Having only been in England for a short time, Victoria Brohm had utterly no idea what to do with herself. She had spent the night in an inn with Amy, her lady’s maid, but she knew there was a need for more permanent shelter. After breakfasting until she could breakfast no more, she had Amy help her dress, picking out a quaint mauve ensemble that she had always preferred to anything in her closet. Or, in this case, her trunk. Soon, they were off, ducking in and out of buildings, inquiring as to where they would be able to find lodging.
While she had never once been left to fend for her own self, Victoria found it to be quite easy despite the anxiety that clawed at her belly, upsetting her morning meal. She asked this man and that woman, this bookstore owner, that tailor. Whoever she happened upon, she asked if they could direct her to a boarding house. Time after time, the name on everyone’s lips was Louisa Beeton. By the fifth query, she was sure that this fine lady would be apt enough to house them both. She entered a few more shops, admiring the wares for a moment before posing the question once more - just to be sure.
By the hour of eleven, Victoria and Amy found themselves in front of Miss Beeton’s boarding house. The building itself was full of character, and she knew immediately that this was, in fact, the place for her.
Entering through the front door and only a bit wary, Victoria replaced the determined frown at her lips with a smile. She ran her hands, small and nervous, over the front of her dress, her reticule dangling from her wrist. Glancing back at Amy, who stood stone silent as she had since they’d left New York, she took a deep breath. “Hello?” she called, having not seen the woman sitting there due to her eyes darting around the room, taking everything in. When she saw her, she let out a surprised gasp.
“Oh, hello! I have come to ask about a room…? I’ve heard around town that you have a few more that are available.” She nodded, her smile widening. “Nothing but good has been said about you, miss! You have quite a good reputation!”