Page 15 of A Housekeeper for the Earl of Drinkwater
“Well, shall we, then?” she asked.
Serena nodded.
“We shall,” she said.
The two women exited the house, boarding the hackney and heading into town. Serena suddenly felt very nervous, and she reached for Evelyn’s hand for comfort.
“What if they cannot find me any work?” she asked. “What if they would rather take on someone with experience?”
Evelyn gave her a kind smile.
“They specialize in finding work for people who do not yet have any experience,” she said, confirming Serena’s initial thoughts about such agencies. “And you are so clever and charming, Miss, they are bound to want you. I’ve no doubt they’ll be happy to help you find work.”
Serena sighed.
“I believe you might be just a little bit biased,” she said with a smile.
Evelyn shrugged.
“Perhaps,” she said grinning. “But I also happen to know what I say is true. You are an exceptional woman, and you would be an asset to any employer.”
Serena nodded doubtfully, biting her lip.
“But I have never even attended an interview before,” she said. “What if I embarrass myself?”
Evelyn laughed.
“Well, it is fortunate that you have brought me along,” she said. “I can rescue you if you go off course.”
Serena joined her in her laughter.
When they reached the agency, Serena’s heart was pounding. She looked at Evelyn, grimacing in an effort to smile bravely.
“You’ll be fine, Miss Serena,” Evelyn reassured her, patting her gently on the back. “Let’s go inside before you are late. That would certainly not look good, especially not since we are standing just outside. I am here with you, and everything will be all right.”
Serena nodded, taking a deep breath. Then, the two women entered the building. Now, all Serena could do was hope that Evelyn was right.
Evelyn followed behind her silently as they entered the lobby of Mr. Babbage’s office. The secretary behind the desk gave the pair a snide look, but Serena met her gaze bravely.
“I have an appointment with Mr. Babbage,” she said firmly. “My name is Miss Serena White.”
The woman looked her over, then sniffed as she began looking at a paper in front of her. Serena gave the housekeeper a warm smile as the secretary scanned the page, no doubt verifying Serena’s appointment.
“Yes,” she said at last, giving Evelyn another distasteful look. “He is expecting you. Go through,” she added, gesturing for them to go down a hallway behind her.
Serena and Evelyn took it, afraid to ask the sour secretary which was the clerk’s office. It was unnecessary, to Serena’s relief, as she soon found a door with his name on it. It was ajar open, and Serena knocked upon it.
“Enter,” a man’s voice said.
Serena and Evelyn walked into the office. It was small but cozy, with a fire burning in the stone fireplace at the far side of the room. The oak desk was filled with neat stacks of papers, over which Serena could just barely see the man. The clerk himself looked as welcoming as the office, with thinning hair, rosy cheeks, and a rounded, smiling face.
“You must be Miss White,” he said, rising and moving around his desk to take her hand and beckon her and Evelyn inside. “I am Charles Babbage. Please, make yourselves comfortable.”
Serena returned his smile, leading Evelyn to the two plush chairs on the other side of his desk. The clerk waited politely until the women were seated before reclaiming his own chair. Then, he smiled, lacing his fingers together atop his desk.
“Now,” he said, “I understand that you are the daughter of the late Baron White. And I know I have your letter here somewhere. But while I look for it, can you tell me a bit more about why you are seeking employment, what skills you have, and what type of work you are hoping to find?”
Serena looked nervously at Evelyn, who gave her an encouraging nod. Serena took a deep breath, and then explained she was now an orphan, with no means of supporting herself financially.
