“I thought you would approve of that,” Lily stated. “Shall we dress you so I can depart for the boarding school?”
Emilia placed the book on the table next to the bed. “I do wish that you wouldn’t go alone to the boarding school.”
“No one gives me much heed,” Lily responded. “Besides, I enjoy being at the boarding school far more than this townhouse.” She stopped and winced. “I’m sorry. That came out wrong. I just tire of how the other servants look at me. I don’t quite fit in anywhere.”
With an understanding nod, Emilia said, “I know the feeling.”
Lily approached the bed, holding up the gown. “Poor heiress,” she teased with a smile.
Emilia returned her smile. “I know I have no right to complain…”
“No, you don’t.”
“… but I just wish I felt like I truly belonged somewhere.” She sighed. “I must sound utterly ridiculous.”
“You do, but I still claim you as my friend.”
Emilia swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up. “Perhaps I shall join you at the boarding school.”
“There is no need, at least not yet,” Lily said. “I am working with Mrs. Anderson as she makes the final preparations to open the school.”
“Am I just to sit alone in the drawing room, waiting and hoping that someone decides to call upon me?”
“The plight of an heiress,” Lily said, her smile growing. “What insurmountable burdens you must bear.”
Emilia laughed. “I see your point.”
“That is a shame because I prepared some more arguments.”
“Save those for another time,” Emilia said.
“Very well. Now, let’s get you ready for the day.”
Once Emilia was properly dressed, she sat at the vanity and started brushing her long brown locks.
Lily held her hand out. “I do believe it is my job to style your hair.”
“I can brush my own hair,” Emilia contended.
“You can, but you won’t,” Lily said.
Emilia put the brush aside and leaned back in her chair. “Once the boarding school is open, will you be leaving me?”
“I was hoping to spend more time at the school, assuming you do not have any objections,” Lily replied. “I can ask a maid to fill in while I am gone during the day.”
She wasn’t entirely surprised by her friend’s decision. Lily was a teacher at heart, and she didn’t fault her for wanting to continue her work.
“I have no objections, and I will make do while you are gone,” Emilia said. “The only reason I am agreeing to this is because I will see you at the boarding school when I teach.”
Lily placed the brush down and hesitated. “About that…” Her voice trailed off. “Mrs. Anderson hired someone yesterday to teach needlework to the girls.”
Emilia’s heart sank. She knew Mrs. Anderson had been planning to hire a needlework teacher, but she hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly.
“That doesn’t mean you can’t teach the girls needlework,” Lily attempted. “After all, it is your school. You can do whatever you want.”
She was wealthy and didn’t need to work, but she missed teaching. It would have given her a sense of purpose and something to occupy her time. Quite frankly, she had far too much time on her hands since she had come into her inheritance.
Lily fashioned her hair into a stylish chignon before stepping back. “Are you upset?”
