Page 26 of The Butler and the Bluestocking
She wished the sound did not resonate in her bones. How was she to get through this evening with him always near?
“This way, my lady. Mr. Marr. Mr. and Mrs. Nedhelm have asked me to escort you to the parlor.”
As she followed the butler down the corridor with Marr at her back, they passed several display cases containing carefully preserved antiquities. Perhaps Mr. Nedhelm would permit her to examine some of them after supper.
The butler opened a door, stepped inside, and motioned her forward. “Lady Elizabeth Bigglesworth and Mr. Malcolm Marr.
Bess assumed the couple coming forward to greet her was the Nedhelms. The woman was as round and tiny as the gentleman was tall and lanky.
Standing between her and the pair, Malcolm faced her and made the introductions.
Mrs. Nedhelm curtsied. “You honor us, Lady Elizabeth. Thank you for accepting our invitation.”
“Not at all, Mrs. Nedhelm. I am delighted to be able to accept.”
Nedhelm bowed. “You are most gracious to say so, Lady Elizabeth.”
“Thank you, sir. I’m looking forward to the evening,” said Bess.
With the formalities out of the way, the older man nodded then looked past her to Marr. “Malcolm, I’ve a recent acquisition that may interest you.” He drew Marr to the far side of the room where a tall table stood flanked by a pair of candle stands.
***
“LADY ELIZABETH, I MUSTconfide that Herbert has been agog since he learned from Mr. Marr that you are the author of the B. Biggs papers. I am most pleasantly astonished. My father was an Oxford don, and before I married, I had similar ambitions. But Papa would not permit me to submit anything for publication.”
So Marr has betrayed me. A part of her heart wept, but a more hidden part—one she deliberately suppressed—rejoiced at finally being able to cast off the deception.Perhaps Malcolm has done me an unwitting favor. “Professor Marr should not have told you that. My ability to publish is dependent on the world believing B. Biggs to be a man.”
“I’m certain Malcolm intended no offense. And if all goes as my husband plans, you may find you and your work receive more notice simply because you are a woman. You may even see increased demand for your work.
“Exactly what has Mr. Nedhelm planned?” She had visions of soirees and salons where she would be the object of all eyes.That I will not stand for, no matter how well intentioned.
“I honestly don’t know, Lady Elizabeth. He is being very secretive, even with me. However, I trust him implicitly. He will not do anything to embarrass you. I am certain.”
“I appreciate your candor, Mrs. Nedhelm, but do you really think the scholarly community is ready to recognize a woman’s contributions?”
Her hostess gave a delicate shrug. “One cannot know until one tries.”
Bess decided a change of subject was in order. “I’ve read several of your husband’s papers, Mrs. Nedhelm, and have often wished to ask him a few questions about why he believes the Vikings who invaded York were Danes rather than denizens from farther north.”
“Call me Athena, please,” smiling as she spoke and patted Bess’s arm. “It’s the silliest name for a woman of my stature, but my father was a scholar of Greek and had no idea, when I was born, that I would grow more to the size of an elf than a goddess.”
“You show the wisdom of Athena in your attitude toward your name. And I do understand. I was cursed with the name Elizabeth Regina by my father who had pretentions beyond nobility and greatly admired the Tudors. When I finally learned more about Queen Elizabeth, I was happy to accept Bess as she was referred to by those who loved her. So please call me Bess.”
“Good Queen Bess,” echoed Athena. “She too was quite the scholar.”
“She had to be with men of all countries, including her own, trying to reduce her to the status of mere woman by marrying away her power and authority. She was smart enough never to permit that.”
“Please join me on the settee.” Athena gestured to a brocaded piece that sat in front of a low table. Two parlor chairs flanked the table at either end. “Herbert and I like to have our wine before supper. We find it aids in digestion. We recently found an excellent sherry and have been saving it for an occasion such as this.”
“Then I look forward to sampling the vintage.” Bess sat, followed by her new friend.
“Herbert,” Athena raised her voice to gain her husband’s attention. “Would you please stop fussing with that coin and bring us two glasses of our new sherry?”
“In a moment, dearest.”
“Perhaps you would permit me to show the piece to Lady Elizabeth, while you pour the wine,” suggested Marr.
“Certainly. May I pour you a glass as well, Malcolm?”
