Read Online Tide and Tempest (Edge of Freedom Book #3) by Elizabeth Ludwig - Free Book Online Page A

relative of the Van Rensselaers,” Mrs. Ferguson said. “A stroke of genius bringing her name into the conversation, my dear. Simply genius.”
    When the laughter quieted, she motioned for the staff to resume their responsibilities, but to Tillie she extended her hand. “Come. There is something I’ve been meaning to speak with you about.”
    Tillie scooped up the ribbons she’d used for Mrs. Darby’s bonnet and replaced them in a drawer fitted with a glass front, then followed Mrs. Ferguson to her office.
    As she shut the door, Tillie’s thoughts flitted to the look she’d glimpsed when Mrs. Darby requested she oversee her projects. She twined her fingers tightly at her waist. “I hope I’ve not done anything wrong.”
    “On the contrary, my dear.” Mrs. Ferguson crossed to atea cart and poured two cups. “I’ve been quite satisfied with your work for some time now.”
    She grasped one of the cups and extended it toward Tillie, which she accepted gratefully. So, if she wasn’t displeased . . .
    Mrs. Ferguson sat on a small rose-covered settee positioned beneath a paned window and beckoned for Tillie to join her. “Tillie, you know that when you first came to us, I wasn’t certain things would work out.”
    She nodded. And no surprise, considering the sad, broken lass she’d once been.
    “Since then, however, I’ve been quite impressed with your progress. You always complete your orders on time, and I’ve never once heard your customers complain. Indeed, I’ve grown to rely on you to help the others when they have a particularly troublesome request.” She set aside her cup and folded her hands primly in her lap. “Tillie, would you be interested in assuming additional responsibility?”
    She waited, and Tillie motioned for her to continue.
    “I’d like you to supervise all the orders, not just Mrs. Darby’s. That would mean overseeing the fittings, taking measurements, even offering suggestions as you did today. It would involve less of the actual sewing, especially when it comes to shirts or waistcoats and the like, but I think your time and talent will be better served in the long run.” She paused and leaned toward Tillie expectantly. “What do you think?”
    She looked away, thinking. Added responsibility at the millinery would certainly mean spending less time at the shelter. “I think ’tis a grand offer, but . . .”
    “Of course, I would increase your wages. I would never ask you to add to your responsibilities without compensating you for the effort.”
    Tillie lifted her head. “Ma’am?”
    Mrs. Ferguson continued with enthusiasm, “Business has been sound in recent months, my dear, and I have no doubt it is thanks in part to you. I can offer . . .” She leaned forward to whisper in Tillie’s ear.
    Upon hearing the amount, Tillie’s eyes widened. The raise would mean moving the purchase of the orphanage up several months. Her only quandary was weighing the need for help at the shelter with the need for an orphanage, which she simply could not do without first speaking to Sister Agnes.
    She drew a deep breath. “I’m honored that you hold my work in such high regard, Mrs. Ferguson. Might I perhaps have a day or two to ponder your offer?”
    Mrs. Ferguson’s eyes shone, as if she already sensed Tillie’s answer. “Of course. No hurry.” She lifted her cup, saluted her with it, and then took a sip.
    Tillie lifted her cup as well, but her thoughts were far from the tea. A thrill raced through her at the notion that she might soon see her dreams realized. After finishing her tea and withdrawing from Mrs. Ferguson’s office, she dashed through her remaining orders and then gathered her reticule and bonnet and said good-bye for the day.
    Outside, the brightness of the afternoon matched the cheerfulness inside her. While it would have been unseemly for her to skip, she couldn’t help but hurry her steps in the direction of the church. Ach, but she couldn’t wait to tell