Page 12 of The Gentlewoman Companion

Louisa blushed. “I merely tried to maintain my balance.”

“A commendable instinct. You must have lessons. Promise you will not attempt such a thing again until Jones feels comfortable with your ability.” She raised her cup. “Soon, you will be an accomplished horsewoman.”

“Yes, my lady.” Inside, Louisa sparkled. She was to have lessons! Lady Halverton had said accomplished horsewoman as if it were a crowning achievement. Though Louisa was not confident philosophy would ever penetrate her brain, she could excel at riding.

More than that, it seemed her position was safe for the time being. Her employer was endlessly gracious. Thank you, Mama, for helping me find Lady Halverton.

The prospect of riding lessons excited her far more than taking meandering rides beside Lord Halverton, although she supposed she may not be able to avoid that entirely. She was only too aware of his golden eyes and chiseled features, of how young and eligible he was, and did not want romantic feelings for or from him. She had a history of throwing herself to the first handsome man who offered her the smallest encouragement, but she would not make that mistake this time. From now on, Louisa would know a man’s heart before she gave him her own.

Of course, the notion that an earl could consider her a marriageable prospect, much less fall in love with her, was daft, and his air was preoccupied enough that she almost felt safe with him. She recalled his horrified expression after the jump with a twinge of regret, but it occurred to her that nothing would appeal to him less than her true self with all its propensity for spontaneous trouble. Though she did not relish his anger, she preferred it to his regard and hoped it would keep him distant. Besides, the heart-pounding thrill of jumping the horse had driven the constant oppression of the Great Misjudgment from her mind for a time. Her heart longed for such adventures—yes, she was certainly inclined to choose riding horses over studying philosophy.

Lady Halverton returned her teacup to its saucer. “Will you call Nellie? I will prepare for the day while you respond to your letters.”

“Letters?”

“Perhaps there was only one. Did you not see it? I asked that it be brought to you. Very likely it’s in your room.”

Louisa excused herself. On her dressing table lay a note addressed to her in Charles’s untidy hand. With a snarl, she promptly tossed it into the waste basket, making for the door. She paused. Charles was not the sort of brother who corresponded with his sister—or anyone. Perhaps it might be best to know what he wanted. Sighing, she retrieved the letter and cracked the seal.

Dear Louisa,

Thank you for crowning yourself worst child. Father had been threatening to confine me to his study to learn the workings of the farm. Once you stole off, he forgot about me. Not to worry. I’ve told no one of your highflying ways. Yet, the sordid tale tickles my tongue. I assume your countess compensates you. Send me a few bob, and I’ll keep quiet.

Charles

Louisa gasped. She should have anticipated he would take advantage of her misfortune. He probably had a gambling debt he didn’t want their father to learn about. A few shillings now and again should keep him quiet, and her wages were generous.

Asking Lady Halverton to franc a letter heavy with coin might draw suspicion. What did she have that he could sell and did not weigh much? A thin, silver ring studded with turquoise glinted from her pinkie. Aunt Mary had bought it for her. It weighed almost nothing but would keep Charles in his cups for a month. On a sheet of paper, she wrote, “May Father send you across the ocean to fight the French.” She pulled the ring from her finger and folded the letter around it.

Over the passing weeks as Louisa recovered from her troubles, she met Lady Halverton’s efforts to educate her with cautious interest. She spent hours reading to her ladyship, practicing enunciation until she sounded, to her own ear, like a duchess. She now sat straighter, chewed slower, and thought—usually—before she spoke. Having received instruction on proper female comportment her entire life, Louisa was not unaware of how she should behave. She simply had not cared. However, Lady Halverton exemplified what a lady could accomplish when she presented herself with poise and grace. Admiration and reverence for the countess prompted Louisa to wonder if she might one day be respected in the same way, never to fear the consequences of her Great Misjudgment again. Louisa simply must learn how to acquit herself as her mistress did.

Lady Halverton belonged to a group of intellectual women who met regularly to discuss art, science, philosophy, and literature. Time had proven to Louisa that these subjects were not always boring, and after all, Lady Halverton had great interest in them, so Louisa was eager to attend one of these gatherings.

Thus, on the prior evening, Louisa asked if she could attend the next literary breakfast hosted by Lady Halverton’s dear friends Mrs. Beecham and Miss Fisher. Lady Halverton agreed, convinced this was the perfect entrance into local society. “These breakfasts are so well attended, you will barely be noticed,” she had said.

Lady Halverton breezed into the room. “My, that color suits you!”

Louisa glanced at the pale blue flowers printed over the mantua she wore. It was a bit faded, but she lacked the will to unpack the more sophisticated wardrobe she had acquired in Bath. Too many memories lurked in the folds of those dresses—a pity because she loved them. “Thank you, my lady.”

“Are you ready? I am very interested to learn your opinion of Havenwood.”

“Havenwood?” Louisa’s insights were not often requested. She made a note to have one.

“The name of Mrs. Beecham and Miss Fischer’s estate—or perhaps farm is a better description.”

In the carriage, Louisa made certain Lady Halverton had everything she might possibly require, which was nothing at all beyond a copy of Mary Astell’s A Serious Proposal to the Ladies.

“Wait!” Louisa said. “My journal. I should fetch it, don’t you think?”

“If you would like to bring it, I am only too pleased to wait.”

In a few minutes, they were on their way. With her notes in hand, Louisa was ready to impress the sisters with the thoughts she’d scribbled. Pressing the book to her, she felt relieved from the pressure to think of something on the spot, should that be required.

“What is so interesting about Havenwood?” Louisa asked as they bumped along the country road.

“Let me tell you a bit of the sisters’ history. I know they won’t mind.” Lady Halverton leaned back and intertwined her hands in her lap. “Mrs. Beecham has a terribly scarred face. Smallpox, poor dear. Because of that, no one expected her to find a husband. Miss Fischer was born with a heart condition, you see, which precludes her from bearing children. They were deemed useless to society.” She frowned. “An unjust sentence. Too high-born for employment, they used sporadic funds sent by their father to set up house in Bath. After some years living in poverty, Mrs. Beecham was approached by a family friend who proposed marriage to her. As her finances were wanting, she accepted.”

“Mrs. Beecham is a widow?” Louisa asked.