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Julianna said, “I’ll ask my acquaintances about a place to hold classes as well. Someone has to have walls and a roof they’d let us lease.”
Val wondered how to bring up the delicate subject of compensation but decided to just state her concern. “I’ll need to be paid.”
Julianna waved her hand. “Of course. And if you don’t mind my company, you’re more than welcome to continue living with me and Reba until your intended comes for you. That way you won’t have to use your salary for rent. Housing prices are at a premium as well.”
She was grateful for the offer.
Their lunch arrived shortly thereafter, and as they ate they discussed Valinda’s qualifications. “I had a standard education, but my father refused to allow me to continue studying further. I begged him to let me attend Oberlin, but he thinks education is harmful to women.”
Julianna and Sable shook their heads at that.
“So, I continued on my own. My grandmother Rose is dressmaker to some wealthy New Yorkers and one client is married to a professor at the City College of New York. When my grandmother told him how much I loved learning, he invited me to come and see his library. I’d never seen so many books in my life. When he said I could read what I wanted, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.”
“How old were you?” Julianna asked, smiling.
“Fourteen, and since then, I’ve read everything of his that I could get my hands on: Greek classics, books on science and astronomy. Philosophy. Architecture. I may not be a formally trained teacher, but I’m a knowledgeable one.”
“Maybe more than most,” Sable said.
Val appreciated that.
They then spent a few minutes discussing the orphans’ ages, and how far along they were in their studies.
The talk was interrupted by Archer’s arrival at the table. Unlike Drake and Raimond, his skin was lighter, his body leaner. Julianna’s sons came in a variety of colors and builds but all were undeniably handsome.
“Ah,” he said, smiling, as he stood over them. “Three of the loveliest ladies in New Orleans. Are you enjoying your meals, or should I fire the chefs?”
“I believe their jobs are safe,” the amused Sable replied.
He turned to Valinda. “Are you settling in, Miss Lacy?”
“I am. Your mother has been very generous.”
“Good. If I can help in any way, please let me know.”
“Thank you.”
Valinda saw Julianna look past Archer and smile. “Ah. Here’s Drake.”
Valinda turned. She needed to tell him about her encounter with Creighton but decided to wait until they were alone. He took up a position behind her chair and his nearness enveloped her like warmth from a hearth.
Julianna asked, “What are you doing here?”
“I stopped by the house to see you, and Reba said you were having lunch with Sable and Valinda.” His baritone voice flowed into her blood. Glancing up, she found his eyes waiting.
“Have you eaten?” Julianna asked him.
“No.”
“Join us, please.”
“Thank you. Get me a chair, Innkeeper,” he commanded Archer.
“Get it yourself. And we just opened for lunch so don’t eat everything in the kitchen. I have other diners to feed.”
“Your food’s not that good, brother.”
“Would you not say that so loud?” Archer snapped, sounding scandalized and looking around at the other diners with concern.
