She shrugged. “Probably a dozen or so at any one time, although often fewer show up. Work, family, or life sometimes interferes. Another challenge, remembering what a person has learned and coaxing them along in the right direction.”

“It seems it would be a lot less work if you had a more formal schedule.”

“Eventually perhaps I will. I hope someday to have a proper school that will focus on the needs of illiterate adults.”

A sound at the door caught his attention. She turned and beamed a radiant smile at the tall, slender gent with striking red hair tamed into a modern fashion. “Mr. Tittlefitz.”

He approached cautiously, his suspicious gaze flickering between Matthew and Fancy. “Miss Trewlove.”

“I’m rather certain you’ve probably already met Mr. Sommersby. He’s leasing—”

“86 Ettie Lane.”

“You’ve quite the memory,” Matthew said, reluctantly impressed by the young man’s skills.

“Mr. Trewlove expects me to know the tenants, and to quickly see to whatever needs might arise. It helps to recall where they reside.”

“I’m certain you’ve exceeded his expectations, Mr. Tittlefitz,” Miss Trewlove said.

The man looked at her with such an adoring manner, she might as well have proclaimed him King. Anyone who drew breath could discern the secretary had a tender regard for his boss’s sister, which Matthew was selfishly grateful didn’t appear to be returned in kind. She favored him as no more than a friend.

“Mr. Sommersby is considering assisting with the teaching on the nights when I’m not available.”

The falling of the young man’s joy was subtle. “I could handle it without help.” Obviously, his pride had been nicked.

“That’s too much to ask of you.”

“You may ask anything of me, Miss Trewlove.”

Reaching out, she rubbed his shoulder. “I won’t take advantage of your generosity and kindness, Mr. Tittlefitz.” Looking past him, the smile she gave to the tall, broad man escorting two women through the door was ten times what she’d given Tittlefitz, and Matthew knew a sharp tightening in his chest. Not jealousy, surely.

“Beast!” She rushed across the room and flung herself at him, her arms circling his neck as he caught her easily and held her close. The smoothness of their actions indicated they’d engaged in them a thousand times.

“Her brother,” Tittlefitz explained quietly beside him. “He doesn’t come around much.”

“Doesn’t like books?”

Tittlefitz chuckled low. “Too busy terrorizing the darker parts of London from what I understand.”

Beast finally released his sister. Matthew could see where the man might have acquired that moniker. His presence fairly swallowed the room, made it seem too small. He possessed a confidence that indicated he was not one to be toyed with.

“I’ve not seen you in ages,” Miss Trewlove said.

“I’ve been busy, but the lasses here were wanting to learn to read, so I decided to bring them to you.”