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Peck.”
    I cleared my throat. By now we had reviewed each chapter of
The Young Lady’s Confidante
numerous times. I almost might haverecited the text from memory: “‘Chapter Ten or, A Woman’s Peculiar Calling. It is a woman’s peculiar calling to please those around her. Do not put your own desires in the forefront, but rather think first of your good parents, your brothers and sisters, and most especially, one day, your husband.’” I looked up.
    “Well done.” Miss Hepplewhite paused, looking at us with serious eyes. “Girls, you must strive always to please others and do so cheerfully. For this is where your true happiness lies.”
    She toured the room.
    “One means of obtaining this happiness is to make your house a home. By bringing cheerfulness to your home, you express your grace and refinement to those around you.”
    Some of the girls in front of me nodded their heads thoughtfully.
    “Little details should not be overlooked,” Miss Hepplewhite continued. “Fresh flowers or a thoughtfully designed menu that takes into consideration the particular tastes of your guests is a perfect example.”
    Miss Hepplewhite smiled and clasped her hands.
    “A well-ordered home is a miniature of heaven.”
    Sally Biddle leaned forward. “What a shame, Jane,” she murmured. “I shouldn’t think any man will consider that house on Walnut Street a miniature of heaven. Although it
is
small.”
    My eyes started to sting. I bit my lip to keep from crying.
    “Miss Biddle,” Miss Hepplewhite called in a firm voice.
    “Yes, Miss Hepplewhite?” Sally Biddle said politely.
    “The size of one’s house does not determine the nature of one’s character, Miss Biddle.”
    Sally Biddle flushed in embarrassment.
    “And Miss Biddle,” Miss Hepplewhite said sternly. “A person who says unkind things is not a proper young lady.”
    I looked gratefully at Miss Hepplewhite.
    She nodded almost imperceptibly and turned back to the lesson.
    I went home inspired to prepare a meal that would please Papa. Mrs. Parker and I were discussing my idea in the kitchen when there was a knock at the front door.
    “Oh dear,” she said. She was covered in flour.
    “I’ll get it,” I offered. A lady should always be cheerful and helpful!
    I opened the front door and bright light flooded in. I blinked and for a brief moment my heart leaped. William? Then I blinked again. It wasn’t William after all. It was just a delivery-man from Blood’s Penny Post.
    “Letter, miss,” the man said, holding out the packet.
    I gave him a coin and took the envelope, turning it over in my hands. It was rumpled and thin and a little dirty, as if it had passed through many hands to arrive at Walnut Street.
    It was from William!
    I ran upstairs to my bedroom and closed the door. My hand shook in excitement as I imagined what he had written. I could practically hear his words. No doubt he would say how much he missed me and our little talks and how he couldn’t wait to return to Philadelphia to be with me. I tore open the envelope carefully and went to a window to read the single sheet of paper.
    Dear Miss Peck
,
    Having arrived in relative safety at Shoalwater Bay, I am now undertaking to become better situated with my surroundings
.
    It is a rich countryside. Game and fish are plentiful. The local band of savages is called Chinooks. They are very skilled at trading and have been trading for many years with the British. I am told that their numbers have been much reduced by disease, but there are still many in the area
.
    My regards to your father
.
    As ever, I remain
,
    William Baldt
    I nearly cried with disappointment.
    He hadn’t even inquired about me! Had I meant so little to him? The letter seemed almost impersonal. Did this mean he was actually going to stay out there? Would I never see his lovely eyes again? I stared hard at the letter and felt my throat go tight at the very thought.
    “Jane, do you think I should make a plum pudding?” Mrs.