Page 55 of A Secret Infatuation
Heart beating erratically in her chest, Sophia followed him up the stairs, and when she was led into Lady Henry’s drawing room, discovered that there were other visitors. At the sight of two older unknown women of status, her courage failed her. She had not envisioned that she might need to make her request in front of an audience.
“Lady Sophia, please do come in.” Lady Henry advanced to greet her, smiling warmly as she ushered her to a seat. “You have fabulous timing, for we have just had the tea set out and my cook is an expert at making scones. Allow me to introduce you to Mrs. Wright and Lady Lockwood.”
“A pleasure,” Sophia murmured, dipping into a curtsy.
“And this,” Lady Henry continued, addressing her other visitors, “is Lady Sophia Rowlandson, sister to the fifth Earl of Poole. I have been expecting her visit on the subject of the Royal Naval Asylum.”
Sophia was heartened by these words and was further reassured when Mrs. Wright said, “I am acquainted with Lady Dorothea. As you must know, she is a particular friend of Anne Kensington, who has recently become betrothed to my youngest brother.”
“I had not heard, but I am very happy for her,” Sophia managed.
“Oh, it is of a recent date. I believe it was only announced in this morning’s paper.” Mrs. Wright accepted a cup of tea from a servant.
“How do you take your tea, Lady Sophia?”
“With milk and sugar, if you please.”
Lady Henry lifted her finger and had the maid prepare the tea, waiting until everyone had been served a cup and her cook’s famous scones.
After a proper pause to allow everyone to enjoy their refreshments, the mistress of the house turned to Sophia. “Although I believe I know the purpose of your visit, perhaps you might enlighten the other ladies.”
Sophia’s hands trembled, and she set her cup down before she spilled her tea.
“I have come to ask for support for the Royal Naval Asylum. I am friends with Miss Mowbray, whose father is the Admiral Mowbray, and he has a keen interest in the widows and children of seamen who have perished in the line of duty.”
Her heart hammered in her chest. “I was wondering—that is, I was hoping you might be prevailed upon to make a donation to the cause? It can be in one sum, or perhaps an annual subscription to provide for the needs of one orphan being trained in the asylum? In that case, his bed would be known as ‘Lady Henry’s bed’ as a thanks for your generosity.”
“Have you agreed to an annual subscription?” Lady Lockwood asked curiously.
Sophia had not even thought of offering a subscription herself. She scarcely viewed her money as her own and never requested it as she had few needs. But naturally she must and would do that, and answered honestly.
“I had not thought of it, but I would like to. I must speak to my uncle, who is our guardian, for I can think of no worthier cause.”
Lady Henry set her teacup down and clasped her hands decisively. “I will honor your request and give an annual subscription.” Her twinkling eyes made her look younger. “Mr. Harwood was right to approach my husband, for I find it difficult to say no.”
Sophia smiled. “I believe Mr. Harwood approached your husband because you were known to be both benevolent and kind, not because you are easy prey.”
“Mr. Harwood!” Lady Lockwood raised an eyebrow. “I was at Mrs. Simpkin’s house earlier today, and it appears your Mr. Harwood is guilty of pocketing the proceeds from other subscriptions for widows’ relief. As he manages the funds himself, it is not difficult to dip into the coffers for his own use. I am not sure it serves your cause to align yourself with such a man.”
“Mr. Harwood was wrongly accused,” Sophia said with surety, before she could even measure her words. She felt their combined regard and the embarrassment from having spoken out.
“How do you know this?” Lady Henry asked gently.
“I have had time to come to know him,” she replied, stopping short as she realized even this confession gave away more than she could wish. “My friend’s father, the Admiral Mowbray, has assisted Mr. Harwood in gaining his seat in the Commons. The admiral is an honorable gentleman and will not be corrupted. The same is true of Mr. Harwood.”
“Such rumors are rarely founded on complete innocence,” Lady Lockwood maintained, clearly unconvinced.
Sophia was quiet for a moment, wondering whether she could truly convince these women of Felix’s innocence. Although it was difficult to speak of, there was one argument that would clear his name.
“I…it is just that the person spreading the rumors is not unknown to me,” she said. “I believe he is motivated by jealousy.”
“Jealousy over what?” Lady Lockwood said, but Sophia would not answer that.
“I only know that in this case Mr. Harwood’s name has been wrongly dragged through the mud, and I believe the truth will come out.”
Lady Henry nodded. “We shall see.”
Chapter 24
