That very morning, Duchess Elinor wrote two letters. One was addressed to the Head of The Wellingham Institute, the other was to the Head of Elmwood Orphanage. Sterling was trusted to go to both institutions to investigate Eliza.
In the same morning, Nathaniel sent Richard, his secretary, to find information about Harold Whitcombe. The duke's real aim was first to find out about Mr. Whitcombe's character.
To do this, it was impossible for Richard to go on his own. The best way to find out scandalous information about a man was by making his servants talk.
Because Richard's plan would need some time to gain result, it wasn't surprising that the duchess got speedier results.
Sterling returned home at lunch time indeed, bringing favorable letters that confirmed the goodness of Eliza's character, a paper reporting her grades—the top of her class, and an evaluation about her potential from the Director of Wellingham Institute—a respectable institute at the poorer area of London, and Elmwood Orphanage, where the girls lived after their parents passed away.
"I see. That's good. Call Miss Fairleigh, now, Sterling."
Sterling bowed, then returned with Eliza.
"I got favorable answers about you from Wellingham Institute and Elmwood Orphanage. I will hire you as my secretary. Until my grandson is married, I must arrange a lot of things here, since we are returning to society this year. You might communicate better with my grandson and his secretary than a middle aged lady. And because we will open our houses again for events, the household will always need a helping hand. Will it be alright if your sister goes on her own to this house tomorrow? We shall pay for her transport cost."
"That's perfectly—arranged, Your Grace. I am very grateful, and I'll do my utmost best to not disappoint you."
Elinor noticed that Eliza's eyes were filled with tears, and she pretended not to see it.
She then mentioned how much Eliza would be paid for the first year, and Eliza's eyes let out a drop of tear.
"That's…..that's very generous, Your Grace."
"It's lower than my previous one, because it's your first year. I'm going to give you some in advance, you need to make several dresses that are appropriate to accompany me on my activities. One more thing, your chamber will be your current chamber, but your sister must stay at the household staff residence."
"I understand, My Lady. This is beyond kind."
"I don't do random kindness, Miss Fairleigh. Your reputation at your school and your previous work at the orphanage gave you this job."
Eliza had to hold back a sob.
"You will start work tomorrow. Be ready at 6 AM."
"Yes, Your Grace."
Eliza was dismissed. She curtsied, then left the sitting room.
*****
Later that evening, after Nathaniel returned from The House of Lords, Elinor announced, "I am hiring Miss Fairleigh. Her school and the orphanage where she first worked gave her a really good reference."
The duchess passed the folder of documents to her grandson.
Nathaniel opened it in front of his porcelain soup bowl.
Dear Your Grace, The Duchess of Blackmere,
I am pleasantly surprised that you cross ways with my pupil Miss Elizabeth Maria Fairleigh.
Hearing the prospect of her becoming the secretary of such an honorable and highly respected Duchess like Your Grace is a huge honor for me and this school.
Elizabeth Fairleigh is one of the brightest students this school has ever taught. Her thirst for learning was nurtured by her late father, who also used to teach in this school. Miss Fairleigh is on top of her class in all her subjects, especially in History, English and Mathematics.
She is not that gifted in Art related subjects such as Music and Ballroom Dancing, but she won the gold medal for an essay competition, titled "What I Would Tell The Queen If I Could Meet Her." I attached the said essay for your perusal, to give you the best example of her intelligence.
Miss Fairleigh served as our Head Girl for one year during her last year here, and as a prefect for several years before that. She is a natural leader who is fair, supportive and kind.
Perhaps she hasn't seen enough of the world, Your Grace, but in terms of intelligence and character, I dare say, she will not be a disappointment.
I humbly thank you for considering her as your secretary.
Yours Truly,
Adelaide Wellingham
Director of Wellingham Institute
*****
Elinor kept sipping her food as her grandson read.
After he was done with the first letter, he read the second letter.
Dear Your Grace, The Duchess of Blackmere,
I am immensely surprised to receive your butler this morning, Your Grace. And as the Head of Elmwood Orphanage, I am ready to vouch for the goodness of character of Miss Elizabeth Maria Fairleigh.
I have known her since she was a child. Her mother, the late Mrs. Alice Fairleigh sells pies at the nearby market. She came to this orphanage everyday, bringing several pies that didn't get bought for the children here.
Her pies were always in good condition, and although from a humble financial situation, Mrs. Alice Fairleigh was one of the most diligent benefactors for this orphanage.That was how she served God, and that was how she educated her daughters.
Miss Elizabeth Fairleigh taught the children how to read, write and count here ever since she graduated The Wellingham Institute, although truthfully, our pay was not high at all, and she could have gotten a better job elsewhere.
Her parents died days apart due to Tubercolosis last year. Her sister, Lucy, is working here as one of our matrons. They are both intelligent, kind and honest. Qualities that would make them survive in any condition, I am sure.
Miss Elizabeth is more gifted in academics, while Miss Lucy is a great cook and she is good at taking care of children.
Both girls have been facing a hard time. If they could be employed in the respectable Blackmere Household, it would be a great chance for them. As they have helped and supported this orphanage through the years, I am sure your respected household would get benefits from them as well.
Best Regards,
Marcia Branagh
*****
Nathaniel flipped through the other documents.
He saw the essay about the queen, and turned to his grandmother.
"I'll read it tonight before bed. You can read it tomorrow."
The duke smiled.
"It seems you have gained a companion who can hold conversations with you, Grandmother."
"And you know how harsh I am to people who couldn't keep up with my conversations."
"Even the queen said she reread the newspaper before you visit."
Elinor chuckled.
"I always try to practice humility, My Dear, but I shall proudly say, I could easily hold my ground against those Oxford Professors."
"They will lose against your sharp wit, we all know that."
"My new secretary will not bore me."
"I suppose so," Nathaniel replied quietly, "These are the best reference letters I have ever read in my entire life," he commented, then resumed his dinner.
*****