Page 14 of A Gentleman's Reckoning
Margery stopped and puckered her lips. “It is a shame that thetonis so particular. There are many who would appreciate such a fine ballroom, and she lays out superior refreshments.”
“Well, I am not particular,” Geny said. “And I shall look forward to it.”
The next evening,Geny had her hair styled with a softer, curled chignon in the back and little curled tendrils near her face. She knew it became her more than her usual severe style, but she found the latter more practical; most days she was not out to impress anyone. She wore her gown of blue silk threaded with gold but left off overt signs of wealth, despite the fact that tonight’s guests would likely comprise an affluent set. Instead, she settled for a simple strand of pearls.I will adorn myself with benevolence and warmth instead.
On the hour, the Buxtons’ carriage pulled up to the front door, and their footman stepped down to open it and help Geny in.
Mrs. Buxton acknowledged her with a bow of her head from where she sat. “Why, you look very fine, my lady.”
Margery’s mother insisted on formality, although she had known Geny since she was young. She never tried to overstep her bounds, which was likely why Lord Goodwin put up with her, despite the fact that they hailed from the merchant class. Geny’s mother, however, had respected Mrs. Buxton, and that would have been enough for Geny even without having Margery for a best friend.
In a sudden jerk, the horses started forward at a trot, and Margery and her mother began to discuss the guests they were likely to see at the party.
“You will pay special attention to Mr. Thompson, now that he has returned from Wales,” Mrs. Buxton said. “He is a kind gentleman and well set up in the world besides carrying on the same trade as your father. Honestly, it is not as though I push you toward men who are sixty, or who have strange peccadilloes.I only present you to ones whom I know will take care of you and whom you could love.”
“You are very good, Mama. I shall do my best to be interested.”
Geny stifled a smile at Margery’s outward meekness. The Buxtons’ dynamic had not changed since she had known them. Although they pretended to be opposite on many matters, there was no shortage of affection. It cheered her to see their mother-daughter relationship thriving, although she no longer had one of her own.
They arrived at Mrs. Sookholme’s house, and Geny lifted her eyes to take in the magnificent residence with candles blazing in all of the windows.
“It is lovely.” Geny smiled at Margery and sent an expressive glance toward the ballroom which was visible from the street through the windows, adding in a whisper, “Muchnicer than Almack’s.”
Margery grinned at her. She had voiced more than once that she was glad she was not required to attend Almack’s above all the other parties her mother dragged her to. They would never be given vouchers for it.
“Here we are, my lady.” Mrs. Buxton gestured to the people filing into the house, leaning in to whisper, “I am fairly confident that the guests here will not embarrass you in any way or offend you with their vulgarity.”
“I believe I may trust that,” Geny replied with a straight face, although she wished to laugh again, conscious of a giddy sensation she did not usually have. Where this came from, she did not know. Besides, anyone who volunteered in an orphanage was not particularly concerned with escaping all that was considered vulgar.
They followed the others inside, where she was introduced to the hostess. “Thank you for your invitation, Mrs. Sookholme, especially one so kindly extended at the last minute.”
“We are honored that you’ve graced us with your presence,” Mrs. Sookholme replied with an unaffected smile. She then turned to Mrs. Buxton. “I must remain in place to greet our guests for some time. I hope I may count upon you to see that Lady Eugenia is comfortable?”
“Of course, you may.” Mrs. Buxton smiled and led Margery and Geny into the throng.
Mrs. Buxton was a well-liked woman and was soon drawn into conversation, so it was left to Margery to point out the guests she assumed Geny would most like to meet. Mr. and Mrs. Butteridge were expected to come, but she did not see them yet. There was Mr. Harris who had made a significant donation to the orphanage this past year, although Mr. Biggs had explained that the asylum was expensive to run and it was difficult to see the fruit of it. His wife had also donated clothes. When Margery asked if she would like to meet them, she nodded.
“Mrs. Harris?” Margery curtsied when the woman turned to her. “May I present to you Lady Eugenia Stanich? She is daughter to the Earl of Goodwin and takes a keen interest in the orphans’ welfare. She wished to make your acquaintance.”
“I am honored by your notice,” Mrs. Harris said with a curtsy, appearing surprised at the introduction.
“I wished to thank you in person for everything you’ve done for the orphans, Mrs. Harris. I am aware of your husband’s donation, and I received the basket of clothing and other items you had sent for the orphans through Mrs. Buxton.” Geny paused for breath and finished by saying, “I must express how thankful I am to meet like-minded people in society who care about those who have so little.”
Mrs. Harris smiled warmly at her. “I am not sure everyone would agree with your saying I am apartof society, but it is true that I cannot help but think that nothing prevents any one of us from finding ourselves in an unfortunate situation exceptchance. If I can alleviate their suffering…if I can bring them just a little peace and comfort, then I am quite content.”
“I am of the same mind,” Geny said, her heart thrumming to hear her own thoughts spoken aloud and to know she was not alone. “As was my mother.”
“Will you tell me what sorts of material things are missing?” Mrs. Harris continued. “I know others who are willing to volunteer items, even if their husbands are not yet persuaded to give financially. It is not the case for everyone, of course. Some husbands are as wonderful as mine.”
She glanced over at a tall, stocky man who appeared to be engaged in passionate discussion with another gentleman that bordered on a friendly argument, then brought her gaze back to Geny.
“There are some women whose hearts are large but who have little means to give because they must abide by their husbands’ wishes. They would be pleased to know that other donations are welcomed.”
“There are many things we would find useful,” Geny replied and proceeded to list some of the items that were most needed. They spoke for a few moments longer, with Margery waiting patiently at her side, until Geny noticed that Mr. Harris had finished his conversation and appeared to be looking for his wife. She took leave of Mrs. Harris, adding, “I hope you will extend my gratitude to Mr. Harris also.”
She and Margery walked to the edge of the ballroom. There was a row of private alcoves all along the peristyle, each containing a couple of chairs, that reminded Geny of a honeycomb. Margery slipped her arm through hers.
“With such a warm heart as you have, you should not be surprised at finding that there are others like you. Although I do think you are the best of them all.”
