“It is to cover the expenses for the new cook and Miss Lloyd’s lady’s maid,” Mr. Mason explained.
“A lady’s maid?” William asked. “You cannot be in earnest. Why does the headmistress of an orphanage need a lady’s maid?”
“You wished for the headmistress to be a lady, and ladies are accustomed to having a personal maid. If you are opposed, Miss Lloyd has indicated that she is willing to pay for her lady’s maid out of her salary.”
“That would only be fair, since I have already provided her with a generous income.”
“I will notify Miss Lloyd of your decision.”
William glanced down at the paper before asking, “What was wrong with the last cook?”
“Mrs. Hughes is a housekeeper, not a cook,” Mr. Mason shared. “She was only filling the role until a cook could be hired.”
“Where did you find this cook?”
Mr. Mason shifted uncomfortably. “It is my sister, Mrs. Peters, and she came from the same household as Miss Lloyd.”
“Does Miss Lloyd intend to hire footmen, as well?” William asked dryly.
“No, my lord,” Mr. Mason replied.
William extended the paper towards Mr. Mason. “If Miss Lloyd wants a cook and a lady’s maid, then she can pay for them herself.”
“That would leave her with very little, then.”
“I have little interest in maintaining her lifestyle,” William said. “She needs to accept her reduced circumstances and move forward.”
“But the cook benefits the whole orphanage.”
William shrugged. “Mrs. Hughes was doing a fine job until Mrs. Peters arrived. I see no reason for her not to continue.”
Mr. Mason opened his mouth to no doubt object, so William continued. “My decision is final, Mr. Mason.”
“I will inform Miss Lloyd of this.”
“That won’t be necessary,” William said. “I will do so myself when I visit the orphanage today.”
“Do you wish for me to accompany you?”
William shook his head. “Do not trouble yourself. I want to speak privately to Miss Lloyd to ensure that she is a good fit for the orphanage.”
Mr. Mason tipped his head. “I understand,” he said. “Will there be anything else?”
“Not at this time.”
After Mr. Mason departed from the room, William let out a huff. What kind of pretentious young woman would take a position at an orphanage but then insist on bringing along her cook and lady’s maid? Only someone down on her luck would accept the offer in the first place. He was beginning to suspect that Miss Lloyd might not be a good fit as the headmistress. She seemed far more concerned about her own wellbeing than the welfare of the girls.
Hawthorne’s voice came from the doorway. “You look more surly than usual,” he said, a teasing lilt in his voice.
“My solicitor just informed me that he hired a headmistress for the orphanage.”
“That is wonderful news!”
“It is—or at least, I thought it was.”
Hawthorne came to sit down on a chair in front of the desk. “What are your concerns?”
“She brought a cook and a lady’s maid with her,” William replied.
