Page 31 of The Butler and the Bluestocking
Chapter Fourteen
Malcolm was surprisedto receive a summons from the dowager Countess of Seahaven. He was even more surprised to find his brother, his brother’s friends, Mr. Nedhelm, and several other gentlemen of high repute had received the same summons.
He took a seat beside James in the Seahaven drawing room. “Do any of you know why we have been called here?”
“No,” said James, “But the countess requested my presence, so of course, I came.”
“And the rest of you?” His gaze made a slow sweep of the room moving from man to man as each one confirmed the source of his summons.
As he finished, Lady Seahaven and two of her older step-daughters entered the room. The butler who had replaced him was carrying a heavily ladened tea tray.
“Gentlemen,” said Lady Seahaven. “Before we begin, allow me to make the introductions.” When the formalities had been completed, she continued. “My purpose today is to ask for your help in making the final lecture of the York Antiquarian Society Seminars one that will be remembered for years to come. You are all gentlemen of some influence. What I would like you to do is–well there is no better word for it–I want you to gossip. You are all aware that society’s current attitude towards female scholars is less than kind. Because my stepdaughter, Lady Elizabeth, has established a stellar reputation with her writings published under the name B. Biggs, we have the perfect opportunity to start to change public opinion. However, we cannot do so without your help.”
Murmurs ran like a current through the group of men. Several questions were asked and discussion ensued on the best means of achieving the goal stated by the countess. At the end of the meeting, after bidding their hostess farewell and promising to do all possible to cast Bess’s lecture in a positive light, each of the men departed.
Malcolm pulled his friend Kellborn aside.
“Marr?”
“Walk with me. It has been some time since I’ve encountered a friend of so many years. We can catch each other up on the doings of our families.”
Kellborn nodded and exited the townhouse at Malcolm’s side. “It is good to see you too Malcolm. How long has it been? Ten years?”
“I could not say, since I always feel like it was just yesterday we challenged each other with Latin quotations and tried to avoid the bullying of upperclassmen.”
“Ah yes, those were good days at Eton. But you did not really wish to reminisce, did you?
“I wouldn’t mind sharing our memories, but I do have a more urgent request.”
“Good,” Kellborn said. “I’ve another appointment this afternoon and can only give you a small bit of my time.”
“Then I shall be blunt. You are lodging with Sir Westcott Twisden and his stepmother, Lady Twisden, yes?”
“I am, but what of it?
“I’ve heard from a number of sources that Lady Twisden retains influential connections in York society.”
Kellborn nodded. “That is true.”
“Could you ask her to praise Herbert Nedhelm’s decision to invite Lady Bess to speak at the York Antiquarian Society Seminars and perhaps encourage the ladies of York to see Lady Bess’ appearance at the seminars as a very good thing?”
“Since you are my friend, I will certainly ask her, but I cannot guarantee her reply.”
“I would not expect that.”
“Do you not think that gentlemen can spread sufficient good gossip? There were some very well-connected fellows at today’s meeting.”
“I think Lady Seahaven’s plan to enlist the good will of York’s influential gentlemen is a stroke of genius. Whoever weds that woman will be very lucky indeed. As to why I wish Lady Twisden’s assistance, I believe that society’s matrons also wield a great deal of influence, and if we don’t enlist their aid, we may well find that they take umbrage at Lady Bess presenting a seminar for men. If that happens, the wives, sisters and daughters of York’s gentlemen may well seek to undermine whatever good will we gentlemen can generate.”
“You make an excellent point. I will do all in my power to gain Lady Twisden’s help. However, I think we should go one step further.”
Malcolm raised a brow in question.
