Page 21 of How to Tempt an Earl

Who would have thought?

The lady was tall, attractive, with blonde hair. She wore a black bombazine mourning gown. On most women, the color would make their complexions appear sallow, but she managed to look elegant. She was, quite simply, the epitome of grace and good breeding.

Grace scanned the room of women. Everyone knew that Lady Castleton’s son, the earl, had had been tragically killed in a riding accident months ago. No one expected her to appear to today.

Did any of them know about the existence of the countess’s other son?

Lady Castleton took the seat on a chair across from Grace. “Good afternoon. My apologies for being late. I was delayed by family.”

Curiosity welled within Grace. Had she visited Ian at his home? Or, heaven forbid, his club? She couldn’t imagine the woman donning a mask and strolling into the Raven Club. The thought was as ludicrous as it was alarming.

Watching the countess beneath lowered lashes, Grace pondered Ian Swift’s past. Why would the son of an earl leave his family to open a gaming house? Something must have happened to make Ian depart.

Something tragic or disturbing.

Grace shifted in her seat. The meeting seemed to drag on and on for the remaining hour as the women discussed future activities for the orphanage.

Lady Taddlesworth, a portly woman, reached for her third scone. She was one of the founding members of the Orphaned Children’s Relief Society and by far the most opinionated. She was also a good friend of Lady Jersey’s, one of the powerful patronesses of Almack’s. “Now that everyone is present, I have good news. We received a generous donation of one thousand pounds.”

Gasps reverberated around the room.

“From whom?” Lady Wetherby asked.

“An anonymous donor,” Lady Taddlesworth said.

“We can use part of the funds to purchase coal to heat the orphanage for the winter,” Prudence said.

“Good idea,” Grace said. She thought of the impending weather—the cold rain, snow, and biting wind that could whip through the London streets and chill a person to the bone.

“The headmaster’s office needs refurbishing,” Lady Taddlesworth said. “We shall use the remaining funds for this purpose.”

“The headmaster’s office?” Grace said. “The children need an instructor. Someone competent in mathematics and reading and writing.”

“Why on earth would they need lessons?” Lady Taddlesworth asked.

“With education, they would have a chance to improve their lives,” Grace said.

“Almost all will be servants in households or work in the factories. That is an improvement for their lives.”

The topic was too important to allow Lady Taddlesworth to push her aside. “I respectfully disagree,” Grace said. “The children’s needs should come before the headmaster’s office.”

Silence descended as all eyes turned from Lady Taddlesworth to Grace.

“I see.” Lady Taddlesworth’s lips thinned. “Let us ask what others think.”

Lady Castleton arched a brow as she looked at Grace curiously. “Perhaps Miss Ashton is correct. With such a generous donation, we can afford to retain the services of a teacher and refurbish the headmaster’s office.”

Lady Taddlesworth opened her mouth to protest, but Prudence, her mother, and several others quickly agreed it was a splendid idea.

Soon after, the meeting ended and the ladies rose. The butler was busy fetching the guests’ belongings in the vestibule, and fine carriages began to line the drive.

Lady Castleton touched Grace’s sleeve. “I thought your idea was worthy. The orphans should have a chance to be educated.”

Grace looked into the lady’s brown eyes. They were a shade similar to Ian’s, only hers were a softer hue while his were darker and piercing.

“I’m sorry for the loss of the earl,” Grace said.

Sadness touched her eyes. “I have another son who has been away. My hope is he will return soon to take his place.”