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“How about I take you on as an apprentice?”

Annie lit up—then immediately sagged. “I cannot. I must go home each night to care for Mum. And we have no money now that she cannot work much. I need a position that pays.”

“I believe we can manage something. I do not yet have room and board to offer, so I would pay you the value of that instead. You may return home to your mother each evening.”

Annie’s eyes widened. “Truly? I can work here and still stay with Mum?”

There were risks. If Mrs. Greer’s health failed, Caroline might find herself with a young charge to care for.

Are you truly prepared for that? This could grow complicated.

Caroline squared her shoulders. Just this once, she would make an exception. Because once, someone had made an exception for her.

“You may begin tomorrow, if your mum agrees. Tell her to come see me in the morning. If we reach an understanding, I shall have a contract drawn up for her to sign.”

Annie clapped her hands, eyes shining.

Caroline smiled and gestured at the cup. “Finish your tea, Annie.”

The child did so cheerfully. When they had finished, Caroline led her to the window display.

“As a seamstress and a member of my staff, it is important to tie your hair back so that you may see your work. Which ribbon would you like?”

Annie’s jaw dropped. “A ribbon? Of my own?”

“Pick one.”

The girl examined the spools intently, her fingers alighting on a length of scarlet. “May I have this one?”

“You may.”

Caroline reached into the drawer for her scissors, measured and cut the ribbon, then gently gathered the girl’s hair. She plaited it and tied it off with the ribbon, drawing it forward so Annie could see the bow.

“Cor! It is beautiful!”

Caroline smiled. “You will learn to make many beautiful things here.”

Annie left shortly afterward, having agreed on a time for her mother’s visit. Despite her misgivings, Caroline felt in her heart that she had done the right thing.

William had purchased provisions and was returning to his cottage with parcels under his arm, enjoying a rare respite from his work.

The walk should have taken only a few minutes, but somehow he found himself hesitating outside the mantua-maker’s shop. It was devilishly tempting to enter under some pretext, if only to see her again. Perhaps confirm the color of her eyes or admire the curve of her mouth.

He squashed the thought.

As if summoned, Annie Greer emerged from the shop, a broad smile lighting her face. William felt a brief jolt of surprise—had he misread her sorrow earlier? She looked quite smart, her hair neatly plaited with a scarlet ribbon.

“Enjoying your day, Annie?”

She beamed, nodding enthusiastically. “It is a wonderful day, Mr. Jackson! I am to be a seamstress!” she proclaimed, then skipped off down the street in a flutter of skirts.

William stared after her in surprise. Had the new shopkeeper hired Annie? That would certainly be good news for Mrs. Greer. He had only just heard, while about town, that the poor woman was unwell.

Everywhere he had gone that day, the women of Chatternwell had spoken with admiration of the new dressmaker and her elegant shop. If Mrs. Brown had indeed offered Annie employment, it was commendable—something William might have done himself had he known of their need.

He ought to return home. He had no business lingering. Annie was clearly well. Yet he found himself still standing at the door.

Go home, William.