“My source—”
Charlotte snorted. “Your source? Do I even want to know? Is the source connected to the footsteps I heard in the hall last night?”
“Pish, a girl has to earn a living.” Belle snickered, before resuming her intelligence sharing. “My source tells me that his father’s most recent investment failure has made their circumstances rather more dire.”
Oh, puppy. Another burden for you to bear.
Belle watched her closely. “If only he had someone he was interested in marrying who could solve the financial issue, to help him keep the estate whole.”
Her lips flattened. “Belle. Do not start again, I beg you.”
“Hmph. What have I told you about that word? Do not use it around me unless you mean it.”
They both laughed at her favorite joke.
When Charlotte returned home, she started a note to Ruth to follow up on her note after the funeral, paused, and put down the fountain pen to pace. Thinking hard, she returned to the note with fresh words of invitation in mind.
* * * *
Charlotte slid a nervous glance to the hall mirror to check her hair. She had dithered over her appearance all morning after receiving Ruth’s acceptance of her invitation yesterday.
Not wanting to appear ostentatious, she had chosen a simple gown. Her earrings had only small gems in them. She had contemplated removing some of the more valuable art from the parlor, but realized Ruth had already seen it. Besides, she was proud of what she had achieved—with Charles’s help, of course. Ruth had not had that, at least in recent years, but this was her house and her life, and she was not going to hide it. Indeed, it put her in a place of being able to offer a new friend help.
She swung into the kitchen to ask them to prepare a tea tray with pastries, and then to the parlor, where she fidgeted with the two versions of Homer. She had been unable to focus on reading this past week, but promised herself she would not stop learning just because she did not have her favorite tutor any longer.
Voices murmured in the hall, and the butler announced the Countess of Harrington before standing aside for her to enter. Charlotte stepped forward to greet her, grasping her hands and leaning in to buss her cheek.
As they sat, Charlotte said, “Thank you for coming, Ruth. I am sure this is a difficult time for you.”
“It is, although in some ways, I had lost my husband years ago, I’m afraid. As ’tis common knowledge, I may as well discuss it freely, at least away from the gossips.” She shrugged.
“I never thought of it like that. I suppose your grieving has been spread out over these past years then.”
“Yes. But I do appreciate your offer of support. Shared perspectives, and all that.”
“Ruth, I may have a way to offer you support in…a more tangible way.” Charlotte was not sure how to frame her idea. Fidgeting for a moment, she finally looked up. “I am sure you are aware of the speed with which rumor flies about the Ton?”
Ruth nodded, cocking her head, no doubt wondering what tale Charlotte was referring to.
“I have heard that your family may have been hurt by the latest damaged shipment the papers mentioned last week?”
Ruth straightened. “Why do you ask?”
Charlotte leaned forward. It was now or never. She hoped her good intentions would get her through, even if Ruth was offended. “Ruth, first let me clarify. I have not seen William since the funeral, nor do I intend to. I do understand the…unsuitable nature…of our relationship given William’s change in station. However, I care about him and about you, as my friend. And I am in something of a unique position. My jointure from Charles was generous, and above and beyond that, Charles’s brother gifted me this London townhouse, as it was my favorite place.”
Ruth tilted her head, her brows furrowed.
Charlotte sighed and spoke plainly. “Even before then, I—we—invested. Since then, I have added to my portfolio using that jointure and have…been very successful. Frankly, given my lack of children, I have more than I could ever need.” Her words came faster as she battled nerves at being so forthright. “I should very much like to loan your family any funds you may need to get back on your feet. I know that William is a very astute investor, and I have no doubt you will recover sooner rather than later. But I also know that he worries a great deal about his tenants and servants. I should hate for him to lose sleep over someone dependent on him being affected by this loss.”
Ruth opened her mouth, but seemed unsure of what to say, and Charlotte held up a hand. “One last thing. My only stipulation is that William not know where the funds come from.”
The older woman closed her mouth, nonplussed. She narrowed her eyes at Charlotte.
Charlotte gulped a breath, unable to discern if Ruth was angry or offended.
“Why?”
“Because he will try to take advantage, using it as a reason to continue our relationship. He might even see it as an overture on my part.” Or worse, he could take it as Belle had, and think she was buying his services. But she was not going to share that with his mother.
