Matthew watched as she turned to the girls—girls who, to his eye, were women, probably younger than twenty-five although they had a worn, frayed look about them like clothing that had been washed far too many times—and gave them an enthusiastic greeting. “We’re so pleased to have you here.”

She waved him and the secretary over. “Allow me to introduce Mr. Tittlefitz, one of the tutors. And Mr. Sommersby, who is considering taking on the task of instructing as well. And you are?”

One of the girls—short of stature and quite buxom—homed her gaze in on him and stepped forward. Although she was buttoned up to her chin and down to her wrists, she still managed to bring attention to her well-endowed attributes by moving in a sinewy, lithe motion, like a snake on the verge of striking. “I’m Lottie, I am, and I’m ’appy to do some instructin’, ’andsome.”

“That’s not the reason you’re here, Lottie,” Beast said, a firmness in his tone that would brook no argument.

“Right.” She winked at Matthew. “Maybe after lessons.”

“I’m Lily,” the other girl said, a bit shyly, not nearly as bold as Lottie. “I know some of me letters, enough to spell me name. I just don’t know how to put the rest of ’em to use, so they mean somethin’.”

“When we’re finished with you, Miss Lily, you’ll be able to read and write anything you like,” Miss Trewlove said with confidence that would transfer to the doubtful. “Go with Mr. Tittlefitz. He’ll get you primers.”

“I’ll be leaving now,” Beast said. “You girls take a hansom back to the lodgings.”

“Thanks, Beast,” they said in unison, before traipsing after Tittlefitz.

Matthew felt a pat on his backside as Lottie walked by him. Ah, yes, these were well-worn ladies who thrived in the night.

Beast heaved a heavy sigh. “If they give you any trouble, let me know. Sometimes they like to be a bit mischievous, especially Lottie.”

“They’ll both be fine. Once lessons get started, they’ll become enthralled by the learning.” She rubbed his arm. “Don’t you worry.”

After giving his sister another hug, he left. She turned to Matthew. “Mr. Tittlefitz handles the newer students, teaching them their letters and some of the basic words. Miss Lottie might be disappointed when she realizes that. Although you’re more than welcome to sit in their circle and observe how he gets on with them if you like.”

He couldn’t stop himself from smiling. “Is that jealousy in your tone, Miss Trewlove?”

“Certainly not. It’s just that she seems to have taken an interest in you.”

“I suspect she takes a keen notice of all men. How do you suppose she came to be in your brother’s company?”