Page 20 of A Housekeeper for the Earl of Drinkwater
“Surely, you jest,” she said. “You are well on your way to getting employment, and you are handling all your mother’s affairs like an expert. You are doing all that without me.”
Serena shook her head.
“I am doing all of itbecauseof you,” she said, sniffling. “I could not do any of it without you.”
Evelyn patted her hand.
“You do not give yourself enough credit, Miss Serena,” she said. “You are more capable than you think. You just need to believe in yourself, as I do.”
Serena bit her lip. She knew Evelyn meant what she said, but she could not believe in herself in the same way. Without Evelyn, she would be lost, and truly alone. She was sad, but she was also afraid.
“I hope you are right,” she said.
Evelyn gave a firm nod.
“I know I am,” she said. “Oh, and I spoke with Whitton about everything, as well. I hope that was not too bold of me, but I could not bear the thought of you having to have this same conversation twice. He is aware of what will happen, and he said you should not worry at all about him.”
Serena nodded.
“That was not too bold,” she said, wiping at the tears on her cheeks. “And I am grateful to you for it. I only regret that you felt you had to do it at all.”
Evelyn moved over to sit beside her, putting her arm around Serena.
“Nonsense,” she said. “Now, stop fretting over us. We must help you prepare for the house sale, and for your new job.”
Serena put her head on the housekeeper’s shoulder and shrugged.
“I don’t even know if I have gotten the job,” she said grimly. “I don’t even have an interview yet.”
Evelyn patted her arm.
“Everything will be fine, Miss Serena,” she said softly. “Trust me.”
***
Two days later, Evelyn was ready to leave Magnolia House for the very last time. Serena escorted her outside to await the carriage the housekeeper’s sister had hired to fetch her, crying before the door had even closed behind them.
She had already written a glowing letter of reference for the housekeeper and given it to her to pack. That was fortunate; if she had not given it to her before their final parting, she might not have been strong enough to do so then.
Evelyn embraced her, holding her tightly for several moments. However, the brave face she’d been putting on for the last two days vanished, and she was just as tearful as Serena.
“I am truly sorry, Evelyn,” Serena said, sobbing into the older woman’s shoulder.
The housekeeper shushed her for a moment, and Serena had no doubt that it was largely to get herself under control.
When at last she did speak, she once more sounded calm and brave.
“There is no need for tears, my dear Miss Serena,” she said. “I shall never be more than a letter away.”
Serena nodded, wiping at her tears.But you have always been no more than a room away,she thought bitterly.And so it should always have remained.
“I know,” was all she said aloud. Until that was, she remembered what she had for Evelyn in her pocket. She reached in and pulled out her coin purse.
“I want you to have this,” she said, taking the housekeeper’s hand and putting fifty pounds into it. “I feel terrible that I cannot do more, but I simply cannot allow you to leave without something.”
Evelyn looked at the money, and then back at Serena.
“How did you get this?” she asked.
