“Why would you do such a thing?” Mrs. Willis asked, aghast. “Are we not suitable employment for her?”
“I assure you that has nothing to do with it. The new headmistress I hired would like to teach Sarah how to read first.”
Mrs. Willis laughed. “What a funny notion,” she said. “Why would a girl like that need to learn how to read?”
“Be that as it may, I would like to speak to Sarah and see if she is willing to return with me.”
“That will not be an issue.” Mrs. Willis picked up a bell from the table and rang it. A moment later, the butler appeared in the doorway.
“Will you inform Mrs. Johns that I require Sarah’s presence in the drawing room?” Mrs. Willis asked as she set the bell back down on the table.
After the butler departed, William said, “I do hope for your discretion on the matter.”
“But of course,” Mrs. Willis responded. “I just find it odd that an orphanage is wasting its resources on teaching these urchins how to read. It is a skill that is completely wasted on them.”
“The headmistress only has the girls’ best interest at heart, and she believes it will benefit them.”
“Are those girls even capable of being taught?” Mr. Willis asked.
“They are,” William replied.
Mrs. Willis smiled and gestured towards a teapot. “Forgive me, but I have yet to offer you refreshment,” she said. “Would you care for a cup of tea while we wait?”
“No, but I thank you kindly for the offer.”
An uncomfortable silence descended over them as they waited for Sarah to arrive. Fortunately, he didn’t have to wait long.
A thin girl stepped into the room wearing an ill-fitting maid’s uniform. She had black soot on her cheeks and hands, and her eyes were downcast.
Mrs. Willis gestured towards the girl. “Is this the girl you are seeking?”
William turned to address the girl. “Do you know who I am?”
The girl nodded but didn’t raise her gaze. She must have seen him during one of his visits to the orphanage, then.
“Miss Lloyd sent me,” he said.
At the mention of his headmistress, the girl looked up at him. “She did?”
“Am I to assume you are Sarah?”
She nodded. “I am.”
“Your sister is very worried about you,” William said, “and I am hoping you will accompany me back to the orphanage.”
Sarah’s eyes shot towards Mrs. Willis. “But I work for them now.”
“Not if you don’t want to. Miss Lloyd is hoping you will return so she can fulfill her promise of teaching you how to read.”
Sarah’s voice grew sad. “But she sent me away.”
“No, that was not her doing, and she wants to rectify that mistake right now by sending me to retrieve you,” William explained.
Sarah slowly bobbed her head. “I would like to go back.”
William allowed himself to smile. “So be it.”
Mr. Willis’s voice met his ears, drawing back his attention. “There is still some unfortunate business that we must discuss.”
