.
There she paused and allowed herself a moment to pluck up her courage. Her hands were clammy and her pulse leapt about like a crazed rabbit. Straightening her spine with sheer determination, she stiffened her resolve and entered Hudson & Co.
The editors sitting nearest the door stared at her in surprise, whether because they recognized her or because they didn’t expect a lady’s arrival, she’d no idea. She’d not known any of them very well, so it could be the latter.
Her gaze went directly to Mr. Hudson, who sat in his usual spot. He was writing something as she approached and must have caught her movement out of the corner of his eye, for he suddenly looked directly at her. There was a pause, as though his brain required a second to adjust to what he was seeing, and then he took a sharp breath. “Harry?”
She smiled. An anxious laugh followed as she clutched the reticule she’d brought along. “It’s actually Harriet.”
“But…” He blinked and then he shot to his feet. “How?”
“I’m a woman, Mr. Hudson. Not a boy or a man. I just pretended so I would get hired.” She glanced toward the print room door. “I’m sorry I deceived you. I’m also sorry I let you down by getting sick.”
“People get sick. It happens. Not really anyone’s fault, but that still doesn’t mean I could keep the position vacant.” He scratched the back of his head while looking her up and down. “I can’t believe I didn’t see it.”
Brody had wondered the same, Harriet mused. As had Oliver. “People see what they expect, I suppose. It’s what I was counting on when I chose the disguise.”
“I’m still rather stumped.”
“You’re not angry with me?”
“Not really. I mean, I suppose you did lie, but had you not done so I probably wouldn’t have hired you. And that would have been my loss, Harr…err…Miss Michaels. You’re the finest compositor I’ve ever had. The new bloke I hired can’t hold a candle to your skill and speed. Oliver’s beside himself with annoyance.”
