Amelia pursed her lips. Paper would have to be cadged from her prospective employer as Foreign Office expenses only went so far.
“Agreed, Miss Webster.”
“I’ll need you to gauge the young lady’s level of intelligence, of course. The lessons oft depend on the pupil, her characteristics and needs. And, please, call me Charlotte.”
“I can easily send a lad with my notes on the ward when I’m there. And, please, call me Amelia.”
“Perfect,” they both said in unison before clinking their delicate Wedgwood cups together.
“Although…” Charlotte’s nose scrunched. “What if Mr Cadwalader receives further applicants?”
Amelia winked. “I have a feeling he won’t.”
Her accomplice grinned while Amelia sipped her tea, most content with the morning’s work, yet as she watched Charlotte snaffle another crumpet, she noticed once more the creases to her brow that refused to smooth. Amelia didn’t like to pry but… Of course, she liked to pry – that was her job.
“Who is this duke pressuring you to sell your house? Perhaps I could…”Dig up some tittle-tattle. “…assist.”
“The Duke of Shawdale.”
“Not Skinflint Shawdale?”
Charlotte nodded.
“Oh dear, I’ve read of him in the gossip columns.”
“Marcus isn’t a bad sort.”
Marcus?Amelia hoisted a brow.
“Well, I knew him when we were young,” continued Charlotte, a blush tinging her cheeks. “We grew up together but…he changed and I do not recognise him anymore. He’s become…”
“Rather a hog grubber according to the gossip rags.”
Charlotte’s lips trembled. “Maybe so.”
Amelia would have to put her thinking cap on.
“And if I may also ask…” Charlotte winced and scratched her arm. “Could I have some monies paid upfront, do you think? I’m sure this hotel has fleas.”
“I can do better than that,” Amelia said, wrapping the rest of the crumpets in a serviette for Charlotte to take. “You provide the ink and you can have use of my home in Holborn rent free. No fleas.”
“Done.”
After a further pot of tea, Miss Webster scribbled a note to Mr Cadwalader explaining she’d been offered another position, and Amelia sat back eyeing Miss Appleton’s weighty tome on the table.
What on earth was she to do with it now?
