"Good Morning, I am Miss Shaw you must be Miss Elmes. Let me introduce you to your practitioner and trainer." Miss Shaw smiles gently at the prospective replacement. "Please be seated."

Miss Elmes nods, places the small carpet-bag on the floor and takes a seat.

Miss Shaw knock on the accountant's door, "Miss Elmes is here for her interview."

"Very good. I will take her around if you don't mind informing Alaya. I don't know what they have planned." Miss Gardners gets up, quickly pulls Tori into the office, kisses her and whispers, "I love you." She then casually walks out to greet the new apprentice.

Miss Elmes stands up, straightens her dress and smiles.

"You must be Miss Elmes."

"Yes."

"Let me show you around."

Miss Gardners takes her down to the kitchen area, storage area, ground floor offices and then back to the accountant office. " … We will mostly working in here. Time to time we need to check inventory or do other responsibilities. Mainly it is here where we do most of our work. Do you have any questions?"

"No, not yet." Miss Elmes nervously replies.

There is a knock on the open door, "They are ready."

Miss Gardner looks to Miss Elmes, "You ready? We are going to meet the bosses."

Miss Elmes nods and follows Miss Gardner to the first floor.

Miss Gardner knocks on the door, "Come in." She looks back to see a terrified young woman. "You will be just fine. Relax and be honest when answering their questions."

Miss Elmes nods with a softened smile.

Together they walk into the office.

"May I introduce Miss Elmes, the apprentice candidate."

"Thank you. Have you shown Miss Elmes around?"

"Yes I have."

"That will be all. We will bring Miss Elmes back down after our initial interview, after which time you will assess her skills."

"Excellent." Miss Gardner smiles, "I will see you later."

Once Miss Gardner has left the office, April runs over to the door and places her ear against the door. Vastra walks by, "Dear April, you don't need to be directly on the door to hear. If you go into the kitchen, your Silurian hearing will pick up most of the conversation without being so obvious."

"Thank you, Grand Mama!" April scuttles quickly into the kitchen and lays against the kitchen floor to eavesdrop on Kay's interview.

Alaya asks, "Would you prefer us to call you Kay or Miss Elmes?"

"Kay, when we are not working, would be the best compromise. Mrs. Fry said to not be too informal during working hours; it tends to cause jealousies and conflict."

"She is quite right," Fiona smiles, "Come sit and have some tea. We have much to discuss."

Alaya pulls out a folder, "We received your education transcripts, training, and CV. We know each other because you are our daughter's dear friend. We have an interest in your future. We want to find a place for you in our family business. If accounting isn't a good match, we have other alternatives."

"Oh, no I love numbers and accounting. They are quite easy to manage instead of people."

"If you accept a position with us, we have options for your housing. Mrs. Fry has offered you to remain in your room until you are comfortable with the change; you may stay here, or Miss Gardner and Miss Shaw have offered to make room in their small space."

April is now sprawled on the floor pressing her ears against the cold wood. She whispers to herself, "You can share a room with me … stay with us."

"I don't want to stay any longer at Elm House, there is no privacy and it is bursting at the seams. I do not want to be a burden."

"As far as staying here?" Alaya asks.

April holds her breath.

Kay immediately blushes and ever so softly responds, "I c … can't, it would be too much."

April tries to hear, but she can only hear her pounding heartbeat.

Fiona smiles, "I see."

Kay leans over, "Am I that obvious?"

Fiona leans over and whispers, "You two have been friends for a very long time. But, you both are very young."

"I was told that I need to find a husband to take care of me. I rather like the idea of taking care of myself and have April in my life." Kay looks down, "Even if it means working for her mothers."

"That leaves Miss Shaw and Miss Gardner's home. Which I believe is a solid choice. You see they will be resigning their posts within the next four year for traveling. Which means, you will take over their flat and make it your own."

"My own place?" Kay sits back and smiles, "I have always shared my room with twenty-one other girls. I could not image the peace. Do you think April will understand?"

April strains to hear.

"She wants what is best for you."

Kay smiles, "I am glad."

"Now on to the income. You shall be paid according to the average apprentice position starting at two pounds a week. After your apprenticeship is over, we will raise you according to the cost of living, a skill worker pay and a self-sustaining wage."

"Any questions?"

"Yes, I will need paperwork to open a bank account and to register for taxation purposes. Also, I was wondering if I may take meals with your family until I am settled. April tells me that they are quite meager with their food allowance."

"We will help you in any way possible. As far as meals, you are always welcome."

"I won't eat much, I just can't imagine dinner being just wine and a half a sandwich."

Alaya and Fiona have a good laugh.

Kay sits up straight, "I am pleased I will be working for you. Mrs. Fry said good people like you are rare."

"Thank you." Alaya stands, "Let's get you started, we shall hand you back to Miss Gardner."

Alaya takes Kay downstairs into Miss Gardner's office and hands Allie Miss Elmes' CV, "She is all yours."

Fiona goes over to talk to Miss Shaw, "... of course. We will make sure there is proper bedding. You tell us what you need."

"It is all arranged. I need to make a few phone calls." Miss Shaw smiles.

Alaya and Fiona return to their office and find April waiting.

"Would you like to come in?"

April opens the door and marches in.

Once they have privacy April doesn't hesitate, "Is she hired?"

"Of course, her qualifications are stellar. To maintain a business qualified individuals are essential. We can't do it ourselves." Alaya bends down, "Didn't you hear enough from the kitchen?"

"No," April stands firm with her hands on her hips. "Where is she going to live?"

"With Miss Shaw and Miss Gardner."

"That is good." April climbs the chair and stands eye to eye, "When did you fall in love?"

Fiona covers her Alaya's ear with her hands, leans over and whispers into her daughter's ear, "I fell the moment I saw her eyes. I almost hit a lamp pole."

April hold's Mother Fiona's face in her hands and whispers, "I fell for Kay the moment I saw her smile."

Fiona steps back, uncovers her wife's ears and looks to her daughter, "You know you both are very young. You may change your mind after University or she might see you both as close friends."

April's eyes grow wide with sadness.

Alaya quickly adds, "Friendship is wonderful. Your mother is my best friend, you are my friend and I could not imagine our lives without friends. Learn to appreciate what you have."

"You have to learn to treasure what you have now, right this moment." Fiona looks into her daughter's eyes, "We have lost our dear Flora not too long ago. You must find a way to preoccupy your mind not with what you want and focus what you already have."

"You are right." She climbs down and goes to the door, "I am going to do my best." April becomes still and looks up to her mothers, "Would you tell me if there was hope."

"We do not have the ability to read minds," Fiona.

"If anything, her actions and body language tell us that she values her friendship with you." Alaya smiles, "We almost forgot. Kay will be eating most meals with us until she becomes more independent."

April's eyes grow wide with excitement and then becomes rather sober, "That means all of use will have to turn on our perception devices for meal time."

"True, but it is only temporary," Fiona attempts to keep her daughter from finding the negative. "Kay working will give her financial independence. Isn't that what you want for her?"

April nods yes and closes the door behind. Mother Vastra is standing waiting, "I hear your friend Kay will be dining with us most evenings?"

"Yes, Grand Mama. I am sorry, but you will have to turn on your perception device on during supper."

Vastra looks down, "For you, I would wear it to sleep."

April smiles, "I hope it is only temporary. Kay needs to becomes more independent."

"We must do our best to ensure Kay's financial future."

"Will you help me?"

"With what?"

"I would like a new outfit to wear with my perception device."

Vastra holds out her hand, April takes it, and the two go into the laboratory.

Miss Shaw knocks on the door and walks into Vastra Investigations, "I have a special delivery."

Jenny opens it immediately, reads it and hands over a check. "It is good news. Please put this on today's deposit." Jenny goes over to her stack of papers and pulls out an invoice. "Mr. Thomson has paid us a bonus. It is the invoice and add the difference in a line item associated with this invoice number."

Miss Shaw nods.

"You will be missed, you are an asset to us." Jenny leans back on her desk, "When do we start interviewing apprentices to replace you? I feel as if we shall need three to replace all that you do around here."

"There will be an advert in the post this weekend. During the process, Miss Gardner will be taking care of most of my duties."

"If you need assistance you can count on me."

Miss Shaw nods, "Thank you."

Jenny takes the letter, heads to the laboratory. She knocks and enters to see April turns on her perception device to show off a new dress. "What do you think?"

"Too green," Jenny walks around her grand-daughter looking at her new dress up and down. "Your beautiful red hair needs a softer green, almost mint."

Jenny moves towards her wife as she flips through pages of the clothes catalog. "We need to find something that suits April's personality."

"Go back!" Jenny points to a perfect dress.

April comes over and looks at the choice, "That is perfect."

Dinner is served, and the family settles down into their seats, "How was your first day?"

Kay stops eating her stew, "It was good. There are many accounts and different businesses. There are five different books."

"Are you overwhelmed?"

"No, just unexpected. I can maintain the accounts, I just want to be careful, not to debit or credit the wrong business."

"It is good that you are cautious."

"Would you like to read tonight?" April asks her friend.

"I am truly tired, one chapter?" Kay looks down at her almost empty bowl, "The food is delicious and only encourages me to sleep."

"May I escort you home?"

"Who will escort you back?"

"We will." Jennifer nudges Odea.

Odea gives a look.

Jennifer whispers, "We are a clan."

Odea puffs up her chest and nods.

Mirum looks to her friend, "I like your dress."

April blushes under her perception device, "Thank you."

"Did you wear it special for Kay?" Odea teases.

Kay blushes and looks down at her empty bowl.

April's eyes grow angry and glares at Odea with venom.

"I am sorry April. I am sorry I made you uncomfortable, Kay." Odea quickly adjusts her seat. "I am truly sorry."

Kay looks to April, "I do like your dress. I only have what I brought from Elm House. I wore my best."

April looks down at her beautiful light green dress with a dark sash, "Would it be acceptable if I didn't wear my Sunday best for dinner. I am terrified I will get a stain. It is too much stress."

"You are pretty no matter what you wear."

April smiles, and she is grateful for the perception device as it hides her red face. "Then it is settled, we shall not change for dinner."

That evening everyone went to the drawing-room. April and Kay went to a private corner and read together, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.

They didn't notice the entire room listening.

" … I did not answer, but got up from the table." Kay looks up closing the book, "That is the end of chapter one."

"I will walk you home." April looks to her sister who stands and pulls up Odea.

"That was fun." Jennifer confesses to Kay and April as they walk towards Miss Shaw and Miss Gardner's loft. "Do you read like that every time you get together?"

April nods, "From the first day we met. Our first book was 'Anne's House of Dreams'"

"You remember that?" Kay looks at her friend, "It was eight years ago."

April blushes behind the perception device.

"We have known each other eight years?"

"Here we are." April stops in front of 47 New Bond Street. "Their loft is on the fourth floor, loft D."

Kay takes out a key hanging on a string, she takes a deep breath and unlocks the door.

April touches her friend's shoulder, "I am coming with you. I want to take inventory to see if you need anything."

"Thank you."

All four girls enter 47 New Bond Street and walk up the five flights of stairs. Kay knocks on the door with the letter "D" painted at eye level.

The door swings open Miss Gardner smiles and with enthusiasm yells, "Welcome Kay!"

Kay stands shocked at the energetic Miss Gardner.

"Sorry Kay, my Allie is quite professional at work. When we are home, she is almost uncontrollable." Miss Shaw comes to her rescue. "Come in. All of you."

The four young girls enter the small space. The room has a new twin bed placed by the window, a dresser at the foot of the bed and two new hooks by the door. Jennifer and Odea gravitate to the kitchen counter, pull themselves up and sit patiently.

Kay looks around, "This is a beautiful home." She instantly goes to the books shelf to admire the collection, spins to notice the large world map on the wall with notes and to a third chair at the small breakfast table.

"We won't have much privacy, but I assure you it will be quiet as we too are readers." Miss Shaw looks to the young girl who is now going to live with her and her Allie.

"Sometimes I am not quiet, but it is only for a brief time." Miss Gardner affectionately corrects her Tori. "I hope you don't mind."

"I am used to sharing a room with twenty-one other girls." Kay looks around, "This is heaven." Kay walks over to her new sleeping area. "I am by the window?"

"Your dear April told us that you had the cot next to the window. It is our humble attempt to make you feel at home."

Kay looks at her friend.

April's heart breaks, as Kay has tears in her eyes. She runs over and hugs Kay, "What is wrong?"

Kay hugs back, "I have not allowed myself to hope. This is a dream. Thank you."

April pulls back and trust her eyes disclose what she feels, "I am pleased." She notices the sheets and blankets, and pillow stacked. "Allow me to prepare your bed, you put your things away."

Kay opens her carpet-bag and places her few clothing items in the dresser and pull out a small stack of books.

"We have an empty shelf for you." Miss Shaw points to a long shelf close to Kay's sleeping area. "You may place your books here."

April finishes up Kay's bed by fluffing up the pillow. She stops when she notices Kay places a worn copy of 'Anne's House of Dreams' next to a few other books that they have read. She quickly puts her attention back to Kay's bed. "All done. We shall be heading home. Mother will be worried; we should not be this long."

"Do not worry, your friend will be in good hands." Miss Gardner pulls up April's chin, "You will see her tomorrow night for dinner."

Odea and Jennifer jump off the counter and move towards the door. Jennifer asks, "Miss Shaw what will you be reading tonight?"

"The Charwoman's Shadow by Lord Dunsany" Miss Shaw goes over to the small table and shows Jennifer the book. "It is pure illusion and fantasy. I am excited to dive and lose myself into the words."

"Now why don't we read stuff like that for classes?" Odea asks with a bit of irritation.

Miss Shaw bends down, "Because it is for pure recreation. There is not one bit of reality in these pages. I promise, when I am finished, I shall pass it to you."

Odea smiles, "Acceptable."

"Now head on home before your mothers come looking for you. Our home can't hold more than four comfortably." Miss Gardner starts to shoos the three out. As she closes the door April can hear Miss Shaw, "Now Kay, this is your home. Please make yourself comfortable. Would you like tea while we read?"

April walks home silently as Jennifer and Odea discuss going to the library to borrow The Charwoman's Shadow.

Jennifer pulls in her sister, "She is happy. Did you notice her small books collection?"

April looks to her taller sister, "She kept the first book we read."

"She is a good friend."

"Yes," April looks back towards New Bond Street. "Yes, she is and I want her to be happy."

Odea quickly pokes at Jennifer, "Last one home has to tell their Mother why we are late."