Page 29 of The Duke of Kisses
Mrs. Stoke lifted her hand. “Are you suggesting we provide references for these women?”
Lady Dunn turned her head toward the woman. “That’s what it sounds like to me, and I think it’s a wonderful idea.”
Mrs. Stoke’s face turned a dull shade of pink. “I wasn’t sure,” she said quietly. “It is a good idea.”
“Thank you.” Fanny wanted to smooth any ruffled feathers. “I appreciate your questions as well as your votes of confidence.” She smiled pointedly at both Mrs. Stoke and Lady Dunn.
“How did you arrive at this innovative scheme?” Lady Satterfield asked.
For a moment, Fanny’s brain arrested. Her gaze darted to Ivy. Her green eyes met Fanny’s in unspoken communication. Ivy’s history in a workhouse was a secret they hoped would remain buried.
Fanny offered a bright smile and a shrug. “It came to me as I worked with my sister on various charitable efforts. Growing up in Yorkshire, I saw plenty of young women who would benefit from formal training.” That was certainly true. Her and Ivy’s background was firmly working class. Their father made furniture and was proprietor of a cabinetry shop, and they lived on a farm that provided most of their food.
The conversation continued, and by the end of Fanny’s presentation, everyone in the room was excited about her project. The final question, from Emmaline, asked where the workhouse would be located.
“It seems as though it should be here in London,” Fanny said. “Yet I can’t help think of where I am from in Yorkshire.”
Aquilla looked around the room. “Perhaps we can start one here and, based upon its success, because of course it will be successful, we can then establish one in Yorkshire.”
There were universal murmurs of agreement, and Fanny felt a swell of pride and excitement. “Wonderful,” she said. “The first thing we must do is find a suitable location.”
“Or build one,” Lady Dunn said. “Though I daresay that would be rather expensive.”
“Yes,” Fanny agreed. “We will definitely need to raise a good deal of funds.”
Ivy stood. “My husband will be assisting us with the financial organization.” This was, unfortunately, necessary. It was frustratingly impossible to have an entirely woman-run endeavor. However, if any gentleman would help in the least intrusive way possible, it would be West.
“I’m sure Ned would be eager to help,” Aquilla put in. Fanny recalled that Aquilla’s husband was heavily involved in supporting asylums and could actually provide useful assistance.
“Thank you,” Fanny said. “And now, please enjoy some refreshments! There is ratafia and lemonade along with cakes and biscuits at the back of the room.”
Most of the women stood, and conversation immediately picked up.
Miss Stoke came toward Fanny with a tentative smile. “This is such a wonderful project. However did you find the courage to propose it?”
“I don’t think it was courage. More likely blind naïveté.” Fanny laughed. “In all honesty, I credit my sister. Ivy has such a compassionate and devoted heart.” And without assistance from a benevolent person such as these women here today, her life would be quite different. As would Fanny’s. She’d be married to Mr. Duckworth and probably fat with his child.
“I’m sure it helps that she’s a duchess,” Miss Stoke said. “Money and position allows many things.” There was no bitterness or jealousy to her statement, but Fanny wondered at its origin. She was correct, of course, so perhaps it was nothing more than an honest observation. Still, Ivy was so much more than her title or wealth.
“It does, but Ivy would be the first to tell you that it’s precisely because of those things that she has a duty to help.”
Miss Stoke’s mouth spread into a pretty smile. “I agree. I am very much looking forward to helping, however I can.” She leaned closer and kept her voice low. “We don’t have a very lofty position, but my parents are hoping my marriage will change that.”
“Are you betrothed?” Fanny asked politely.
“Not yet, but I will be. To an earl.” Her eyes shone with anticipation, and Fanny had to keep herself from saying she hoped she would be too. It was far too soon to expect a proposal from David, but she certainly wished for things between them to progress.
“I shall look forward to the announcement,” Fanny said. “And your participation in our endeavor. You should meet my friends Lady Northam, Miss Sarah Colton, and Miss Jane Pemberton.” Fanny escorted her to where the trio stood together and made the introductions.
Some time later, when the room was finally empty of guests, Leah’s nurse brought her in to see Ivy, who scooped her daughter up with a happy smile. “How is my girl?” Ivy nuzzled the baby nose to nose, then looked over to the nurse. “How is the tooth coming?”
“I think we’re through the worst of it,” the nurse said.
Leah grabbed the front of Ivy’s dress and tugged, causing Ivy to chuckle. “Someone is hungry, I think.” She shot a glance to the nurse. “I’ll bring her up in a bit. Thank you.”
The nurse inclined her head before turning and leaving the room. Ivy lowered herself onto the settee and dropped the front of her gown to expose her laced-front corset, which she quickly and expertly loosened. Tugging down the top of her chemise, she gave Leah free access to her breast to which her daughter happily latched on.
Fanny sat in a chair adjacent to her sister. “That went very well.”
