Page 2 of The Butler and the Bluestocking
“My dearest Patience, there are eight of us, qualified to see that the three youngest continue with their studies, and five to chaperone the twins and Josefina. Surely you and my sisters can juggle chaperone duties with teaching the young ones?”
A worry line formed between Patience’s eyebrows. “Are you certain you don’t want to come with us? We’d miss you greatly.”
Bess smiled. “As I will miss all of you. However, at least some of you will come back. When you do, I’ll be here waiting for you. Besides, if we rent the house, I’ll be on hand to assist the tenants with any problems.”
Patience’s expression smoothed, and she widened her eyes. “Then you’ll not mind missing the seminars sponsored by the York Antiquarian Society? I for one am looking forward to Dr. Marr’s lecture on medical knowledge in ancient Egypt during the reign of Ptolemy.”
“I doubt very much you even know who Ptolemy was?”
“Which one?” Patience asked. “There were five or six rulers of ancient Egypt by that name, if I remember correctly. I do occasionally recall some of what you tell me.”
Bess covered her open mouth then smiled again. “You sly puss. You’re teasing me.”
All innocence, the Dowager Countess of Seahaven blinked. “I’m afraid not. I saw the notice yesterday when I was in the village to speak with the local apothecary about giving Josefina a fair share of his profits from the sale of her unguents.”
“I am certain you were successful, for when you are determined, you always achieve your aims.”
“Thank you, Bess. I did succeed.”
“However, about the York Antiquarian Society, never say those meetings are being held in April. They are almost always held in November.”
“But, dearest Bess. I have it from our vicar himself that the York Antiquarian Society has changed the traditional dates to coincide with the York Season in hopes of attracting more attendees and more renowned speakers.”
“You know, I am certain, you’ve said the one thing that could persuade me to change my mind.” Bess shed her apron. She stared a moment at her ink-stained hands, wishing she would remember to use the salve Josephina made for removing stains on the skin then shook her head at herself.A few ink stains are of no import, if I can further the world’s knowledge of history.
Patience’s pleased expression would never be called smug. “I thought that might do the trick.”
“But you knew it all along; did you not? You simply raised those other issues because you know how much I like a good discussion.”
“I also know that sometimes you get so stuck on doing things one way that you occasionally need some motivation to change your mind.” She sat back in her chair, hands folded in her lap.
Bess smiled again and gave Patience a hug. “That is true. Now I must go and wash before luncheon. We can break the news of my decision to the others when we eat. Don’t you dare say a word before then. Barbara has been quite upset with my refusal to go to York thus far. I want to see her happy expression when she learns I’ve changed my mind.”
Together they turned to leave the attic
“Very well, but after luncheon, you must spend some time with Susana to discuss refurbishing your wardrobe.”
“Oh pish tosh. I’ll not be attending any social events, and my other day gown will be perfectly acceptable for the York Antiquarian Society, since women, when permitted to attend, are only allowed in the Gallery.”
“You will disappoint Barbara again, if you don’t at least consider refurbishing a dress or two.”
Bess heaved another sigh. “Drat. You are quite correct. I don’t wish to see her cast down, but she must understand that I have no interest in social gatherings and will not be dragged into chaperone duties for Josefina, Iris, or Ivy.”
“We’ll all be very busy. I hope you’ll not let your personal preferences deny any of the girls this opportunity.”
“I would never be so selfish, Patience. I’m certain we can work out any conflicts in commitments.” Knowing her stepmother needed to be able to rely on each of her stepdaughters to do her part, Bess resolved to do all she could to see her younger, and truly beautiful, sisters—Josefina, Iris and Ivy–launched successfully. Nonetheless, she prayed she could help best from behind the social scene instead of in front of it.
