tall and younger than the other women, but obviously older than Caroline. She was startlingly pretty, with striking red hair and a curvaceous body she was comfortable showing off. Her cobalt blue dress molded to her, and all at once, Caroline felt quite aware of the plainness of her own dress. She was dressed in a practical manner, but her simple calico muslin felt drab and childlike. The contrast gave her pause, but she didn’t have time to fret for too long about it. The two elderly women approached her, teacups in hand.
“You must be Miss Jellico,” one of them said. “Duchess Chanceworth sent you, I believe. I am Lady Winguard, but you may call me Hildy.” She smiled pleasantly.
Caroline liked her immediately. She could not say the same for the other woman, who was eyeing her suspiciously. She introduced herself as Lady Greene. “Is there a reason why Millicent could no longer attend board meetings?” she asked, her voice sharp and unwelcoming.
“She has other charities she wanted to devote her attention to and thought that I might be of use here,” Caroline said, not missing a beat. She had dealt with women like this before. She didn’t like it, but she managed to maintain her wits about her.
“I should think we have most tasks covered,” Lady Greene said.
“Pish posh,” Hildy said, popping Lady Greene on the arm. “There is always plenty of work to be done. And we could certainly stand to have some young influences here. I would wager Miss Jellico here has plenty of splendid ideas.” She winked at her.
Caroline supposed she did have a few ideas, but she wanted to settle in first, figure out precisely how the orphanage was run before sharing any of them.
The buxom beauty approached. “Fresh blood,” she said with a smile. “Belinda Smith, Lady Fairfax.” She extended her hand to Caroline.
“Caroline Jellico. A pleasure to meet you.” She wasn’t too certain what to make of Lady Fairfax, but she seemed friendly enough.
“Indeed. We should be starting soon.”
The door opened and a man walked in holding a stack of papers to his chest. A pair of spectacles balanced on his long, straight nose. Instantly, Caroline recognized him. She’d seen him—no, she’d played him—at Rodale’s. She looked down at the floor, feeling exposed. Deep breaths. There was no reason to assume he’d recognize her. She might be wearing a simple gown, but she looked very much a woman at the moment, not at all resembling Mr. Grey. She’d played there for two months without anyone realizing she was a woman. The only reason Roe had discovered her identity was because she’d been foolish enough to play him at his own house. Granted, he’d recognized she was a woman before that, but Roe was far more observant than most.
“Mr. Lamb,” Belinda said, walking over to the man. She ran her hand down his arm and he dropped several pieces of parchment.
“Ah, my Lady Fairfax, looking as lovely as ever,” he said with a toothy grin. He bent to retrieve his papers. His small, watery eyes looked her up and down. He did nothing to hide his admiration of her. Then he caught sight of Caroline. He walked straight towards her. “Miss Jellico. Duchess Chanceworth speaks quite highly of you. I suspect you will bring much to our small group. If you should need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask me directly.” He gave her a smile, but it offered no reassurance, instead making her feel uncomfortable. “Now then, shall we begin?” He stepped over to the chairs and sat in the largest and plushest of the mix.
The rest of them took seats and Caroline found herself between an empty chair and Lady Winguard. Mr. Lamb discussed the need for new beds on the third floor and said they’d had six new girls added to the orphanage in the last two weeks alone.
The door opened and in walked Roe. Caroline almost stood, concerned something had happened to Millie. Mr. Lamb nearly swallowed his own tongue. He stopped talking, came to his feet. He straightened the hem of his coat. “Your Grace, I…to what do we owe this visit?”
“Is it not the right of the largest benefactor to stop into the board meetings once in a while?” Roe asked.
Caroline couldn’t explain Roe’s presence.
“Yes, of course,” Mr. Lamb said. “I thought that your family’s position had been passed to Miss Jellico.” He motioned toward Caroline.
“I believe there is room for both of us on this board.” Roe’s