Page 52 of Heartbreaker of the Ton
“Delicious,” he said.
He’d have to include a plea for forgiveness for uttering a falsehood in tonight’s prayer. But a falsehood seemed the safest option with four pairs of eyes focused on his every move—one stern and judgmental, the other three simpering and hopeful.
The eldest Miss Fulford let out a self-satisfied sigh, and her mother patted her arm.
“Quite so, Elizabeth, my dear,” she said. “My daughter is accomplished, is she not, vicar? Quite the paragon, though I say it myself. I daresay she would be heralded a jewel if she were to be presented at court.”
The daughter, if not the mother, had the grace to blush.
“I flatter myself that our society here is just as elegant as that in London,” Lady Fulford continued. “And you, vicar, are a part of that society. We very much consider you as being within our social circle.” She arched an expectant eyebrow.
Andrew nodded. “Thank you, Lady Fulford.”
“Which is why I find it necessary to remind you of your position here. After what I witnessed today, I fear for your moral welfare.”
“My moral welfare is in no danger, Lady Fulford,” Andrew said. “A vicar is expected to spend much of his time visiting those of his flock whose need is greater than others’.”
“And did you visit those in the greatest need today?”
“I visited most of the cottages in the back lane,” he said. “Matthew Dodd and his wife—old Mrs. Penfold. And”—he fixed his gaze on her—“Mrs. Smith.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Mrs. Smith—am I expected to know who she is?”
“She was your scullery maid for three years.”
She made a dismissive gesture. “Mrs.Smith, indeed! Doubtless the world is littered with thousands ofMrs. Smiths. What can she have to do with me?”
“You may have known her as Loveday Ford.”
Recognition flared in Lady Fulford’s eyes. “Vicar, I commend you on your charity, but I must ask you to refrain from mentioning that little slut in front of my daughters. The woman is a hussy who trapped a respectable young man into marriage.”
“How did she do that, Mama?” the youngest Miss Fulford asked.
“Caroline, you shall speak no more of the matter!” Lady Fulford cried. “This is not an appropriate topic of conversation for respectable young women.” She turned to Andrew. “You see the danger now, vicar? While I applaud your charitable activities, you ought to confine them to something more respectable.”
“You believe your daughters to be tainted by association with the more misfortunate souls of the village?” Andrew asked.
Particularly the young women whom your husband seduced to ruination…
Oh, if only he had the courage to utter that last remark out loud, to her face! But what good would it do? He’d merely find himself looking for another parish, given Sir John’s penchant for wreaking vengeance on anyone who insulted his wife.
Etty would have no such qualms. Were she here, she’d rise to her feet and open the eyes of Lady Fulford and her preening daughters to the wrongs of the world.
“And as for that woman at Shore Cottage,” Lady Fulford continued, “there’sa den of immorality if ever I saw one!”
“Etty?” Andrew’s hand shook, and hot tea splashed into the saucer.
“Ibegyour pardon?”
“I mean…Mrs. Ward.”
“Oh,vicar!” Lady Fulford said, shaking her head. “It’s worse than I feared. Do you not comprehend the danger you’re in?”
“Danger?”
She glanced at her daughters. “Girls, would you leave us, please? What I am about to say is not for your ears.”
“But Mama—”
