Chapter 20 The Reform #2
The gentle clink of teacups and the soft murmur of conversation filled the cozy parlor of Hatchard’s bookshop on Piccadilly.
Elisha, Amelia, and Charlotte Carlisle sat ensconced in a quiet corner, their heads bent together in earnest discussion.
The scene was a far cry from their first meeting seven years prior, when Charlotte, then a fledgling barrister, had represented Elisha and Amelia in their protest against the abhorrent conditions in London’s workhouses.
Through a clever combination of public sympathy and legal maneuvering, she had managed to prove their protest had actually prevented a deadly outbreak of typhus.
The magistrate, though initially hostile, had been swayed by Charlotte’s passionate argument that their actions had served the public good, particularly when several prominent philanthropists stepped forward to support their cause.
The Times had even published a favorable account of the proceedings, turning what could have been a harsh sentence into a mere warning and cementing Charlotte’s reputation as a defender of the downtrodden.
That fateful encounter had forged a bond between the three women, united in their pursuit of justice and social reform.
Charlotte’s impassioned arguments in the courtroom had not only secured better treatment for the workhouse inmates but had also kindled a fierce determination in Elisha and Amelia to affect change through the power of the written word.
As they partook of Earl Grey and nibbled upon delicate petit fours, Charlotte regaled Elisha and Amelia with a most fortuitous encounter involving the Duke of Lancaster, and the connections forged through her esteemed husband.
“What a remarkable coincidence!” Amelia exclaimed, her eyes alight with intrigue.
“Pray tell, is His Grace in good health? Does he remain in London?” Elisha inquired, her tone carefully measured.
Charlotte’s gaze sharpened, a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes. “He appeared to be in fine fettle, as far as I could discern. Might I inquire as to your particular interest?”
“Elisha harbors tender feelings for the duke,” Amelia said, her voice lowered conspiratorially. “Most ardent sentiments, indeed.”
“I do not!” Elisha protested with haste, though her vehemence was met with skeptical glances from her companions.
“You shared an intimate moment,” Amelia persisted, her tone gently chiding.
Charlotte’s gloved hands flew to her mouth in astonishment. “Elisha! How utterly delightful! I trust the experience was agreeable?”
Elisha was certain her countenance had turned crimson as she shielded her face behind her hands. She offered a demure nod in response.
Her two friends emitted soft squeals of delight, embracing Elisha with unbridled enthusiasm, much to the curiosity of nearby patrons.
“I fear that fleeting moment shall remain singular in nature,” Elisha confessed, her voice tinged with melancholy. “His Grace withdrew from my acquaintance following my rebuff of his proposition for a more… intimate association.”
“Good heavens, how dreadfully unfortunate,” Charlotte murmured, her tone laden with sympathy. “Are you quite certain that is the cause of his reserve?”
“What other explanation could there be? While he did not speak the words precisely, the implication was clear.”
Charlotte regarded her friend with a measured gaze.
“I might be inclined to concur with your assessment had I not made His Grace’s acquaintance.
However, having done so, I find myself less certain.
The prospect of courting a lady beneath his station carries significant implications for every facet of his life, including his relations.
Perhaps he endeavors to sway his family or seeks means to render your courtship feasible. ”
Elisha’s lips curved in a wistful smile.
“Believing he is a rake helps guard my heart.” Elisha smiled brightly for her friends’ sakes.
“I appreciate your attempt to lift my spirits, my dear, but such efforts are unnecessary. I doubt a gentleman of his reputation would lose sleep over one such as myself. In any case, I have no desire to discuss or hear of him further. I have made my peace with the nature of men and the circumstances between us. I assure you, I’m quite well.
Now, might we turn our attention to Mr. Steele’s correspondence instead? ”
“Speaking of Mr. Steele,” Charlotte said, a mischievous glint in her eye, “I confess, I’ve read Whispers of the Heart.”
“You haven’t!” Elisha gasped. “Since when did you stop reading law periodicals?”
“Oh, I find myself with some leisure time when not fighting men alone,” Charlotte grinned. “And so has Amelia, haven’t you?”
Amelia blushed but nodded. “It was quite passionate, actually. Perhaps lacking in finesse when it came to certain, ahem, gestures, but the emotion was certainly abundant.”
“I read it for the journal, but I can’t believe you both read it by choice even after my review,” Elisha said, shaking her head.
“The whole of London has, thanks to your feud,” Amelia teased. “Aren’t you the least bit curious about the man behind the words? I picture him as tall, blond, statuesque.”
“Hardly,” Elisha snorted. “I imagine he’s of average height, pleasant enough to look at but rather portly, with thinning hair and a short beard to compensate.”
Amelia and Charlotte exchanged amused glances. “You seem to have given this some thought,” Amelia observed. “Have you seen him? Do you know his identity?”
“Of course not,” Elisha lied. The truth was, she had imagined him just as Amelia had described except dark haired.
She had forced herself to stop fantasizing about him, however, when her imaginary Mr. Steele merged with the image of the duke.
It was too disturbing to contemplate. She might cope with losing one man, but two was too heartbreaking.
“Well, whoever he is, he’s certainly good for business,” Amelia said, lowering her voice. “Our subscription numbers have increased by ten percent each week since your correspondence began.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened. “Impressive.”
As they continued to discuss the implications of Steele’s challenge, Elisha found her mind wandering again to the Duke of Lancaster. She couldn’t help but wonder what he would make of all this.
“Elisha?” Amelia’s voice broke through her companion’s reverie. “Where did your thoughts wander? You appeared leagues away.”
“Oh, it was nothing of import,” Elisha replied hastily, reaching for her teacup. “I was merely pondering whether Mr. Steele might occupy a prominent position in Society. If he possesses the means to donate 1000 pounds sterling, surely we might have heard of him.”
“In truth, I have been endeavoring to uncover his identity, but to no avail,” Amelia confessed.
“It is most peculiar. None can offer any insight into Mr. Steele, even accounting for his nom de plume. I’ve been discussing the finer points with his solicitor, Mr. Beckett, but I dare not ask him to betray his client’s confidence. ”
“When are the tomes to be published?” Charlotte asked, her legal mind ever attuned to the specifics.
“Let me see,” Amelia said, consulting a small notebook. “The manuscript is to be submitted on the 15th of August, printed and distributed by October, with the final tally of orders to be completed on New Year’s Eve.”
“The final draft is due but one month hence,” Elisha exclaimed, her palms pressed to her cheeks in dismay. “Between my articles and teaching duties, I have scarcely had a moment to write.” She rubbed her temples, fatigue etched on her features.
“Have no fear on that account. I believe Steven has an idea.”
“Truly? Such as?”
“I don’t want to ruin the surprise for him. I will let him tell you, but it will help your literary endeavor.”
“Whatever it is, I am deeply grateful, Amelia.”
“Have you engaged an agent or a publishing house for your tale?” Charlotte asked, her posture straightening.
“I regret to say I have not had the opportunity to investigate the matter,” Elisha replied, glancing uncertainly at Amelia, who shook her head in response.
“Splendid!” Charlotte exclaimed, her enthusiasm taking both women by surprise.
“I confess I have been suffering from an excess languor since our arrival. Andrew is consumed by his business affairs, and while our social calendar overflows, it offers little in the way of intellectual stimulation. I am thankful to have found a purpose at last. I marvel that no one has approached you, given the veritable gold mine of publicity at your disposal. Once I secure an offer, I shall have it scrutinized by Andrew’s solicitor, unless you have another in mind.
” Charlotte regarded them with keen eyes.
Both women shook their heads and murmured their gratitude.
Charlotte rose, gathering her parasol and reticule.
“I shall take my leave to secure a publishing house and negotiate the most advantageous terms imaginable. My first call shall be to Chapman and Hall, the publishers of both Mr. Dickens and Mr. Steele. I intend to insist they match Mr. Steele’s remuneration, given the profit they stand to gain from this literary wager.
Should they prove recalcitrant, I shall not hesitate to approach Longman. ”
With a swift kiss upon each cheek, Charlotte hastened away. Elisha watched her departure, grateful for her advocacy yet somewhat unsettled by her precipitous exit.