8. Chapter 8 #2
"It is not the strength of your body that concerns me, Miss Quinn, but the strength of your mind.
If you are to pass yourself off as a woman of good breeding, one suitable for marriage to a man like Zane Erickson, you'll have to be clever and willing to bend the truth.
" At the girl's frown, Octavia hurried to reassure her.
"Just a few harmless prevarications. Half-truths, really.
" She waved a hand as if shooing invisible gnats.
"Nothing of any importance. And completely temporary.
As soon as you and Zane are wed, you can tell him everything.
He's sure to understand. You did it for love, after all.
He'll forgive your tiny misrepresentations, and the two of you will be adorably happy for the rest of your lives. "
Or long enough for Octavia to get her ledger back, anyway.
Miss Quinn leaned back in her chair, hesitation radiating from her in waves.
A hesitation Octavia could not afford. Yet she must be careful in her approach.
The girl talked about singing for God's pleasure and apparently had a conscience when it came to deceit.
Her faith might actually be authentic. An unfortunate affliction Octavia had thankfully avoided, despite her regular attendance at St. Mary's.
Octavia dipped her chin in a sympathetic manner. "You must do what you feel is right, of course. But I would hate to see Zane paired with a woman who doesn't care for him the way you do."
The girl blinked. "What do ye mean?"
Octavia widened her eyes in feigned innocence as she touched a hand to her chest. "My dear.
You didn't think you were the only one vying for his attention, did you?
His mother recently hired me to find him a suitable bride.
I have several possibilities lined up, including the lovely Clarice, whom you met earlier. "
Miss Quinn's nose crinkled at the mention of Octavia's spoiled pupil. Perfect.
"When you mentioned your connection with Zane, I knew at once that you would be the ideal candidate.
The two of you were obviously meant to be together.
But if you don't have the conviction to do what is required, I suppose Zane will have to settle for another young woman, one with the social standing that his parents expect. "
"That's not right." The girl stiffened and leaned forward, her engagement restored. "Zane shouldn't have to pay such a price."
"I guess that's the real question, isn't it? Which is the bigger wrong—a few minor deceptions or letting the man you love marry a woman who will make him miserable for the rest of his life?"
"You're right. I can't let Zane suffer his whole life long." She raised her chin, a beautiful stubbornness glittering in her eyes. "I can bend the truth if it be needed, but only if absolutely necessary."
"Of course. I wouldn't dream of asking you to compromise anything truly important.
In fact, we'll take steps to create the truths we need.
For example, you can move into a spare room here at the Academy where I can give you some lessons on deportment.
That way, when I introduce you to the Ericksons I can say with all honesty that you are one of my students from the Academy.
And when young Mr. Erickson walks you home after a romantic outing, he can bring you here instead of your father's house.
" Which was likely some tiny plebeian cottage of no account.
"Yes. I can do that. As long as me da gives me permission."
Octavia smiled. "I'm sure you'll convince him. Deep down, all good fathers want to make their little girls happy. We can work out the rest of the details when you come to see me tomorrow, but first we need to discuss the subject of payment."
"Ye said ye had somethin' in mind?"
"I do. You see, Zane's father, Horace Erickson, is not the upstanding man that his son is.
After his wife hired me, he caught wind of it and didn't want to pay my fee.
So, he came to my home, bribed my butler, and stole a ledger that contains all my business records.
He's using it to blackmail me into working for free. Horrid man."
Sometimes the truth really was the best weapon. Perhaps an edited version, but the truth all the same.
Miss Quinn gasped. "That's terrible! Did ye report him to the law?"
"No. I didn't want poor Zane to pay the price for his father's sins.
His reputation and that of his sweet mother would be blackened if society learned about Horace's despicable actions.
I don't wish the two of them any ill will.
But perhaps there is another way to see justice done.
" She leaned forward and dropped her voice to a conspiratorial murmur, drawing Miss Quinn toward her.
"If someone were to be invited into the Erickson home, someone who could search for this ledger without anyone suspecting .
. . well, if she found it, she could return it to me, and righteousness would prevail. "
Octavia touched the na?ve girl's arm and employed her best pleading gaze. "What do you say, Miss Quinn? Will you help right this terrible wrong?"
Her mouth tightened, and she gave a nod. "I'll do it."
A triumphant cackle echoed loudly inside Octavia's head, but her exterior remained humbly serene. "Thank you, my dear. You truly are a godsend."
Not only would she get her ledger back, but she'd stick Horace Erickson with a lowborn daughter-in-law who would shame him at every turn. Glorious! Revenge was sweet indeed.