Page 28 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
Chapter Twelve
After a late breakfaston Monday, Edith drove from Hanover Square to Lord Harbury’s mansion in Grosvenor Square to collect Alicia to volunteer at the registry office.
While eating her meal alone in the breakfast room, she’d received a note from Charlotte telling her that she still felt unwell, but perhaps she and Louisa would visit her the next day.
“Thank you for collecting me,” Alicia said once she settled in the carriage. “My brother had some business to attend to with Lord Wycliffe. The viscount sent a missive to the house, and my brother was off like a shot.”
The lobby was closing when the women arrived at the registry office. Mr. Porter opened the door to them as he ushered out a veteran.
“Good afternoon, ladies.”?
Once they’d entered the lobby, Mr. Porter made his way to the door that led to the small kitchen area.
Mrs. Stafford was seated at one of the desks in the lobby studying the entries in a ledger, Diana looking over her shoulder. “Both of the veteran ledgers are up to date.”
“One of you ladies can add these employers to the appropriate ledger.” Mrs. Stafford looked up and handed a sheet of paper to Edith.
Diana asked, “Shall I make some tea?”
“That sounds a treat.” Alicia smiled brightly.
“I’ll only be a few minutes.”
Edith and Alicia settled in the backroom, where Alicia volunteered to add the information for new employers to the employer ledger. There weren’t a lot of entries for Alicia to make, and soon the ladies began the task of matching veterans to employers.
When Diana returned with a tea tray, she commented on Alicia’s work. “You have the loveliest hand.”
“Thank you.”
Edith had noticed that herself. Diana poured, settling a teacup on the corner of each desk.
“How was your morning?” Edith asked Diana after the other was seated on a side chair.
“Everything ran smoothly. Mrs. Stafford really is a wonder.”
Edith took a sip of her tea before asking, “Would you like to leave for the day? Alicia and I can manage.”
Diana nodded. “That would be lovely if you’re sure you ladies will be fine alone. I’ll speak with Mrs. Stafford. Mr. Porter and Mr. Taylor were in the kitchen having a meal.” Diana smiled. “I have an afternoon event and should check in on Charlotte to see how she feels today.”
“Please give her my best.”
Alicia nodded. “And mine. I hope she has not been too ill?”
“Charlotte tells me it is merely a minor stomach complaint.”
“Perhaps I can speak with Mrs. Stafford?” Edith asked quickly. “I would like to get to know her a bit better.”
“Oh yes, of course,” Diana replied.
She also wanted a moment to speak with Mr. Porter and Mr. Taylor. To see if anything didn’t feel right about the men or Mrs. Stafford.
Edith nodded to Alicia. “I’ll return in a moment.”
After Diana exited the building, Edith locked the door to the lobby behind her. She entered the kitchen to see all three employees seated at the table eating a meal.
