Page 4 of The Truth about the Earl
“There is a severe responsibility that must be considered before you take this on, Lady Essington. You must be aware that whatever you writewillhave consequences.”
Pressing her lips together tightly, Norah thought about this for a few moments. “I recall that my mother and I used to read the society papers very carefully indeed, to make certain we would not keep company with any gentlemen who were considered poorly by theton.”
Lady Gillingham nodded. “Indeed, that is precisely what I mean. If a lady had been taken advantage of, then I would never write about her for fear of what that might entail. However, I would make mention of the gentleman in question, in some vague, yet disparaging, way that made certain to keep the rest of the debutantes away from him.”
“I understand.”
“We may not be well acquainted, Lady Essington, but I have been told of your kind and sweet nature by others. I believe they thought very well of your mother and, in turn, of you.”
Norah put her hand to her heart, an ache in her throat. “I thank you.”
Lady Gillingham smiled softly. “So what say you, Lady Essington? Will you do as I have long hoped?”
“Will I write under the name of Mrs. Fullerton?” A slow, soft smile pulled at her lips as she saw Lady Gillingham nod. “And when would they wish their first piece?”
Lady Gillingham shrugged. “I write every week about what I have discovered. Sometimes the article is rather long and sometimes it is very short. The amount you write does not matter. It is what it contains that is of interest. They will pay you the same amount, regardless.”
“They?” Norah pricked up her ears at the mention of money. “And might I ask how much is being offered?”
Norah’s eyes widened as Lady Gillingham told her of the very large amount that would be given to her for every piece written.That would allow me to purchase one new gown at the very least!
“And it is the man in charge of theLondon Chroniclethat has asked me for this weekly contribution. In time, you will be introduced to him. But that is only if you are willing to take on the role?”
Taking in a deep breath, Norah let it out slowly and closed her eyes for a moment. “Yes, I think I shall.”
Lady Gillingham clapped her hands together in delight, startling a nearby blackbird. “How wonderful! I shall, of course, be glad to assist you with your first article. Thereafter, I fully intend to return to my house in the countryside and remain far away fromallthat London society has to offer.” Her smile faded as she spoke, sending a stab of worry into Norah’s heart. Could it be that after years of writing such articles, of being in amongst society and seeing all that went on, Lady Gillingham was weary of theton? Norah swallowed hard and tried to push her doubts away. This was to bring her a little more coin and, therefore, a little more ease. After all that she had endured these last few years, that would be of the greatest comfort to her.
“So, when are you next to go into society?”
Norah looked at Lady Gillingham. “I have only just come to London. I believe I have an invitation to Lord Henderson’s ball tomorrow evening, however.”
“As have I.” Lady Gillingham looped her arm through Norah’s, as though they were suddenly great friends. “We shall attend together and I will help you find not only what you are to write about but I shall also introduce you to various gentlemn and ladies that you might wish to befriend.”
A little confused, Norah frowned. “For what purpose?”
“Oh, some gentlemen, in particular, will haveexcellentpotential when it comes to your writings. You do not have to like them – indeed, it is best if you donot, for your conscience’s sake.”
Norah’s spirits dropped low. Was this truly the right thing for her to be doing? She did not want to injure gentlemen and ladies unnecessarily, nor did she want to have guilt on her conscience.But the money would be so very helpful.
“I can choose what I write, yes?”
Lady Gillingham glanced over at her sharply. “Yes, of course.”
“And the newspaper will not require me to write any falsehoods?”
Lady Gillingham shook her head. “No, indeed not.”
Norah set her shoulders. “Then I shall do as you have done and write what I think is only best for society to know, in order to protect debutantes and the like from any uncouth gentlemen.”
“That is fair.” Lady Gillingham smiled and Norah took in a long breath, allowing herself to smile as she settled the matter with her conscience. “I am sure you shall do very well indeed, Lady Essington.”
Norah tilted her head up toward the sky for a moment as a sense of freedom burst over her once again. “I must hope so, Lady Gillingham. The ball will be a very interesting evening indeed, I am sure.”
Chapter Two
“Good evening, Lord Yardley.”
James took in the beautiful Lady Maude as he bowed, thinking silently to himself that her beauty had improved all the more since last Season. Her elegant eyebrows were gently lifted over dark, flashing blue eyes that held fast to his. Her red lips curved gently, her alabaster skin holding no hint of color.
