William tensed, tired of being forced to justify his actions. “I told her not to go. That should have been sufficient.”
“Miss Lloyd was selling her gowns to help the orphans,” Lady Hawthorne said. “Her intentions were far from nefarious.”
“I had already informed her that I would pay for the tutors, so there was no need for her to sell her gowns.”
“You did, which is why she plans to use the money to buy the girls new frocks and boots.”
“I never asked her to do that.”
“You didn’t have to,” Lady Hawthorne said. “Miss Lloyd is a kindhearted person who only wants the best for those girls.”
“Iwant the best for those girls,” William argued.
“Clearly not, because you fired the one person who could enact real change in that place.”
William huffed. “I daresay that you are giving her far too much credit.”
“Perhaps you are not giving her enough.”
Hawthorne stepped into the doorway. “Is something amiss?” he asked.
His wife turned towards him and replied, “William dismissed Miss Lloyd.”
“You did?” Hawthorne asked.
“It was the only logical thing to do,” William defended. “I told her not to go to the market, and she defied me.”
“I see,” Hawthorne muttered. “And you think that warranted termination?”
“I do,” William said. “Do not forget that she employs a butler, a lady’s maid, and a cook at the orphanage.”
“Do the girls not benefit from the cook?” Lady Hawthorne asked.
“They do, but it is an extravagance.”
“Does Miss Lloyd not pay for the cook’s salary out of her own income?” Lady Hawthorne pressed.
“Yes, but—”
Lady Hawthorne spoke over him. “Then I see no reason for you to take issue with it.” She brought a hand up to her head. “I feel a headache coming on. I have no doubt that it is caused by the sheer stupidity of this conversation.”
Hawthorne walked over to his wife. “Would you care for me to escort you to your bedchamber?”
“That won’t be necessary,” she answered. “Why don’t you try to talk some sense into Grenton?”
As Lady Hawthorne headed towards the stairs, her husband’s eyes remained on her retreating figure. “I haven’t seen her this worked up in quite some time.”
“I do not understand why she is so upset, especially since it doesn’t affect her.”
“But it does,” Hawthorne said. “She is now a patron of the orphanage, and she had great plans for the girls.”
“She can still proceed with her vision.”
“Not without Miss Lloyd,” Hawthorne replied. “She was the driving force behind their plans.”
“I will strive to hire a new headmistress who shares your wife’s passion.”
Hawthorne gave him a knowing look. “Do you think that is likely?” he asked. “I recall how difficult it was for you to find a headmistress in the first place.”
