Page 45 of The Gentlewoman Apprentice

“I am glad to hear it, for I ask the same favor again. Miss Reed seems promising.”

“She is a fine sort of woman. Strong, despite the twist in her leg. I know it ails her at times, but she never lets on.” Miss Fisher agreed to sort out the details and visit later that week. As they spoke, Meg considered how the arrangement might look from the outside or across the street. With four women under her roof, concealing her illicit venture would become more difficult. She must tell Mr. Sloan something to explain their presence.

That is, if Miss Ivy did not explain first. On the journey to Havenwood in Lord Halverton’s carriage, she had waited in vain for Miss Ivy to find the courage to ask in which ways Meg cheated her contract with Mr. Sloan. Instead, Miss Matilde and Miss Ivy chatted endlessly about the book. Meg did not like ambiguity and planned to bring the matter up herself when she could pull Miss Ivy aside.

No matter how her acquaintance might chastise her, discontinuing her operation remained impossible. Each day her objective seemed to slip as Samuel grew more reliant on Lord Halverton’s generosity. Samuel’s health had prevented his traveling for nearly the past fortnight. The demands of the Downsbury commission, to be finished by the end of next week, could not keep Meg from missing and worrying over him. Until he resided safely under her roof, that concern would not cease.

Lady Halverton appeared at Meg’s elbow. “Miss Fisher, I see you have met my dear friend Miss Cooper. She is a most experienced seamstress and will soon have her own dress shop. Miss Cooper will have every lady in Gloucestershire at her door this time next year. Mark my words.”

Meg seized the opportunity. “I am, in fact, doing a little work now.” The risk was great, but the women at such gatherings would have no knowledge of apprenticeships or indenture contracts. “I cannot create full gowns, but I have begun advising and embellishing. Anyone might come to me for ideas on improving her wardrobe. I can promise to make it uniquely flattering for each woman.”

“Oh.” Lady Halverton squealed. “May I come today?”

“Please do, my lady. I believe we might improve upon perfection,” Meg said.

Voices agreed in giggles and assenting murmurs. Meg glanced around. She had gathered an audience and spoken with authority, as one who controlled her fate. She wished to hold onto that.

Having accomplished her objective, Meg sought Miss Ivy, whom she found concluding a conversation with an elderly lady.

“I hope you enjoyed the breakfast,” Miss Ivy said.

“It has been most beneficial.”

“In what way?” Miss Ivy’s words held suspicion.

They edged away from the crowd and stood near glass doors looking out onto the garden.

“I know you overheard my reference to cheating my contract with Mr. Sloan. I imagine that is the root of your bitterness toward me.”

“Peter is a good friend and one of the best men I know. It pains me to learn someone has done him ill.”

As the only woman of the party likely to understand apprenticeships, Meg wondered what Miss Ivy suspected her of. If watched, anyone might guess the workings of Meg’s household. “You have not told Mr. Sloan.”

“I admire your bravery in obtaining an apprenticeship and can see that Peter may be hesitant to hold his end of such a bargain. I wish to understand you. Do you do it out of spite?”

Again, Meg questioned what Miss Ivy knew. “I promise, I harbor no ill-will for Mr. Sloan.” The truth of her words struck true. Mr. Sloan had showed her generosity beyond anyone she knew. He deserved every good thing. “Shall we walk outside?”

They exited into the garden and walked in silence among snow shrinking into tinkling rivulets.

“I have been selling a bit of extra work in secret,” Meg finally said. “I need the money now.” Everyone understood money.

Miss Ivy blew an incredulous breath. “Not as the ward of Lord Halverton.”

“What does that mean?” Meg wanted her to spell it out, find the assumptions false on her own.

“Do not pretend you became the first female apprentice in the history of England without the help of your powerful guardian.”

Meg had little expected that and hated its truth. She felt like her mother, ingratiating herself to the wealthy to line her pockets, unable to fend for herself.

“I cannot depend upon my guardian.” She had not meant to speak with such desperate vehemence, nor to let her voice break. She scratched her chin to hide its quivering.

Silence joined them, drowned by the turbulence of her thoughts. It must work, this plan of hers, to pay for all her needs and Samuel’s, to earn the right to hold her head high because she contributed to the world.

“You have parents, I assume? And a brother—people who care for your happiness and who will remain steadfast? I am alone and must see to my own survival. Think what happens to women who have no one upon whom they can rely. I am that woman, and I will spare no pains to scratch out a respectable place for myself.”

Miss Ivy’s eyes held an expression between pity and admiration. Meg took it, heedless of what she thought, determined to maintain her path.

“I’ll keep your secret,” Miss Ivy said. “But if your venture grows or if you hurt him in any way, I will recompense you tenfold.”