Georgie turned around to face her lady’s maid. “With luck, I will learn to protect myself from my brother.”
“You do not need to fear him, not anymore,” Alice said. “He has no idea that you are here, and even if he did, he couldn’t get to you.”
“I’m not entirely convinced of that.”
Alice walked over to the door. “Would you mind if I went to visit my mother this afternoon?” she asked. “I will be back before supper.”
“I take no issue with that.”
“Thank you,” Alice said. “I need to buy some medicine at the apothecary before I see her.”
“Do you have the money to do so?”
“I do,” Alice replied. “I’ve been saving up.”
Georgie nodded. “If you need additional funds, I can sell a piece of my jewelry.”
“That is kind of you to offer, but I have sufficient for my needs.”
“How is your mother faring?”
A sad look came to Alice’s face. “Her health is deteriorating, and the apothecary is at a loss for what to do.”
“Has she seen a doctor?”
“There is no need,” Alice said. “Our apothecary is just as competent as any quack that we could afford to see.”
Georgie opened her mouth, but Alice spoke first. “I do not need your money,” she said, putting her hand up. “With any luck, the medicine will help with her cough.”
“If you change your mind, I am more than happy to help.”
Alice smiled. “You are too kind,” she said. “You best not keep Miss Ashmore waiting any longer.”
As Georgie started walking down the hall, Alice met her stride and asked, “Do you miss your grand townhouse?”
Georgie shook her head. “I do not,” she replied. “I am not under my brother’s rule anymore, and that is a wonderful feeling.” She glanced at her lady’s maid. “Do you miss it?”
“I do, actually. I grow tired of hearing the rats scurrying inside of the walls.”
Georgie shuddered. “That is a sound that I could do without, as well.”
“Mostly I miss the other staff,” Alice said in a dejected voice. “I was close with a few of them, and I am saddened that I didn’t get to say goodbye.”
The way Alice spoke made Georgie wonder if there was more to the story. So, she decided to prod a little. “Was there someone in particular that you miss more than the others?”
Alice lowered her gaze to the worn floorboards. “There was someone,” she said softly.
“May I ask who it is?”
“Thomas,” Alice said, bringing her gaze back up. “He was training to become a footman, and I think he was sweet on me.”
“I hadn’t realized.”
Alice waved her hand in front of her. “I know consorting with the opposite sex is looked down upon, but Thomas was always kind to me. He made me feel special.”
“There is no shame in that,” Georgie said. “I am glad you found someone who makes you happy.”
“Do you mean that?”
