Dear Mr. Harwick
Inside there were fifty pounds—likely her mother's entire savings, scraped together from household economies and careful management. The gesture broke Eveline's heart even as it strengthened her resolve.
She wouldn't need travel expenses for Manchester. She wouldn't need her mother's sacrifice or Harriet's pity or society's grudging acceptance of her fall from grace.
She had options. Real, legitimate, earned options.
At her desk, she pulled out fresh paper and began to write:
Dear Mr. Harwick,
I have reviewed the contracts for the position of Senior Classical Scholar and Translation Specialist. After careful consideration and consultation with my own legal advisor, I am pleased to accept the terms as written, with the modifications discussed...
The letter to Mrs. Harrington was harder but ultimately more satisfying:
Dear Madam,
I thank you for your generous offer of the governess position. However, I have accepted a consultancy with the British Museum that will require my presence in London. I wish you every success in finding a suitable instructor for your daughters...