Though Mr. Ainsworth had always been incredibly kind to her, Elsie was still nervous to broach the subject. She had watched Odira continue to work for the library even after Ewan's birth, so shouldn't altogether be too worried, but everything worried her these days.

Accepting the tea, Elsie fought for how to best articulate her thoughts, even though she had gone over this in her head hundreds of times. "I would like you to know that I am very fond of my position here and I appreciate my employment." He could have very easily let her go after the elopement, Elsie knew that. "And I would like to continue for as long as I can, given that I find myself with child, due sometime in December." If he were to do the math, it would all click and the hit to her reputation may be a factor as well, but she was sincerely hoping that her position at the library would not be one of the things she had to give up altogether.