Page 3 of His Perfect Bride
“Quite good. I have a steady hand and perfect stitches.”
For several minutes, Miss Lennox asked more questions about Sage’s skills, education, family, daily habits, and even religious beliefs. Sage guessed Willow had probably been asked such questions too, before being accepted by Miss Rye as one of the bride-ship candidates.
Finally, after Miss Lennox reached the end of her inquisition, she pressed her thin lips together, the tightness making her look even more severe. “My brother lives in Victoria and is getting married in October. I am leaving next week for Vancouver Island to attend the wedding.”
“That sounds wonderful. I wish you safe travels.” If only she had the means to travel wherever she wanted in the same manner.
Miss Lennox straightened her thin shoulders, looking almost regal. “My father and mother have always insisted I take a lady’s maid on my travels.”
The rushing of Sage’s thoughts sputtered to a halt. Was this woman insinuating that she go along?
Miss Lennox nodded as though answering Sage’s unasked question. “I have thus far insisted on going alone for this particular trip, since I am uncertain if I shall return or stay in the colony.” She paused and looked pointedly at Sage, as though expecting a comment.
Sage scrambled to find a polite answer. “I’m sure you find yourself in a dilemma, ma’am.”
“Indeed I am, as I love my parents dearly and have no wish to disappoint them. I also do not desire to inconvenience my lady’s maid with my indecisiveness.”
“Of course not.”
“Then it appears we are in agreement.”
They were? “Ma’am?”
“I shall hire you as my lady’s maid for this voyage and for the duration of my stay in Victoria. When—if—I decide to return to London or continue my journey elsewhere, then I shall give you the freedom to remain in the colony and find other employment.”
Sage’s mind whirled. The offer to be a lady’s maid was a really good one, especially for an unskilled and inexperienced woman like her. Such a position often required specialized training, apprenticeships, and working in other household positions first. Surely there were qualified women who would be thrilled to become Miss Lennox’s lady’s maid, even if she was indecisive about her destination.
Furthermore, Sage couldn’t possibly leave her sisters or dad. They needed her, didn’t they?
“Of course I shall give you a fair monthly wage.” Miss Lennox paused and glanced at the ceiling as though calculating numbers in her head. “Shall we say three pounds a month? Thirty-six pounds for the first year.”
Sage bit back a gasp. It was as much, if not more, than her dad made, especially now with the reduced wages, and it was unheard of for a woman like her who had no training or experience.
“Does that sound agreeable?” Miss Lennox was watching her carefully, likely gauging her reaction.
“It is more than agreeable, ma’am.” Sage couldn’t deny she was interested. But she forced herself to remain calm and to think logically about the possibility.
The fact was, ever since Mum’s death last winter, Sage’s carefully crafted world had begun to unravel. No matter what she did or how hard she tried, she couldn’t weave her neat and tidy life back together. It just kept unwinding so that she was left with a tangled heap.
She was more than ready to leave the messes behind and start over some place new.
“But…?” Miss Lennox asked.
“But I do have my three younger sisters and was hoping to bring them with me.” Truthfully, they were old enough to take care of themselves. Briar was almost eighteen, Fern sixteen, and Clover fourteen. Even if Fern had started mingling with the wrong man and the wrong crowd recently, Briar was responsible enough to manage both Fern and Clover.
Miss Lennox’s brow creased. “I regret that I cannot offer each of them passage as well, Miss Rhodes. But it’s simply not feasible at the present.”
“I understand?—”
“Why not take some time to think on my offer. I shall finish with my charity work here tomorrow and leave by rail for London the day after. If you decide to accept the position, please let me know.”
“I will. Thank you.”
Miss Lennox nodded then picked up the discarded map and the list and began studying both again.
Sage didn’t have to be told she was being dismissed. She could see that easily enough. With a final curtsy, she exited the mission and wrapped her scarf back over her head. The rain was still falling, forcing her to also don the hood of her cloak as she huddled deeper into the woolen garment.
She fingered the square of paper in her pocket. She had one final charity to visit. But what hope did she have that the place would have any emigration opportunities when no one else did? The trip would be futile, and there was no sense wasting time with the visit. Her best option was to consider Miss Lennox’s proposition.
