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have room in my schedule for the intense tutoring that a law student would require. If any of you have that kind of time, see me after this meeting. You obviously are not getting your share of cases.”
    The lawyers exchanged furtive glances. None of them wanted any more files plopped on their desk.
    “But what about the newspapers?” McAlister pointed to the
Sun
, unwilling to give up that easily. “We will be a laughingstock.”
    “Maybe,” Charles said with a smile. “But consider this. Our funding comes from the voters. While none of them are female, women have influence. Having them on our side will only help our office. Miss Anthony and Mrs. Stanton, both tigers, are very good at vocalizing their support. More than one recent election has been swayed by their involvement.”
    The attorneys nodded reluctantly. While none of them would publicly admit it, they all went home to women who read the papers, heard speeches, organized clubs, and shared gossip over the backyard fence. More than one man’s life had been made hell by a wifewhose viewpoint was not respected. Even after the curtain closed behind a man standing in an election booth, he had to consider his wife’s wishes.
    “So you see, we stand only to benefit here,” Charles continued, sensing that he was winning them over. “Miss Appleton will take much of the busywork off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your casework. I would also recommend that you consider utilizing her research skills. She has had several years of experience and can provide assistance.”
    Before another man could comment, Jared Marton appeared at the door. He appeared surprised to observe the gathering. “Good afternoon. I didn’t know we were having a meeting.”
    “We’re not,” Charles said. “This was an informal session, and we were just finishing.”
    “I just wanted to tell you about the library,” Marton said, sounding impressed. “Someone has straightened it up beautifully. Everything was put away in the right order for once, and I found all the texts I needed quickly. Have we hired someone new?” Charles glanced at Miles Witherspoon. The clerk shrugged his shoulders, then sheepishly admitted, “Miss Appleton has been working in the library. She must have done it.”
    “There you have it.” Charles gazed at the men triumphantly. “Miss Appleton has already proven her worth. Now if there is nothing else, this meeting is adjourned. I have a lot of work to do.”
    As the men filed out, Charles hid a smile. The notorious Winifred Appleton had already made her presence felt.
    “M ISS A PPLETON , could I speak to you a moment?” Charles entered the library holding a dozen rosesbehind his back. Winifred was buried behind a stack of books. One of the shelves above her head was empty, and she struggled to put several four-inch-thick volumes into the vacant space. Charles put the flowers aside and took the books from her, placing them away easily.
    “Mr. Howe,” she said, “I haven’t seen you recently. Have you been away?”
    “Just to court,” Charles said, observing her with considerable pleasure. “Did you miss me?”
    “I—just wondered where you were,” she stammered. “Did you wish to see me about something, Mr. Howe?”
    The starched formality was back in her voice. Charles smiled. “Yes. I brought you these.” He handed her the roses, sunny golden blooms that filled the air with scent.
    Winifred gazed at him doubtfully, not moving to take them. “They are beautiful,” she admitted. “But you should not have done this.”
    “Why? Is yellow not for friendship?” The warmth in his eyes had returned, along with a gleam she was beginning to recognize.
    “Charles—I mean, Mr. Howe—we’ve discussed this,” she said primly. “I wish to be treated as any other employee. I highly doubt that you give flowers to your apprentices.”
    He did not appear at all dismayed by her little speech. Instead, the gleam grew brighter. “As the boss,