Page 22 of A Housekeeper for the Earl of Drinkwater
“You are too good to me, Whitton,” she said. “But I do not wish to be the reason for delaying you in taking up your new post.”
Whitton shook his head and grinned again.
“Please, do not worry, Miss Serena,” he repeated. “I have spoken with my new employer and explained the situation, and they are content to wait a while. Now, we must try to make the best of the little time we have left, or we will remember it with regret forever.”
Serena sighed again, wiping her cheeks for what felt like the hundredth time that day.
“You are so wise, and correct, of course,” she said. “But how can I let myself enjoy this time, knowing itisall the time we have left together?”
Whitton grinned once again, but he did not answer. Instead, he winked, reaching into his pocket.
“Well, perhaps this will bring us both some good news,” he said, holding out an envelope. “Something to help us both feel a bit like celebrating, at least.”
Serena furrowed her brow, taking the letter from him. As soon as she saw the address on the envelope, she understood what he meant.
“This is from Mr. Babbage,” she said, gasping.
Whitton clapped, nodding eagerly.
“Open it, before the suspense kills me,” he said.
Serena giggled, tearing open the letter. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then began reading the page aloud:
Dear Miss White,
It is my great pleasure to inform you that the agency has secured you a meeting with a prospective employer in Bedfordshire. The Earl of Drinkwater is seeking a housekeeper and is eager to hire immediately.
I have arranged for you to attend the meeting at Chimneys, his country home, in two days’ time. You needn’t bring anything with you, as it is simply an interview. If hired, your employer will give you further instructions.
Congratulations, Miss White. I personally wish you the best of luck. And should things not work out on this occasion, never fear, as I shall continue seeking suitable positions for you.
Sincerely,
Thomas Babbage
Serena rose before even finishing reading the letter. When she reached the signature at the end, she dropped the paper on the desk and shrieked.
Whitton rushed around the study desk and embraced Serena tightly.
“You see, Miss Serena?” he said. “I told you that you must not worry so much.”
Serena laughed, hugging him back. Then, as they broke apart, she sighed.
“It is such good news, but I will miss you so dearly, Whitton,” she said. “I already miss Evelyn so much that it hurts.”
Whitton nodded, his grin wilting. For just a second, Serena saw tears in his eyes, but he turned his face away and cleared his throat. When he looked back at her, he was smiling again, and the tears were gone. Almost.
“Well, we must find out when you need to leave for your interview,” he told her.
“Yes,” Serena agreed. “I wonder how far it is to Bedfordshire.”
Whitton nodded, suddenly growing serious.
“I shall find out the details at once. So, there is no time for any more tears or sadness,” he said, clearing his throat again. “And we must also get your things packed.”
Serena shook her head.
“But Mr. Babbage says I need not take anything with me to the interview,” she reminded him, “So, unless this Lord Drinkwater hires me. . .” she trailed off, then added, “And there is no guarantee of that.”
