Page 69 of Trade of a Lifetime (Trade Wind 1)

Chapter Eighteen

Clara eyed the tea cart as it passed, wishing the tea was laced with something stronger than sugar. Even the cakes and pastries held little appeal today. She exhaled slowly, seeking relief from her corset, which surely had been over tightened.

The rustle of petticoats and skirts roused her from her worries.

“Good morning!” Clara infused the greeting to Stella with heartfelt warmth, despite her equally genuine trepidation at the imminent conversation.

The tea, once served, could have been tasteless for the attention Clara paid it. As soon as they had sufficient privacy, she looked up to find Stella watching her with crystalline attention.

“I’ve important LLS matters to discuss today.”

“Of course.” The slightest of creases appeared between Stella’s brows.

“We’ve spoken of financial arrangements only when absolutely necessary, and with as little detail as we could manage. That must change.”

Stella blinked once but didn’t otherwise move.

“Our first visit to the hammam opened more than my pores, Stella. My eyes were opened. It’s time to ensure the welfare of the LLS no matter what happens to me. Whether by death or marriage, I mustn’t let my end be the end of Violet House.”

Stella angled her head, listening.

“As it stands, if I die, so does funding to the LLS. If I marry, I cease to exist, legally. Title to the building in Soho would pass to my husband upon marriage. He could cut off the funds to the LLS. Unfortunately, every solution to the problem has an imperfection.”

“What are the options?” asked Stella quietly.

“I consulted with a solicitor.” She shrugged. “A charitable trust could be created. I’d convey property and funds to the trust before marrying. It’s the surest way to protect a philanthropic endeavor such as ours.”

“And the imperfection?”

“A trust requires individuals to act as trustees.Maleindividuals.”

Stella nodded tiredly, sitting back in her chair. “Which rules out the trust. It would result in the very outcome you’re determined to avoid. Have you other options?”

“I have.” Clara smiled in spite of her nerves. “You.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You’re a person of integrity, one who’s vowed never to marry, never to subject herself or her property to another’s dominion. If I transfer funds to you for the LLS, they shall be safe, and as such, Violet House will be safe.”

Stella was silent. Clara forced her tea cup to her lips.

“If you transfer funds to me, they would be safe—from everyone but me,” said Stella pointedly.

“Quite.”

A brief burst of anger passed over Stella’s expression. “Does that not trouble you?”

“What, specifically?”

“Placing such trust in me—in a woman of ill repute. Isn’t that imprudent?”

Clara bit her tongue against replying straight away. The more fervent her declarations in defense of Stella, the more her friend retreated. “What troubles me is the precariousness of the LLS. Of the women who need us now, and who’d need you to take over in the event that I am…unavailable.”

“By death or marriage.”

Clara nodded. “Perhaps I’m foolish to consider marriage, but if I’m to…have more family, it’s what must be borne. But I shan’t forget my Violet House family, whatever happens.”

“Should you choose this path, Clara, I vow to fulfill your wishes. I don’t seek this stewardship, that is certain, but how could I decline when Gussie and the others rely on Violet House?”

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