Page 40 of The Duke of Desire
Chapter Nine
It was nothing short of a miracle when the sun burst through the clouds as the ladies of the house party, and a handful of gentlemen, drove into the village of Wendover. As the footman opened the door to the coach, Ivy looked up at the sky and smiled. She’d been in a rather good mood since spending the prior afternoon with West. She was still harboring a bit of regret over not seeing her desires through, but she was also very glad she’d gone.
And now today was the event she’d been most looking forward to—the excursion to the workhouse. Like many towns, Wendover had a small workhouse that supported the local poor. Lady Wendover was the patron, and Ivy was keen to hear how it operated.
Emmaline and Mrs. Forth-Hodges came toward Ivy and Lady Dunn. Emmaline’s gaze was downcast, her frame droopy. She hadn’t come down for dinner last night, and Ivy could only surmise that she was sad about what had happened with Townsend. Ivy wondered if she could find a way to bring her friend a bit of cheer.
“Good afternoon,” Mrs. Forth-Hodges said brightly. She looked stiff, her smile a bit forced.
“Afternoon,” Lady Dunn said. “Capital day. I’m so pleased. Miss Breckenridge and I have been looking forward to this trip.”
“Is that right?” Mrs. Forth-Hodges asked politely.
Lady Dunn nodded. “My companion has quite the charitable nature. She helps at the Foundling Hospital in London and does whatever she can to provide assistance to the less fortunate.”
Emmaline met Ivy’s gaze. “I should like to do that.”
“We do, dear,” Mrs. Forth-Hodges said.
“Do you actually go to the hospital?” Emmaline asked Ivy.
“Yes. And a few of the workhouses. The women there are most disadvantaged.”
“And what can you possibly do to help them?” Mrs. Forth-Hodges asked. She seemed both aghast and genuinely interested.
Ivy was more than happy to inform her. The more people understood the plight of those they didn’t understand, the more compassion they might have. And more compassion meant they might help to improve the circumstances of those who were struggling. “I teach them to read,” Ivy said. “And to do figures. I’ve seen some of them gain employment and be able to leave the workhouse.”
Lady Dunn patted Ivy’s arm. “I’ve just begun to learn more about this since Miss Breckenridge came to work for me. I’ve been quite pleased to be educated and to support her endeavors. I make sure she has time every week to dedicate to her passion.” The viscountess smiled at Ivy, and for the first time in years, Ivy felt a knot in her throat. She wasn’t used to people speaking of her in this fashion. In fact, she had absolutely no experience with it.
Lady Dunn turned her attention back to Mrs. Forth-Hodges. “It’s very difficult, what Ivy does. There’s such a stigma surrounding these poor souls. You have to find the right person willing to employ them.”
Mrs. Forth-Hodges looked at Ivy with something akin to admiration. A distinct sense of discomfort swept through Ivy’s frame. She turned to Emmaline. “If you’d like to come with me some time, I’m sure we can arrange it.”
“Is it safe?” Mrs. Forth-Hodges asked.
“Goodness, yes,” Lady Dunn said. “For those that are in a questionable neighborhood, I send a footman with her, and you can do the same.”
Yes, the viscountess had insisted on having a footman accompany Ivy the very first time she’d asked for permission to go to a workhouse. It had been shocking—both Lady Dunn’s support and that she cared so much about Ivy’s safety. Ivy had said a footman wasn’t necessary, and they’d compromised by having her take one when she visited certain areas, which made sense. “Lady Dunn has even come with me a time or two,” Ivy said.
Lady Dunn chuckled. “Yes, but I daresay I won’t make a habit of it. That endeavor is for the young.” She lifted her cane.
Lady Wendover waved over at them and turned toward the entry to the workhouse.
“It looks like we’re going inside,” Ivy said.
Emmaline sidled up beside her and linked her arm through Ivy’s.
“Go on, girls,” Lady Dunn said, waving them ahead. “I’m not as spry as you.” She turned to Mrs. Forth-Hodges with an expectant smile. “You can tell me all about the charitable endeavors you’ve participated in.”
Emmaline dragged Ivy forward. “That will be a short conversation,” she said softly as they made their way toward the workhouse. “Mama likes to exaggerate sometimes. Often, actually.”
“How are you doing?” Ivy asked now that they were alone. “You seem sad.”
“I am. And angry. And disappointed.” She exhaled. “But what can I do except hold firm and wait for my parents to approve Townsend? He refuses to give up.”
Ivy hoped he meant it. “But he left?”
“He thought it was best. He gave me a letter explaining things and also wrote to my father. Father seemed impressed with whatever he said.” She gave Ivy a frustrated glance. “Not that he changed his mind.”
