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“An episode that’s haunted me since I was eight. Not to mention the pleasure it would bring my husband to help provide you with a better life.”
“How?” Sarah asked skeptically.
“We were just about to make our excuses and leave Benchley. Come to Markham with us.”
“Are you offering me a job?”
“If you’d like one.”
“As you just witnessed, I’m not terribly strong. I was discharged from the tavern for the same reason. Especially now that—” Again, she broke off.
“Markham is enormous. I’m certain we can find something less taxing for you than carrying heavy trays.” More than anything, Daphne wanted to insist that Sarah come to their home, not as an employee, but as a guest. Yet, instinct warned her that Sarah’s pride would never permit her to accept what she would doubtless view as charity.
Frantically, Daphne searched her mind for an answer, a logical, physically undemanding position that Sarah might fill.
“You speak exceptionally well,” she blurted.
A slight smile played about Sarah’s lips. “For a street urchin, you mean.”
“For someone who never had the benefit of proper schooling.”
“I taught myself. I read every book I could lay my hands on, philosophy, poetry, novels, everything.”
“As did Pierce. Unfortunately, few people possess your aptitude, or your initiative.” As Daphne spoke, the idea took hold, erupting full force in her mind. “Sarah, how would you feel about giving lessons?”
“Lessons?”
“Yes. English lessons at Markham. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it immediately.”
“I’m not following you, ma’am.”
“Sarah,” Daphne seized her hands. “Markham has been asleep for many years. I’m only beginning to awaken it. And I need your help. We have scores of servants and, thanks to Pierce’s painstaking arrangements, hundreds of tenants. Consequently, there are hosts of wonderful children now living at Markham, children who could benefit from your knowledge and experience
without ever having to leave the estate.”
“Isn’t there a village schoolhouse?”
“Yes. But few children are able to attend. Their parents simply cannot spare them from their chores. This way, they wouldn’t have to. We could conduct evening classes, or pre-dawn classes, whatever was necessary. And we could vary the studies, so the five-year-olds wouldn’t be expected to learn at the same pace as the thirteen-year-olds.”
“But I’m not qualified to teach,” Sarah broke in to protest.
“I beg to differ with you,” Daphne countered. “You’re inordinately qualified. You can offer these children not only book learning, but youth and enthusiasm. And most of all, hope—the living proof that they can aspire to more and succeed.” Pleasure glowed in Daphne’s eyes. “Think about it, Sarah. Think about the difference you can make.”
Sarah studied Daphne’s face. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”
“Extremely serious. Will you consider my offer?”
Another slight smile. “Hadn’t you better discuss it with the duke first? Perhaps he won’t share your enthusiasm.”
“I have no worry on that score.” Daphne inclined her head quizzically. “Your answer?”
“My answer?” Sarah echoed the question in utter amazement. “Forgive my impertinence, ma’am, but you ask as if I had somewhere else to go.”
“You have. If you don’t feel suited to this position, or if, after seeing Markham, you believe it to be too overwhelming to call your home, then Pierce and I will make certain you find an agreeable living arrangement elsewhere.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
