Page 33 of The Gentlewoman Companion (The Gentlewoman #4)
As Miss Trelawney spoke, each of their faces evolved into various expressions of shock—an open mouth, raised brows, a gentle shake of the head. In unison, the four young ladies turned their eyes on Louisa then flustered away, looking everywhere but at Louisa.
They were speaking of her. No doubt Miss Trelawney was telling her friends everything she knew about Louisa’s running away. Louisa grew hot, the triumph of a moment ago slipping away.
Turning from the young ladies, her gaze caught Lord Halverton, whose attention was captured by Miss Trelawney and her friends.
His brow was lowered to a thick, dark scowl.
Lord Halverton said something that made the young ladies blanch and flick a look at Louisa in turns.
The warmth in Louisa’s chest altered to something more comfortable.
What had Louisa to be ashamed of? If Lady Halverton and her son saw nothing untoward in her standing against her father’s wishes, Louisa would do her best to own the action.
She tightened her middle and raised her chin, meeting each embarrassed or curious glance with equanimity.
Their scorn could not compare to what she imagined she would face were her Great Misjudgment discovered.
Beside her, Miss Cron finished quoting Shakespeare to a neighbor and turned to her with a smile.
“You did very well,” she said. “Referencing Monsieur Boudier was brilliant.”
That meant something, coming from Miss Cron.
Though a bit dry, Miss Cron would never shame Louisa.
Friends were not always found where Louisa expected them.
Her imagination would never have stretched so far as to believe she and Lady Halverton would become close.
Even more surprising was Lord Halverton, whose kindness belied all probability.
Beneath the immaculate folds of his neckcloth, Lord Halverton harbored a sensitive heart that held no room for injustice.
Finding herself the beneficiary of his generosity made her feel as though the very earth beneath held her fast, safe and secure.
That he would do the same for anyone only strengthened her admiration of him.
Lady Montparnasse quieted the assembly and, in the most subtle and polite of terms, insinuated an end to the gathering.
Louisa and Lady Halverton headed toward the door, but a flock of chattering ladies congregated around her, taking her hand, asking for introductions.
Louisa strained to isolate one word from the next.
Shouldn’t they be speaking with Lady Halverton?
But their eyes were on Louisa, so she smiled and took their hands, and pushed her way through the crowd to the door.
Outside, Louisa and Lady Halverton huddled against the damp, cold evening as they waited for their carriage.
“Your opinion caused a near riot, my dear,” the countess said, her breath chilling white.
Louisa opened her mouth to protest but stopped herself. She would not decline the compliment.
Mrs. Trelawney appeared beside Louisa. “Lady Halverton, Miss Thorpe, how do you do? An interesting evening to be sure, if you’re of a mind to sit through so much noise. Heavens! When Mrs. Prichard said that…”
Miss Trelawney peeked around her mother, her shoulders shrunken, her eyes refusing to maintain contact with Louisa, who considered turning away to search the crowd for Lord Halverton.
But hadn’t Louisa just spoken about the importance of kindness? And where would she be without Lady Halverton’s generosity?
Though her feet felt heavy, Louisa stepped around the two older women and took Miss Trelawney’s hands, her breath stiff.
Half expecting a rebuff, Louisa said, “I am glad you are here. These salons can be tiresome when one is not well acquainted with many guests. What did you think of the discussion?”
“I thought you expressed yourself well.” Miss Trelawney did not maintain eye contact.
“If that is true, it is only because Lady Halverton and I discuss the materials beforehand. She is an excellent instructor. Do you enjoy the readings? I admit my own enjoyment is a recent development.”
Lord Halverton arrived and greeted Miss Trelawney coolly.
“Miss Thorpe,” Miss Trelawney said. “Some of us are riding in Hyde Park tomorrow morning.” She glanced at Halverton. “I would be pleased if you would join us.”
“I am not certain I am available. If I can, I will be there,” Louisa said, willing to show compassion, but the social prestige that came with associating with her did not feel so vital as it once had.
The carriage pulled up, and Lord Halverton handed Lady Halverton and Louisa into the carriage. Once they were on their way, he said, “Congratulations. I believe they will be discussing you for some time.”
“The question is, for what? I am not sure what Miss Trelawney told her friends, but I can guess,” Louisa said.
“What is this?” Lady Halverton asked.
Lord Halverton explained that Miss Trelawney had told her friends about Louisa’s fleeing on account of an arranged marriage. “I made her understand her rumormongering was ill-advised.”
“How did she know?” asked Lady Halverton.
Louisa twisted a ribbon on her gown. “I told her. She questioned me, and I didn’t know what to say. You did not think my behavior so scandalous.”
“I am not a Trelawney.” Lady Halverton sniffed. “You did well, James. I hope that makes an end of it, but let’s not mention that to anyone else, dear. Not until you are certain they are a true friend who will not betray your confidence.”
Would that she could guarantee everyone’s silence.
“But let us focus on your triumph! You were so bold this evening,” Lady Halverton said.
“And articulate. Well done, Miss Thorpe.”
Louisa swelled under her friends’ praise. “If anyone deserves credit, it is Lady Halverton. Left to my own devices, I certainly would not be forming opinions about the relative merits of men and women.”
Lady Halverton tsked. “It was not I who noticed that philosophers, while arguing for equality, still tend to value one gender over the other.”
A rush of satisfaction filled her. Perhaps with a bit more practice, she could truly stand on her own before society. Louisa realized that was what she longed for—not to be under Halverton’s protection, but to be respected for her own merits and contributions.
Awash with contentment, Louisa wished time would freeze, that she could forever retain the glorious sensation of having shared this moment with these two people whom she admired and loved so dearly.