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The service continued with prayers, the recessional hymn, and the awkwardness of Theo’s exit marked by the glancing away of congregants.
Outside, the response from the villagers held as much warmth as the stiff, cool breeze.
Lady Bellingham was the only one brave enough to venture to the Stapleton gig, her tsk-tsks grating on Theo’s nerves. “My dears, I do not wish to keep you, but a most alarming report has reached my ears.”
Theo glanced at Mama and Becky, the regret from earlier hastening her to encourage them to seek shelter from the cold air inside Stapleton’s ancient carriage. “I’m sure that I can help Lady Bellingham with what she wishes to know.”
“Indeed, I believe you can.” Lady Bellingham frowned, although she waved to Mama and Becky.
Theo tugged her shawl more tightly against her. If only the squire’s wife had felt it necessary to make one of her regularly unscheduled visits to Stapleton Court rather than bail her up in this brisk weather in front of the eyes of almost the entire village. She drew herself up, meeting Lady Bellingham’s eyes. Sometimes attack was the best form of defense. “Is this to do with Mrs. Cleever?”
“Well, yes.”
“I see. She passed on some of what Frederick had shared with her, so I can only assume you want to apologize for this news leaking to others in the village.”
“Apologize? Why, my dear Theodosia—”
“Lady Bellingham, I would have thought a person raised in a gentlemen’s establishment would at the very least know how to conduct himself in a gentlemanly manner.” Her gaze fell on him.
He glanced away.
“You speak of my Frederick?”
“I ammostdispleased that what I shared with him in confidence, which he promised to keep, he then felt necessary to share.”
“Oh! Well …” The squire’s wife’s gloved hands fluttered at her side. “That was because I asked him.”
“So Frederick did not himself share the information with Mrs. Cleever?”
Lady Bellingham’s brow rumpled. “Well, no.”
“I see.” Theo eyed her, waiting, waiting …
“My dear, I am truly most sorry.” The older woman’s fat cheeks pinked. “I confess I do not know quite how the news happened to be said.”
Theo arched a brow.
“My dear Miss Stapleton, please. I do not like to be on the outs with you.”
Still Theo said nothing.
Lady Bellingham’s hand flew to her chest. “Oh, what can I do to make it up to you?”
“Perhaps you can persuade the likes of Mrs. Cleever to not be so hasty to judge. As I tried to explain the other day, our looking after the man was simply an act of charity, which is why it is so distressing to have an act of kindness sullied by whispers and innuendo. It speaks very poorly of those who utter gossip.”
“Oh, Iquiteagree,” Lady Bellingham said hastily, apparently unconscious of the irony. “Charitable works should be commended, should they not?”
“That was my understanding, but unfortunately not the view of all.”
Lady Bellingham’s lips pursed, as she cast Mrs. Cleever a look of significance. “Some people have never been known for their charitable nature.”
Theo inclined her head. “I am sure we can all be predisposed to such things. I did appreciate what the reverend shared just now, how we should be careful not to judge. I trust the sermon will provide some stimulating conversations over the next few days.”
“Oh, I’m sure it will.” The squire’s wife beckoned her son to come closer, which he did. “Frederick, you must explain to Miss Stapleton and offer your apologies.”
He reddened, and Theo almost felt sorry for him as he was led, rather like a bull with a ring in its nose, around the topics of culpability and remorse. Eventually Frederick was released and he scuttled off to stand with his father, casting only the briefest glances at Theo as she stood trapped by his mother whose hand now pressed Theo’s arm.
“My dear, I could not say so in front of him. It is unnatural as a parent to admit one is almost ashamed of one’s own son, but I do want you to be assured of our deepest regrets about this situation.”
