Leonard started when he heard the knock. Fortunately he wasn’t holding anything delicate when he did so. The wind-up ballerina he was working on was being contrary, and he had returned to the schematics he had drawn, trying to decide why it wasn’t working the way he intended it to. Upon hearing Miss Bronte’s voice, he sighed, and made himself visible. He got up from his position at one of the copper tables near the entrance, and went over to the main door. With an effort of will, he swung it open, and stood aside to make room for his new governess to pass. “Come in, Miss Bronte. It is not too late, as I am a bit of a night owl.”

Leonard blinked at he noticed the woman’s state of undress. Although she wore a robe over her night dress, the society mavens would have a field day if they knew his daughter’s governess had come to see him unaccompanied and so attired. The woman was either extremely naive, or had ulterior motives. He abruptly turned away, and rang the bell next to the door, summoning Mrs. Browne.