Among the Darkness Stirs

Henry continued, oblivious to her sour mood. “The women that attend these clubs are very isolated. They don’t know much about what goes on in the world outside of their homes. It’s good that they should know what is happening in the world at large.”

“Indeed,” Audrey said coldly. That much had been made clear to her.

Henry frowned. “Ms. Wakefield, you seem distressed. Has something happened?”

Audrey took a deep breath. “I don’t wish to discuss it.”

He eyed her closely. “Something has happened.”

Audrey stared at him and then squared her shoulders. “I don’t wish to be the subject of gossip.

I’m a respectable woman.”

He didn’t seem to catch on to what she was talking about. “Has someone said the opposite?”

Audrey looked at the window, twisting her fingers together. “I overheard your conversation with—I believe you called her Nanette.”

Henry still looked like he didn’t understand the problem. “Yes?”

Audrey refused to look at him. “You mentioned that you put in a good word for me as I have no teaching experience. She responded that there was something between us.”

“Yes,” Henry said slowly. “And I recall I told her that I hardly knew you and that I wanted to help you.”

Frustration flowed through her. “Yes. But she’s insinuating things. Insinuating that I—that you helped me—because of some sort of—” She didn’t finish the sentence.

“It seems as if that was her intent,” he agreed. “But I believe I explained why I helped you and that should be the end of it.”

“The end of it?” Audrey finally looked at him. “It’s fine for you. You’re a man. You can do whatever you like. As a woman, my reputation is important. I don’t want people saying things about me, untrue things. I’ve seen how gossip works. In the vicarage, there was always someone being talked about.”

He didn’t speak immediately, instead taking a moment to study her. “What else can I do for you?”

“Don’t seek me out,” she told him. “Don’t offer to take me home.”

“I didn’t realize speaking to you was a crime. As for the carriage ride home, I was merely being a gentleman as my mother asked me to do so,” Henry said.

“I know that. You’ve been very kind to me. I appreciate everything you’ve done.” Really, she did, but she was still upset about what that woman had said about her.

“You give me too much credit. I put in a good word. Everything else has been you, Ms. Wakefield.”

Audrey sighed. “I’m saying stupid things. It’s been a long day. I’m tired. Forgive me. Of course, we can speak.”

Henry eyed her. “I’ll do whatever you wish. I’ve no desire to make your time here in Norwich more difficult. If anything, I would like to ease your burdens.”

She felt a sudden surge of emotion. “I have no friends here. It’s been lonely. I hope soon to bring my mother and sister here. I’m sure that will help,” she told him softly.

Henry looked at her with sympathy. “There are some cottages at the far end of the workhouse grounds. The doctor lives in one of them when he is here, and some of them have been used for different things over the years. They are small. Two, three rooms at the most. View them tomorrow. If they suit, let me know. I will have it readied and then you can send for your mother and sister.”

A flash of excitement went through her. “Really? Thank you!”

He acknowledged her gratitude and then asked, “Has the staff been treating you well?”

Still buzzing with excitement, she thought about who all she had encountered so far. “They’re all different. Levi and Joseph are kind. We speak often and talk about our work. Matron is strict and firm. I met the doctor. He seems a decent sort, and the chaplain is a bit Old Testament.”

Henry raised an eyebrow. “Old Testament?”

“The wrathful God,” she explained.

When the carriage slowed to a stop minutes later, Audrey turned to him. “I know you’ve only meant to be kind and helpful. I’m sorry I said what I did earlier. I do appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Truly.”