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Satisfied with the meeting’s result, Jacqueline had gone to bed at peace—or so she’d thought. Again, the wrapper caught her eye. Again, the disturbing memory intruded.
A white gown…symbol of purity…he always made me wear a white gown…
Going over, she grabbed the wrapper and shoved it into the bottom of the wardrobe, slamming the door. I will ask the laundress to dye it.
Taking up her lamp, she went to her desk and rifled through her letters. Lady Montgomery had written her yesterday, but she’d been too tired to read it before going to bed. She tore through the seal and unfolded it.
My dear Jacqueline,
In speaking with Lady Dibley yesterday, it came to my attention that she is soon to have need of a new lady’s maid. I spoke to her of your school, of the fine training your girls receive, and she said she would be most willing to meet with and interview any candidate deemed ready to accept such a position. Do let me know if any of your students are prepared to enter into service and when they might be able to speak with Lady Dibley.
Yours in friendship,
Lady Montgomery
A little thrill shot through Jacqueline, driving away all other thoughts. At last! Suzette and Coralline were both ready. But which one ought she to put forth? Coralline was a wonder with hair and cosmetics, but Suzette spoke better French. Of the two, Suzette was the more reserved.
Laying out a sheet of parchment, she took up her pen and dipped it into the inkpot.
Dear Lady Montgomery,
I am pleased to inform you of the availability of two candidates for the position. Both have been exemplary pupils and are prepared and eager to enter into service. Please let Lady Dibley know I will happily convey both young ladies to her residence at her earliest convenience for an interview.
With warmest regards,
She signed it with a flourish, taking care to write Mme. Jacqueline Trouvère. Even after three years, she still had to pause and think before signing anyt
hing. Laying the letter on the blotter, she let the ink dry before folding and sealing the correspondence.
With any luck, both young women would be placed within a fortnight. The thought of separating little Janet from Suzette caused a momentary pang of regret, but it couldn’t be helped. Their departure would open up space for two new students, which presented another dilemma. Eventually, whether by choice or necessity, she’d have to decide whether or not to trust Woodson and, if not, what should be done.
A glance at the window showed the beginnings of a watery sunrise. Autumn had most assuredly arrived. Stretching, she rose and began to dress. She spied the wadded-up wrapper in the wardrobe’s bottom.
Such foolishness! The stubborn streak in her made her hang it back up neatly. She’d not have it dyed for no better reason than a stupid nightmare, even if that nightmare was more memory than dream. Giving in to her fears would mean he still had power over her, and that was something she refused to allow.
By the time Henriette knocked, Jacqueline was ready for the finishing touches on her toilette. As soon as she was presentable, she snatched up the letter she’d written and handed it to the maid along with the summons she’d drafted for Dr. Horton the night prior. “I want these delivered as soon as it’s fully light.”
“Yes, madame.”
“Send someone else with the letter to Dr. Horton. I want you to deliver Lady Montgomery’s yourself, and you are to await her reply.” The girl nodded, and Jacqueline dismissed her. It was time to put aside worrisome visions and concentrate on the day ahead.
When she walked into the dining hall, she marked Mr. Woodson’s absence and wondered briefly if he would show up this morning. She didn’t think him the sort to abandon his post without giving notice, but one never knew with a man.
He appeared just before classes were to start, looking rather sodden and bedraggled, yet still wearing a cheery smile. “It’s but a short walk; however, I nevertheless think I’ll have Mrs. Hayton’s driver bring me around whenever it rains. The streets are not to be trod in anything less than boots—with stilts. I nearly drowned crossing Stafford Street.” Pausing suddenly, he whipped out a kerchief and covered his nose and mouth just as a loud sneeze burst forth. “Your pardon, ladies.”
What a sight he was! “I’m sorry I did not think to warn you about what happens here when it rains—the street turns into a river,” she told him. “We are to dismiss in a few minutes, but I shall have a fresh pot of tea sent to your room.”
“You’ll have my undying gratitude for it.” Shaking his head, he laughed a little and looked down at himself in dismay. “I’ll go and attempt to, ah, dry out a bit in front of the fire before the girls arrive, shall I?”
Shoes squelching faintly with every step, he departed. His stockinged calves were wet through and spattered with mud clear to the bottoms of his breeches.
Does the man not own a proper cloak or boots? Surely Lord Mulgrave paid him fair wages…
Another great sneeze echoed back as he passed through the door.
Shaking her head, Jacqueline ordered a pot of tea sent to his room as well as an extra bucket of coal. If he caught a head cold, she would be out one mathematics teacher for a week or more.
During the second class, the new builder she’d hired came to consult with her concerning the continuation of the school’s expansion.
