Charlotte House Affair 01 - My Particular Friend

chinked as she placed them in their hands.
    ‘Distribute this as usual. And the usual reward to whoever first obtains the information. And return with that information immediately, day or night. Now, off with you.’
    Mrs Hutton, who was obviously eager for them to leave and had perhaps been listening, immediately opened the library door. The older children moved to the door while I helped the two off the table.
    ‘Irregular means indeed,’ I said, after the noise of the children had retreated.
    ‘Yes, I find those little Arabs quite useful. They can go anywhere without being noticed and from their situation they’ve developed resourcefulness. Let us hope that they can find the Winslowes, and let us further hope that information will do us good.’ #

I Seek a Position
    All that could be done now was wait. We learned from Mrs Ashby that Mr Hickham had returned to town and that we would have the opportunity to meet him at the ball, but until then our avenues of inquiry were closed.
    I did, however, have an opportunity to meet with a potential employer. I had been remiss in attempting to find employment because of the obligations I felt I owed Miss House and because of my illness, but I had recently renewed my efforts and had lately received an answer from a Mrs Danvers, to whom I had written. We were to meet the next day.
    ‘Who is this Danvers?’ Charlotte asked me during dinner.
    ‘I thought you should know her, Charlotte,’ I said.
    ‘I know everyone important.’
    ‘Yes, well Mrs Danvers may not be important but her husband is a very successful … ’
    ‘He’s in trade, then.’
    ‘He owns a quarry near Bradford-on-Avon.’ #
    ‘Bradford!’
    ‘Yes, Bradford. I am sure you are acquainted with it. I have heard it is a pretty sort of town.’
    ‘And they have wretched children they want you to teach?’
    ‘I thought you quite liked children. You treated your little street Arabs very sweetly.’
    She gave me the look she uses when she meant to be disagreeable for its own sake. ‘I like to employ them. It does not mean I desire their prolonged company.’
    ‘What of your own children?’
    ‘What?’ she asked sharply.
    ‘Had you children of your own,’ I said, somewhat taken aback by her tone.
    ‘That would be an entirely different matter. Fine then, see this Danvers woman and mind that you don’t track dust back here.’
    I will admit to being dismayed by my friend’s lack of encouragement, but I had by now learnt to accept her changeable moods. Nevertheless, I looked forward to meeting Mrs Danvers. The situation she had described sounded well suited to my own accomplishments and her daughter’s age of ten made me think fondly of my own sister at that age. And despite my friend’s generosity, I felt I should make my own way in the world.
    The next day, as I was preparing to leave for the short walk to meet Mrs Danvers at the home of her friend in Bath, Charlotte surprised me.
    ‘Leaving to meet Mrs Danvers, I presume?’ she asked.
    ‘Yes,’ I answered, still irritated at her comments the night before.
    ‘I feel the need of some fresh air. Might I accompany you? For if you leave, we may not have many more opportunities.’
    She said this so wistfully that I could not remain mad at her and begged her company. We walked arm-in-arm, she chatting happily and making the best of the situation, telling me that I should be the best governess imaginable, while I felt miserable that I might soon be leaving her house. #
    A quarter of an hour found us before the house of Mrs Danvers’s friend. We stood outside for several minutes while Charlotte gave me instructions on how to comport myself.
    ‘You should get no less than £20 a year, but try for £25, and no less than a week’s holiday.’
    ‘Thank you, Charlotte. I will always remember this kindness.’
    ‘Tut, it is nothing, and of course you will get this position. After all, you have the gloves for it.’
    We smiled at the remembrance and I proceeded up the stairs, Charlotte motioning me toward the door when I faltered. I gave her one last look as I raised the knocker and saw her retreating down the street.
    The door opened and a footman beckoned me in. I gave my name and he was preparing to announce me when a woman flew down the stairs.
    ‘You are Miss Woodsen?’ she asked.
    ‘I am,’ I said. ‘Mrs Danvers?’
    She paused before answering. ‘Yes. It will do you no good. The position is filled. Thank you. James, please show this