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“I assumed as much,” Mrs. Foster replied dramatically. “Perhaps it is time for me to do something else with my life.”
“No, no, no…” Madalene declared, moving to sit on the edge of her seat. “You are my companion. You can’t leave me alone.”
Mrs. Foster’s face softened. “I would never leave you alone, but I can’t help but wonder if you will be married soon.”
“Lord Hawthorne hasn’t declared his intentions.”
“I believe he will, and you won’t be in need of a companion anymore.”
Madalene shook her head. “I will always need you in my life.”
Placing her cup on the table, Mrs. Foster said, “I was thinking about applying for the position of headmistress of the orphanage.”
“Pardon?”
“Those girls are going to need someone to tend to them, especially after losing Miss Hardy and Miss Gaillard so closely together,” Mrs. Foster remarked. “I would like to help advance your mother’s legacy.”
“That is a splendid idea, but I am not ready to say goodbye to you,” Madalene said dejectedly.
Mrs. Foster smiled reassuringly at her. “That is the brilliant part. I won’t be so far away from Hawthorne House, and you often visit the orphanage anyway.”
“The girls would love having you as a headmistress,” Madalene commented.
“But you will need to hire someone to handle the ledgers,” Mrs. Foster asserted. “After all, I would like to spend as much of my time with the girls as possible.”
Madalene nodded. “I could do that.”
“Cheer up, Madalene,” Mrs. Foster said. “You look as if you are being led to the executioner.”
“What am I going to do without you?” she asked, her eyes filling up with tears. “You have been with me since before my mother died.”
“And that won’t ever change,” Mrs. Foster stated. “I couldn’t love you any more than if you were my own daughter.”
Graham stepped into the room and met her gaze. “Lord Hawthorne is here to call on you, Miss.”
Madalene blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall and rose from her seat. “Please send him in.”
Mrs. Foster gave her a knowing look. “I will give you and Lord Hawthorne a moment alone,” she said, “but I shall be in the next room.”
As Lord Hawthorne walked in, Madalene felt her breath hitch at the mere sight of him. He was impeccably dressed in a blue jacket, ivory waistcoat, and buff trousers. His hair was neatly brushed forward and his sideburns had been recently trimmed. She had to admit to herself that he was, by far, the most handsome man she had ever met.
He stopped and bowed. “I hope I am not calling too late.”
Madalene opened her mouth to reply but found she couldn’t formulate any words. Thankfully, Mrs. Foster took pity on her and spoke up. “Not at all, my lord. We only just finished supper.”
Lord Hawthorne directed his gaze towards her. “May I speak to you privately, Miss Dowding?”
She nodded slowly.
His lips twitched at her lack of response.
Rising, Mrs. Foster said, “I shall give you two a moment alone.”
After Mrs. Foster stepped out of the room, Lord Hawthorne asked, “How are you faring?”
“I am well.” Madalene was pleased that she was finally able to find her voice. “And you?”
Lord Hawthorne took a step closer to her. “I am well.”
