The more she saw, the more impressed Kendra was. “You’ve really created something very special and valuable here. Have you thought of establishing other Zion Houses in other cities?”

“Actually, the first one was in Bristol, where I grew up. I set up Zion House in conjunction with my brother’s free infirmary when I saw abused women who desperately needed sanctuary. It’s still thriving.” Laurel smiled impishly. “Once I was able to start plundering my husband’s deep pockets, additional Zion Houses were established. With more on the way!”

The woman was a living saint, Kendra decided. And would surely deny the idea if Kendra said so out loud. “I’m honored to be part of this.”

“I know you’ll contribute a great deal, and it works both ways. You’ll find great satisfaction and wonderful friends here.” Laurel’s tone became more businesslike when they reached the bottom of the stairs, then turned and stopped in front of a door with an elegant silhouette of a fashionable woman on the door.

“All the adult classrooms are on this floor,” she explained. “Most women know basic sewing, but here we teach tailoring and professional-quality dressmaking.”

Laurel opened the door a few inches. Inside, a woman standing on a platform was having a morning gown fitted to her under the supervision of a very grand older woman. Voice low, Laurel said, “We’re fortunate that some of the best modistes in London volunteer their time here.” Her voice turned musing. “Women who have gone through hard times are the backbone of all the Zion Houses.”

Kendra was one such woman, so that made perfect sense to her. This was a place where women who had been broken could be rebuilt. “What other skills are taught here?”

“It depends on who joins our community. A milliner whose husband destroyed her business and stole all her money took refuge here, and she taught very popular millinery classes. Now she has her own shop again in another town far from her horrible husband, but one of her best students teaches millinery classes in her place.

“We also have classes for women who want to become housekeepers since that’s a secure, well-respected position. Some residents take housekeeping along with lady’s maid classes so they can present themselves as multitalented servants who can be employed in smaller households.”

Kendra asked, “How do the women trained here do after they leave?”

“Generally they do very well. We’ve established relationships with several agencies that supply servants.”

“There’s no end to the wonderful work you do!” Kendra exclaimed.

“If someone comes up with what seems like a good idea, we give it a try if it’s possible.” Laurel stopped at a door marked with the image of a fashionable woman’s head and shoulders and opened it partway. “This is the lady’s maid classroom.”