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“That is wonderful news,” Madalene declared.
“I thought you might enjoy hearing that,” Edith said. “Her name is Miss Rebecca Gaillard, and she came highly recommended from your solicitor, Mr. Walker.”
Edith glanced over at the long clock in the corner. “Most of the younger girls are practicing their plain needlework at the moment,” she remarked. “They are being instructed on how to make and mend their own linen. Would you care to observe?”
Madalene rose from her chair. “I would love to.”
“Just as I suspected,” Edith replied, rising. “The older girls are washing, ironing, and folding the linens. In the afternoon, all the girls will begin their academic lessons.”
“What does that entail?” Madalene asked.
Edith came around her desk as she explained, “We want all the girls to be able to read the Bible, write in a legible hand, and understand the basic rules of arithmetic.”
“That is no small feat for some of these girls,” Mrs. Foster remarked.
Edith stopped at the open door and gestured that they should go first. “You would be correct, but I have great confidence in this group. By the time they are fifteen, they should be able to find employment as a servant in a grand estate or work in the front of a shop.”
“Will we be able to help them secure employment?” Madalene asked, stepping into the hall.
“That is my hope,” Edith replied as she turned to walk down the hall. “I want to ensure that each one of these girls is placed in a safe environment.”
“You have accomplished a great deal,” Madalene commented as she followed Edith, “especially considering the orphanage has only been open for four months.”
Edith smiled over her shoulder. “It is amazing how much someone can accomplish when the funds are forthcoming. We also hope to raise funds for the orphanage by taking in all kinds of plain needlework.”
“That isn’t necessary,” Madalene insisted.
“I know, but I think it would be beneficial if the girls helped support the orphanage with their work,” Edith explained.
“That is a brilliant idea,” Madalene proclaimed.
“You sound surprised,” Edith joked as she stopped in front of a closed door. She knocked, and a muffled voice granted permission for her to enter.
Edith opened the door and stood to the side to allow Madalene and Mrs. Foster entry first. As Madalene stepped into the room, she saw a tall, thin woman with brown hair sitting at a desk in the corner of the room. She had a narrow face, deep-set eyes, a sharp nose, and thin lips.
The woman rose and looked at them expectantly.
Edith came to stand next to them as she provided introductions. “Miss Dowding and Mrs. Foster, please allow me the privilege of introducing you to our French teacher, Miss Gaillard.”
Miss Gaillard dropped into a curtsy. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mademoiselle Dowding,” she said, “and thank you for this opportunity.”
Madalene tipped her head. “I am pleased that you are with us, Miss Gaillard.”
“Will you be observing my class today?” Miss Gaillard asked.
“With your permission, I believe I shall,” Madalene replied.
Miss Gaillard nodded vehemently. “Of course. It would be my privilege.”
“Her class doesn’t start for another hour,” Edith interjected. “We have plenty of time to continue our tour of the orphanage.”
“How delightful,” Madalene murmured.
