‘I have no family. Mr Fleet takes care of me.’ She caught my expression. ‘Not in that fashion. Ugh! He’s my guardian. And five and forty,’ she added, sticking out her tongue in revulsion. ‘He’s providing me with an education. Oh, stop looking at me like that,’ she said, smacking my shoulder. ‘A proper education. History, natural philosophy, languages. Trade. He’s promised that when we’re done there won’t be a single man in England who’ll marry me.’
It took me a moment to catch her meaning. ‘You don’t wish to marry?’
‘Of course not. I shall take lovers and-’
The door to Mr Acton’s lodgings opened and Mrs Roberts stepped out, her hood thrown back from her face. She flinched when she saw us together then frowned in disapproval, drawing herself straight. ‘Kitty. How many times must I scold you for this? You should not be out here alone, speaking with strangers. It’s not seemly.’
I bowed. ‘Good evening, madam. Thomas Hawkins. We met this morning.’
She stared at me as if I were an ill-made suit she would like to return to its tailor. ‘I know who you are, sir. And what you are, more to the point. Kitty, run along. I have something I wish to say to Mr Hawkins. Run along, child.’
Kitty rolled her eyes at me then ran off towards the Oak ward, lifting her skirts out of the dirt and showing a fine pair of ankles.
‘She’s a lively girl,’ I said.
Mrs Roberts narrowed her eyes. ‘She’s not as worldly as she pretends. And still a maid,’ she added, sharply. ‘I hope to make something of her, if I can keep her unspoiled.’ She took a step back as if to view me better. ‘Are you a gentleman, sir? I hear wildly differing reports. Mr Woodburn seems quite taken with you, and yet you’ve been seen with that…’ She glanced up towards my cell window. ‘Mr Fleet is a poor choice of companion. It does not reflect well upon you.’
I gave a sigh of frustration. ‘I have little choice in the matter, madam. We’re not all rich widows. In any case, I’m sure you are wise enough to ignore idle gossip.’
‘I am also wise enough to see beyond surface charm, sir,’ she replied. ‘One day, when I am free of this place, I hope to take Kitty with me. She will make an excellent lady’s maid.’ She set her jaw. ‘But not if she is ruined by some unscrupulous rake who will toss her aside like a spent pipe the moment he’s done with her.’
I laughed in astonishment. ‘Mrs Roberts. I can assure you…’
‘You do not fool me, sir,’ she snapped.
