“I don’t think Mr. Pomeroy understands what he is asking of Sara,” Louisa replied.
“I am happy to do it,” Sara said, but her soft voice was lost among the louder ones.
Louisa continued. “He is asking her to enter the homes of sick and desperate people, unescorted. That is not safe, nor is it appropriate for him to expect such a thing from her.”
“I did not expect her to do so unescorted,” Mr. Pomeroy protested, although it was a weak one. Sara blinked at him, surprised. Had it truly not crossed his mind?
He continued to speak. “I am certain Mr. Dodsworth would—”
Mr. Dodsworth! There was no opportunity for Sara to protest as Louisa jumped in with the same sentiment.
“I will escort her,” Jacob said firmly, halting any disparaging comment Louisa might have offered. Claire looked at him surprised. “I can spare one afternoon a week to take Sara on the visits. Besides, this can help in improving the reputation of the school.”
Claire smiled and looked at the others. “This is all well and good, but hasn’t anyone noticed that Sara has yet to consent?”
All eyes turned to her and Sara felt her face warm. “Of course I am happy to do it,” she said, repeating the words that everyone had overlooked earlier.
“Then it’s all arranged,” Jacob declared, meeting Louisa’s glare with a displeased one of his own. “Is there anything else we can do, Mr. Pomeroy?”
“Ah, no, I believe that is all,” the young man said, his certainty clearly shaken. He rose and his eyes lingered on Sara for a moment longer than necessary. “If you will excuse me, I do still have preparations to make before leaving in the morning.”
All rose and Jacob gestured to the door. “I will walk you out.” The men left the room.
Sara lowered herself back to her seat. Mr. Pomeroy was leaving. For how long, she did not know. It could even shift into a permanent position and he would be gone from her life forever. An ugly feeling filled her stomach.
“Don’t do this, Sara.” Louisa’s voice broke into her thoughts. “Don’t be morose. You owe him nothing.”
“Louisa,” Claire said, exasperated. “Why must you be like this? Now come, the pupils will be returning shortly. We must return to work.”
Sara listened to the movement of their skirts as her friends left the room. Louisa would never understand.
CHAPTER EIGHT
* * *
Sara knocked on the door of Jacob’s private study and waited for his response. When it came, she opened the door and stepped inside.
Jacob looked up from his conversation with the estate steward. “Yes, Sara?”
She recoiled slightly at the hint of frustration in his voice. It was so unexpected and unlike him that the ants tickled her throat. “I—um—it is Wednesday afternoon, my lord,” she squeaked.
His brow lowered. “Yes?”
The ants increased their agitation in her throat. Sara bobbed her mouth open and shut, but no sound came out. Seeing this, Jacob’s face registered recognition. He let out a muffled curse and stood to approach her. Mr. Clarke, the steward, discreetly turned his attention to the papers in front of him.
Jacob stood close to her. “We are supposed to do the parish visits today, correct?” His tone was gentler.
Sara nodded, her throat easing.
He lowered his voice. “I apologize for speaking to you in such a way. Clarke has not brought good news and I allowed my frustration to get the better of me. I assure you, it was not meant to be directed at you.”
Sara cleared her throat, displacing the last of the ants. “I hope I did not interrupt.”
Jacob grimaced and ran a hand through his hair. “I wish I could say you did not. I am afraid I will not be able to escort you as planned. I need to work with Clarke to resolve this situation. Could we possibly postpone until tomorrow?”
Sara shook her head. “Louisa asked that I relieve her from her afternoon classes tomorrow instead of yesterday, as per our regular schedule. On Friday I do the same for Claire, so both afternoons are spoken for.
“Saturday?”
Another shake of her head. “Saturday is when the Ladies Auxiliary for the Betterment of Widows, Orphans and Other Unfortunates has their weekly meeting. Claire and I plan to attend, as we wish to help with the coming May charity fair, and afterwards I will do the flower arrangements for the church. Also, it will be too late, as there are families depending on the baskets and other essentials we will bring today.”