His Rebellious Lass (Scottish Hearts 1)

“Yes. I suppose it’s wise to do that.”

They turned at a knock on the door. “Stay here.” Cam headed to the door and opened it.

Of course, Bridget did not stay where he told her to but was right behind him, peeking over his shoulder. A woman stood at the door, twisting her fingers. She had the mien of someone who had lived through difficult times. Undernourished body, faded but clean clothing, and wrinkles on her face, even though he would guess her age to be only in her twenties.

“May I help you?”

Their visitor must have spotted Bridget, because she seemed to relax and addressed her remarks over his shoulder. “I hate to disturb you, my lord and my lady, but I understand there is the possibility that this house will be rented to women?”

She obviously preferred to speak with Bridget, so Cam stepped aside. “Won’t you please come in, Miss…”

“It’s Mrs. Barker, my lord.” She crossed over the threshold and looked around, her eyes wide. “This is a grand place, indeed.”

Bridget smiled warmly at Mrs. Barker. “How may we help you?”

Mrs. Barker sighed. “I am seeking work. I had a place with Mr. Venti, the tailor, but his son is now old enough to help out in the shop, so he dismissed me.”

/> “I am sorry to hear that, but how can we help you?”

“Two of my friends mentioned that you were going to open a house for women who need to get away from”—she glanced at Cam then back at Bridget—“their men. Is that true?”

The hopefulness in the woman’s eyes tore at his stomach. He recognized the signs of someone wishing to escape brutality.

“Yes, that is true. However, we haven’t even secured a house yet, although I must admit this one seems quite suitable.” Bridget glanced around the place again.

“You see, milady, I was hoping if you did open this house that you might be needing someone to work here. You know, cooking, cleaning, washing up, that sort of thing.”

Bridget cast a bleak look in Cam’s direction. He could almost read her mind. She wanted to do something for the woman, but they were nowhere near being in a position to hire anyone just yet.

“I’m a hard worker, ma’am. I put in twelve to fourteen hours a day for Mr. Venti. He was real pleased with my work.” She fished around in her pocket. “I have a note right here he gave me.” She held it out. “I don’t read myself, but he said it was a good reference.”

Bridget took the note in her hand, again silently begging Cam with her eyes to do something.

Something inside him warmed toward this unfortunate woman, and he knew he had to help her. “Mrs. Barker, have you ever worked in a household, doing the things you mentioned, cooking, cleaning, and so forth?”

She nodded, glancing quickly at Bridget. “I’ve kept my own home for many years now.”

“Are you married?” Although she’d introduced herself as Mrs. Barker, she could be a widow.

“No, sir. Widowed. I live with my brother.” She stumbled at the last part, confirming his suspicion. Her stilted words immediately caught his attention.

“Your brother?”

“Yes, sir.” She began twisting her hands again. “He likes his drink and has a hard time holding a job, my lord. He depends on me for the rent and food.”

Another woman suffering at the hands of a man who should be caring for her. He’d joined Bridget on this project completely oblivious to the problem so many women faced, but was learning a great deal about the plight of women who had nowhere to turn. Cam lowered his voice. “And what happens if there isn’t enough money?”

She shrugged, which told him all he needed to know.

“Mrs. Barker, this home for women, which we are not sure yet will be this very building, may not be ready for weeks or even months. However, I would like to offer you a position in my household in Mayfair. I’m not sure just what duties that would include, but I will introduce you to my housekeeper, Mrs. Bromley, who will find a place for you.”

Instead of relief, she showed more agitation. “Oh, is it far, my lord? How will I travel back and forth? I don’t have the money for a hackney. I guess if it’s not too far, I can walk each day.”

He shook his head. “No, Mrs. Barker, the position is such that you will live there with the other servants.”

Her eyes grew wide. “I don’t think my brother will like that.”

Cam was absolutely certain the brother would not like that, which was precisely why she needed to move into his house, where she would get decent food and be safe. “Nevertheless, that is my offer. You take the job and move into my house.”