Page 155 of Doxy for the Ton
He glanced over his shoulder again and met Lily’s gaze. She smiled and nodded, then resumed her attention on the man at her side.
When they reached the school—an enormous red-bricked building in the center of the village—Lady Radham led them inside to a hall filled with rows of chairs, already half occupied, with a central aisle and a raised platform at the far end.
“Take your seats, everyone,” Lady Radham said. “Eleanor, there’s room for your party on the back row.”
“What the devil’s going on?” Alexander asked as the duchess led him to a seat. “Why have you brought me here?”
“To witness what you helped bring about.”
“Me?” he replied. “Forgive me, but I don’t—”
“Hush!” the duchess whispered. “Lady Radham’s about to speak.”
The chattering among the party lessened as everyone settled into their seats. Then Lady Radham stepped onto the platform.
“Thank you for attending, on this special occasion,” she said, “the opening of our first school for young women. Many of you remember this building as it once was—barely four walls, and hardly any roof, not even fit for Mr. Finch’s sheep to reside in, though that never stopped their enthusiasm for spending many a night in this establishment.”
A ripple of amusement threaded through the onlookers.
“But while I’m sure that sheep would benefit from a good education, many of you know that the cause most dear to my heart is that of young women—to give them the independence that only a good education can provide. And it’s for this reason that I championed this venture—something that I trust we’re all proud of.”
Someone said, “Hear, hear!” and Lady Radham raised her hand.
“Of course, I cannot go without praising the efforts of those who worked with such dedication to make today happen—the men who repaired the roof…”
A ripple of applause and male mutterings of agreement broke out.
“…and the women,” she added. “Those who helped to furnish the building, and the many wives who were content to release their men into our employ. For it’s a poorly kept secret who’sreallyin charge in a household.”
She paused to titters of female laughter.
“But I’m sure that you’ll not fail to agree that there’s one individual among us more deserving of praise than any other.” She gestured toward the front row. “One unique woman who, through hardship and adversity, has never wavered in her desire to see others flourish. A woman whose first thought is for others rather than herself, who gave her fortune so that others might have a better life. A woman who understands that while she cannot make a difference for everyone, she can change the world for those fortunate enough to know her.”
She placed her hand on her heart, then smiled.
“And wearemost fortunate. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Miss Jemima King!”
Alexander’s stomach clenched, and the breath left his lungs as the crowd stood. Applause thundered through the hall while he struggled to his feet. He teetered to one side, and a steadying hand caught his arm.
“Mimi?” he whispered. “MyMimi—she did all this?”
The duchess nodded, and his heart swelled with pride. He blinked back the tears as the cheering subsided. Then the crowd resumed their seats to reveal a single woman climbing onto the platform next to Lady Radham. Then Lady Radham retreated, applauding, leaving Mimi standing alone, a delicate bloom on her cheeks.
“I…” She hesitated, and her blush deepened. “I don’t know what to say. I did nothing, really. It wasn’t my fortune to give, but I thank you all, especially dear Lady Radham, for your generosity.” She gestured toward the front row. “And Miss Petford—soon, I’m delighted to say, to be Mrs. Wade. Dearest Lily, you have been at my side throughout.”
She lowered her gaze, and Alexander caught the faint tremor in the hem of her gown.
How different she was—this shy, unassuming young woman, unable to accept praise for her generosity—to the brash doxy with the fake accent from the docks. She had shed her armor entirely, to reveal the true woman beneath—the best of women.
He had never been more in love with her than at that moment.
She continued, her voice growing steadier.
“This school is a long-held dream of mine,” she said. “There are too many women in the world unable to live to their full potential—intelligent women, bright and compassionate women, who only need a little help to live the lives their deserve. Women who can do so independently if given the chance.”
Alexander blinked, and a tear splashed onto his sleeve. He wiped it away, and a soft hand took his.
“Why didn’t she tell me she was here, Duchess?” he whispered.
