“He has asked for nothing in return.”
“I still must question his motives,” Lily said.
Emilia reached up and retrieved the pale blue gown. “Do not be such a naysayer. Lord Chatsworth was Sir Charles’ godson and he feels it is his duty to help me.”
Lily’s frown deepened, skepticism etched on her features. “Men are not so different here than they are from our village. I wouldn’t be so quick to trust this handsome lord.”
As Emilia carefully carried the gown over to the settee, she knew that her friend meant well, but Lily didn’t know Lord Chatsworth like she did. She had felt a kinship spark between them the moment she had sat down on that bench.
Lily followed her to the settee and said, “I apologize for my words, but I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I won’t,” Emilia assured her. “Once you meet Lord Chatsworth, you will understand.”
“Lady’s maids do not mingle with lords and ladies,” Lily pointed out.
Emilia removed her wrapper as she asked, “Who says?”
“I think that is a universal rule,” Lily replied. “Regardless, we need to get you dressed and readied for the day.”
After she was dressed, Emilia sat down at the vanity table. She removed the cap from her head and started brushing her hair.
Lily held her hand out and said, “I do believe my job is to style your hair. Which I am quite proficient at.”
“You are right.” Emilia handed her the brush. “I am just happy that you are here with me.”
“Well, you are paying me quite nicely for the honor,” Lily teased.
While Lily started pulling her hair back into a stylish coiffure, Emilia asked, “Do you think the girls will miss us at the school?”
“Some will, but I did grow tired of the pretentious girls that spoke down to us,” Lily said. “They could be rather mean to us.”
Emilia bobbed her head. “That they could be, and Mrs. Allston did nothing to chide their impertinent behavior. She was far too worried about offending their parents.”
“Well, that life is behind you now,” Lily said before taking a step back. “Do you like your hair styled this way?”
Emilia turned her head and briefly admired her hair. “It is beautiful,” she acknowledged. “Shall we go have breakfast?”
“I still think it is best if I eat in the kitchen. You will just need to point the way,” Lily said.
Rising, Emilia looped arms with her friend. “I command you to join me for breakfast, and if I command you, you must do it,” she remarked. “Besides, I don’t know where the kitchen is yet.”
“I will go, only because you are being rather insistent about it,” Lily responded.
Once they were walking down the corridor, Emilia asked, “Do you think your mother will take issue with you not being a teacher anymore?”
“I don’t think she will care as long as I keep sending money home,” Lily replied.
“You are a good person to help your family,” Emilia said.
Lily gave her a knowing look. “You would do the same thing for your family,” she asserted. “Besides, my mother’s arthritis has made it harder for her to take in work as a seamstress.”
“I have now decided that I shall pay you three times what you were making as a teacher,” Emilia declared.
“That is too much?—”
Emilia spoke over her. “Regardless, I have spoken,” she declared. “We both know that Mrs. Allston didn’t pay us a fair wage anyways.”
“Thank you,” Lily said.
