Page 22 of No Place in Time

“I could work too,” she said.

He snorted. “Doubtful.”

She leaned toward him, eyes sharp. “I could. I could be a lady’s maid. What kind of work did you do before?”

He hesitated, then said, “I was a blacksmith’s apprentice.”

“I bet I could find work quicker than you.”

He laughed. “Is that so?”

“I’ll have work by midday,” she said. “You’ll see.”

They both stood.

“You’re on,” Finn said. “Whoever finds work first, wins.”

“Wins what?”

He shrugged. “The satisfaction of being right.”

“I already have that,” she said, laughing.

∞∞∞

They walked together into the heart of town, then parted with a few words that sounded more confident than Cecily felt.

She entered a small shop selling household goods, linen, wooden bowls, lengths of twine. The air smelled faintly of soap and tallow. A woman stood behind the counter, counting coins.

“I beg your pardon,” Cecily said. “Might you know where I could find work? I’m looking for a place as a maid.”

The woman behind the counter shook her head. “No work here, girl.”

Another voice, calm and measured, cut in from the back of the shop. “Perhaps I can help.” A well-dressed woman stepped forward. She looked Cecily over, her gaze lingering on her clean hands and straight posture. “My maid is leaving my service. The position is not yet spoken for. It is difficult work.”

Cecily met her gaze. “I am a hard worker.”

The woman considered her for a long moment. “My household is at the edge of town. Come this evening, and we will see if you are suitable.”

Moments later Cecily stepped back into the street, feeling as though the world was righting itself. She had agreed to go to the woman’s house at the edge of town later that day.

She found Finn near a forge not long after. He was speaking with a broad-shouldered man streaked with soot.

“I have work,” she said, grinning despite herself.

Finn turned, admiration flashing across his face before he laughed. “I’m not surprised.”

She lifted her chin. “That means I win.”

He studied her for a moment. “I underestimated you,” he said.

“Oh,” she added with a grin, “and I mentioned I had a strong brother in need of work. The lady said her steward might have need for a grounds worker. You’re to speak with him this evening.”

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CECILY

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