Among the Darkness Stirs

Theodocia seemed surprised. “Indeed? That seems exhausting. Are the children fairly horrid?”

Audrey shook her head. “Not all.”

“I’m a member of several charities here in Norwich. Care of widows, suffragette—”

“Suffragette?” Audrey interrupted her, surprised. “You believe in the vote?”

“Of course. Just because I’ve one foot in the grave doesn’t mean I should not care about the vote,” Theodocia told her.

Audrey disagreed. “You’ve not one foot in the grave, madame.”

Theodocia raised an eyebrow. “Don’t I?”

“Perhaps maybe a toe,” she said playfully as she sipped her tea.

The parlor maid entered the room carrying the tray of sandwiches and sweets. She deposited them on the table and left.

Theodocia selected a sandwich, and Audrey followed suit. “Perhaps you would like to speak at one of my club meetings?”

Audrey nibbled on her sandwich and swallowed before speaking. “I would welcome the chance. You would wish me to speak about the workhouse?”

“Your experience as a teacher.”

Audrey laughed. “My vast experience of one week?”

Theodocia inclined her head. “One week today. In a month from now, a month.”

“Very well. I agree.”

“And if you are a success, Henry tells me you’ll bring your family to live here as well. A mother and sister, I believe?” She took a sip from her teacup.

“Yes. They have remained in the country in case I am not a success.”

Theodocia nodded. “But you will be. Henry has a kind heart, but he can also spot things in people that others cannot.”

Audrey didn’t answer immediately as she pondered her question. “What is it that he sees in me?”

“Beauty perhaps. Who can say?” Theodocia sipped her tea.

Audrey had the sense that she was playing a part in a comedy and her sole purpose was to entertain Theodocia.

“Perhaps you would like to see the gardens. It’s a particularly lovely time of day,” she asked her guest.

Footsteps sounded in the hallway, and soon enough Henry joined them.

“Mother.” He kissed her cheek and greeted Audrey. “Ms. Wakefield. I forgot today was your visit.”

His mother rolled her eyes at the bold-faced lie.

“Your mother has been a gracious host,” Audrey informed him.

“And you a gracious guest. But I’m suddenly so tired I must rest. A headache has come upon me,” Theodocia said, wincing dramatically. “Henry, be a dear and show Audrey the gardens.”

Henry looked at his mother, who looked back at him guilelessly. “Of course I will.”

“It was a pleasure meeting you today, Ms. Wakefield. You must come again and keep an old woman company,” Theodocia told Audrey as she was leaving.

“Heading to the music hall afterwards, Mother, for your next performance?” Henry whispered as she walked past him. Theodocia merely smiled before leaving the two alone.