Curious, Georgie sat down. There was no harm in listening, especially since they had gone through all of the trouble to attempt to help her.
Mrs. Peters’s hands grew animated as she spoke. “My brother is a solicitor and has just informed me that his employer is looking for a lady to work as headmistress of an orphanage, and I took the liberty of speaking to him about you this morning.”
Georgie’s brows shot up. “You cannot be in earnest,” she said. “I know nothing about being a headmistress.”
“I know, but his employer is very insistent that the headmistress must be a lady. My brother is confident that your lack of experience is not as important as your status.”
“I do not know what to say,” Georgie said. “I have never done such work a day in my life.”
Mrs. Peters’s eyes held understanding. “I thought of that, but you are clever. I have no doubt that you will thrive in the position.”
“You have entirely too much confidence in me.”
“I have watched you grow up, and I know precisely what kind of lady you are,” Mrs. Peters said. “You have a kind heart and do not deserve your brother’s ill treatment.”
“That is kind of you to say, but I know nothing about running an orphanage.”
Wilson stepped forward. “This is not a permanent situation,” he said. “You will only have to do so until you reach the age of your majority.”
“Which is only a few months away,” Mrs. Peters remarked.
“Exactly,” Wilson responded. “You can remain hidden in the rookeries, far away from Lord Wakefield’s fists.”
“I have never been to the rookeries before,” Georgie admitted.
“The accommodations will not be what you are accustomed to, but it will keep you safe,” Mrs. Peters said. “You won’t be forced to do anything that you don’t want to do.”
“Then, when the time is right, you can claim your inheritance and move far away,” Wilson remarked, “and we will go with you.”
Georgie glanced around and saw the servants bobbing their heads in unison. “I appreciate what you are doing, but I fear what my brother will do to everyone once he discovers that you are complicit in this.”
“Do not fear for us,” Wilson stated. “We are all here now because we are concerned for your safety.”
“That is most generous of everyone,” Georgie said as she glanced about the room before turning her gaze back towards Mrs. Peters. “And your brother is sure that his employer will hire me?”
“He is,” Mrs. Peters said. “Aaron was quite excited about the prospect of you being the headmistress. He has been looking far and wide for someone that fits your description.”
Georgie knew this was her one—only—chance to escape from her brother. She didn’t know anything about running an orphanage, but she was a quick learner. Besides, this was only temporary. Once she turned twenty-one, she would gain access to her inheritance, which included a small estate in Brighton. Then her brother could never hurt her again. Frankly, what did she have to lose?
Georgie squared her shoulders. “I will do it.”
Mrs. Peters clasped her hands together. “Wonderful! We shall have such fun together.”
“We?”
“The orphanage is also looking to hire a cook, and I was let go this morning,” Mrs. Peters revealed.
“I’m sorry for that.”
“Don’t be,” Mrs. Peters responded. “I think it is the perfect solution. Besides, I couldn’t stand working for the new Lord Wakefield.”
Wilson held his hand out to assist Georgie in rising. “Alice has taken the liberty of packing your trunks, and they are strapped onto the coach.”
Georgie blinked. “You wish for me to leave right now?”
“It would be for the best,” Wilson replied. “Lord Wakefield is at the House of Lords, and, with any luck, he won’t notice your absence until dinner.”
“He will be irate.”
