“By selling my gowns,” Georgie replied. “I have some dresses that I know will fetch a decent price at the market.”
Miss Ashmore lifted her brow. “Have you ever been to the market before?”
“I have not, but I intend to take Wilson along with me.”
“That won’t be enough,” Miss Ashmore said. “If you are not careful, you will be sold alongside the other goods.”
Georgie’s eyes grew wide. “Surely you exaggerate?”
“I’m afraid not. The market is a vile place. I have even witnessed a man selling his own wife,” Miss Ashmore said.
Lady Hawthorne gasped. “Why would a man ever sell his wife?”
Georgie wondered why Miss Ashmore had been to the market in the first place.
Miss Ashmore gave a half shrug. “He claimed that he couldn’t afford to keep feeding her.”
“How awful,” Lady Hawthorne murmured. “Did anyone buy her?”
“Yes, and the woman is in a much better place now.” Miss Ashmore gave Georgie a stern look. “Promise me that you won’t go to the market without me.”
“Wouldn’t it be safer if I went with Wilson?” Georgie asked.
“No. You must trust me,” Miss Ashmore replied. “I am familiar with the marketplace, and I can help you fetch top dollar for your gowns.”
“Then I shall go with you,” Georgie said.
Miss Ashmore nodded in approval. “I think it is admirable what you are trying to do to help these girls. Just think of what opportunities will be waiting for them once they learn to read!”
“Precisely! But Lord Grenton is not of the same opinion as us.”
“Then we will need to change his mind. I intend to become a patron of the orphanage,” Lady Hawthorne said.
“How wonderful!” Georgie gushed. “Associating your name with the orphanage gives it credence to the other members of Society.”
“That was my intention,” Lady Hawthorne stated.
Georgie smiled. “With you on board and the funds I collect for my gowns, we can hire tutors and begin lessons for the girls.”
“How long do you believe your gowns will finance the tutors?” Lady Hawthorne asked.
“Months, perhaps,” Georgie replied. “I’m hoping that Lord Grenton will see the validity of my plan and offer up additional funds.”
“I do hope so, but if he doesn’t, my husband and I will fund the tutors and their expenses,” Lady Hawthorne said.
Georgie let out a sigh of relief. “That does please me to hear, because I want to ensure the orphanage is in good hands when I depart.”
“Where would you go?” Miss Ashmore asked.
“In a few months, I will reach my majority and inherit thirty thousand pounds and a small estate in Brighton,” Georgie shared.
“You are an heiress,” Lady Hawthorne remarked.
“Yes, but more importantly, my brother won’t be able to force me to marry Lord Ransdale,” Georgie said. “I will be free of him.”
Miss Ashmore rose. “Are you sure your brother doesn’t know where you are?”
“If he did, he would have already forced me to return home,” Georgie replied. “He is not someone to trifle with.”
