Page 43 of To Resist a Scandalous Rogue
“There is,” Flora said. “But what I have in mind is different. I speak of a core group of patronesses who work exclusively to recruit donations so we can expand our doors and take in more children.” She looked down at their clasped hands. “My brother has given so much of his time and money to the children of the home, but he also has a political career and estate matters he oversees for our father. I’d like this group of patronesses to do what constraints have prevented him from doing.”
“That would be wonderful.”Heraffection for her employer multiplied.
“I’d also like to increase the apprenticeship opportunities the children have,” Flora continued, “and to do that, we need to increase our visibility. We took a step in the right direction with the fundraiser dinner, but we can do more. And what better way to do that then through the fashionable, titled ladies of theton.”
Her hands grew clammy, but Charlotte forced herself to ask, “I don’t understand how I play into your equation. Do you expect me to…serve as a secretary for your meetings and keep notes?”
Her Grace of Ashwood smiled. “We expect you to be the liaison between the patronesses and the home.”
“At least until Mrs. Stevens retires.”
Charlotte gasped, glancing rapidly between the sisters as the duchess sighed and shook her head at her sister. “Flo, we weren’t supposed to make that information public yet.”
“Oh, I forgot.” Flora grabbed a glass of champagne off the tray of a passing footman. “Well, since I’ve already disclosed it, Charlotte should know she’s being considered to take Mrs. Stevens’s place.”
“You can’t be serious.”Charlotte blinked.
“I don’t blame you for not believing her, for when is she ever serious?” The duchess looked at her sister, her mouth pressed into a firm line, before returning her gaze to Charlotte. “Inverray, Flora, and I are in agreement that you would make an excellent house manager.”
“But…but we just discussed how horrible I would be at charming the titled ladies of theton.”
“No,”Flora declared,“you stated you thought you’d be, but I remain unconvinced.”
Taking in Flora’s stubborn stance, she turned helpless eyes on the duchess. “Surely you must see how my qualifications for the position are severely lacking.”
“Perhaps you don’t possess the experience one would expect of a foundling house manager,” Her Grace of Ashwood began.
“But the children love you, Charlotte, because you’re firm but fair.” Flora eyed her from over her glass. “Cook is fond of you, which is a huge accomplishment, and the teachers respect you. As far as I’m concerned those are qualifications that far outweigh any experience you may have.”
Charlotte wrapped her arms around her waist as she swayed on her feet.
Her Grace fixed her attention on her. “I agree with Flora’s assessment.” She paused, taking a small step closer. “Would you be interested in taking Mrs. Stevens’s position when the time arrives?”
Nervousness…and intense excitement coursed through Charlotte’s veins, and she struggled not to allow it to show on her face. She’d never been an overly emotional person, and she refused to morph into one now.
But…to secure the house manager position would be a dream. Such a position meant security. Stability. Respectability. Such adjectives were what she sought.
Clearing her throat, she met the gaze of each woman as she said, “I would be honored.”
“Whatever are you ladies discussing over here that has you so diverted?” The Marquess of Inverray bussed the duchess on the cheek in greeting and offered Charlotte a polite bow.
As she returned his greeting, she immediately looked to the man’s companion, who’d stopped just behind him, as if unwilling to interrupt a family moment. Her breath caught to see Finlay watching her with heated eyes.
“We’re telling Mrs. Taylor of our plans to form a group of patronesses for the foundling home,” the duchess said smoothly.
Lord Inverray snorted. “Is that necessary? A group of patrons already exists.”
Flora huffed.“Of course there is, but they’re not organized. And let’s be honest, Niall. We both know more things are accomplished when they’re seen to by women.”
Sensing an argument brewing between her siblings, Her Grace laid a hand on both of their arms. “Nevertheless, we were discussing the idea with Mrs. Taylor and the role we hoped she would play in it.”
“What role is that, exactly?”
Heat pooled in her abdomen at the sound of Finlay’s voice, and Charlotte willed her pulse under control. With as much calmness as she could muster, she said, “Liaison, my lord.”
Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Lady Flora smirking, but she dismissed her reaction from her mind.
Finlay nodded approval of the idea, while Lord Inverray considered his youngest sister speculatively. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
