“It is an interesting notion.”
“Yes, it is, and I intend to follow my mother’s wishes,” William said. “She always had an unusual way of doing things.”
Miss Lloyd moved the ledger in front of her to the side as she said, “I was hoping to request a few things for the orphanage.”
“Such as?”
“We are in need of books.” Miss Lloyd gestured to the bare shelves in the room. “I need to be able to read to the girls.”
“That won’t be a problem,” William said. “Create a list of books that you require, and I will see to it.”
“I should warn you that the list may be extensive.”
“I can’t guarantee that I will secure every book on the list, so do be mindful of that.”
Miss Lloyd grew silent. “I do wish to speak to you about the funding for the school.”
“I believe the funding is quite generous.”
“It is, but I was hoping to hire some tutors for the girls.”
William furrowed his brows. “You wish to educate them?” he asked. “For what purpose?”
“I feel that the girls could be capable of so much more than what is expected of them,” Miss Lloyd said. “If we taught them the necessary skills, including the ability to read, they could seek out employment as a lady’s maid.”
“That is a lofty aim for these girls.”
“I disagree,” Miss Lloyd said. “Do we not want to give them a better life?”
“We already are by getting them off the streets.”
“We can do more to help them,” Miss Lloyd insisted.
William frowned. “This is not a boarding school. It is an orphanage,” he remarked. “Do you know the difference?”
“I do, but—”
He spoke over her. “I do not want to hear another word on the matter. The girls will continue being trained as scullery maids.”
“I think that is a mistake.”
Rising, William asked, “Do you always have to get the last word in, Miss Lloyd?”
“I do,” she replied, unabashed.
“It is not very becoming.”
Miss Lloyd rose. “I’m afraid I have always been too outspoken for my own good.”
“That can be detrimental to you, considering you are now relying on my good graces to keep you employed.”
“I do appreciate this opportunity.”
William held her gaze. “Do not make me regret it,” he said. “If you do your job properly, we will see very little of one another.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Satisfied by her response, William left, confident that he’d gotten his point across.
