Chapter 30 #2
“There was news spreading through the Peachornsby ball of a missing…” Gabriella’s voice trailed, and Rose’s spine straightened in its rigidity, despite her own memories of Inez, and in hearing of Florence Groves, who had collapsed on the grass of the Hope House property then died in this very house.
“You…you should have come to us, Rose,” she finished on a helpless whisper.
“And wasted precious minutes?” Rose countered in a low voice. “I-I had to act. If I’ve learned anything these past few months, it’s that delay is as harmful as neglect.”
“Neglect?” Rebecca pushed a lock of hair off her forehead, revealing a small scar along the hairline. “Where did you find her?”
A muscle worked in Rose’s jaw as she debated how much to say. Adventurous Rose would not stoop to half-truths. “Whitefriars,” she admitted.
“What?” Huntley had joined the fray.
“All worked out.” Mostly. “Mr. Whitmore assisted me. I was perfectly safe,” she lied. Small steps.
“Mr. Whitmore?” Rebecca said. “Of Whitmore’s Wholesale? Is this a new development?”
“Somewhat.” Rose faced her family with her hands clasped at her lower back, her fingers crossed, and silently requesting Emerson’s forgiveness.
But, in her own defense, this was what they’d agreed upon.
Of sorts… “We’ve been seeing one another for several, er, weeks.
” All right, days, but she could hardly admit that.
“He shall be accompanying me to the charity subscription at Harlowe’s this evening. ”
Gabriella shook her head. “You’re terrifying me. I hardly recognize you.”
No more than I do myself. She lifted her chin, unsure of whether Gabriella referred to her news of seeing Emerson or of finding Viola.
She opted for the latter. “I learned of a young woman in need, and I acted.” To Rose’s utter dismay, tears pricked the backs of her eyes.
She turned away, blinking quickly. “I would do it again.”
Gabriella exhaled sharply. Seconds later, she had her arms wrapped around Rose. “Where is she now, darling?”
“Unfortunately, Miss Lockhart has chosen not to accept our hospitality. She’s gone. I’ve failed her,” she finished on a choked cry.
“You didn’t fail her, Rose,” Rebecca said, taking her hand. “We cannot help someone who does not wish to be helped.”
Rose nodded, the tears slipping free.
“But, Rose,” Rebecca went on sternly, “please don’t do anything so foolish again. All it would take is for one of us to become endangered for Sebastian to pull his support of Hope House. That would hurt everyone.”
“Oh.” She hadn’t thought of that. The heaviness in her chest turned to one of cast iron, hindering her ability to breathe. The lack of oxygen sent spots warbling her vision. “I-I need to sit down.”
Instantly, her sister and sister-in-law swept her to the drawing room, leading her to the settee. Gabriella quickly set a fresh cup of heavily sugared tea in her shaking hands.
All Rose could think was that once again she’d botched things with her recklessness. Her actions had put the future of Hope House at imminent risk. She knew as well as anyone that Sebastian would not hesitate at shutting them down if he found the family in jeopardy.
Wet licks dotted the backs of her hands, startling her. Rose blinked, and her eyes focused on Lady MacBeth.
“You mustn’t worry so. You are distressing my little queen. She’s quite sensitive, you know.” Gabriella spoke in a singsong teasing tilt.
At one time, Rose would have snapped her youngest sister’s head off for intimating the least little look into Rose’s insecurities.
She smoothed her hands over Her Majesty’s little head.
Now, nothing but gratitude and love for the family she’d resented for so many years rippled through her.
More tears welled, and it took all her composure to keep them from spilling over again.
“I’ll be fine. I’m terribly sorry to have bungled things so. ”
Rebecca touched her arm, her earlier indignation no longer visible. “At least allow us to help next time.”
Rose’s heart hitched, guilt and relief warring.
Perhaps that was the point. Rose was no longer alone, however hasty her instincts.
She had allies—even if they scolded her so.
Rebecca shoved a handkerchief in her hands, and Rose blotted away the tears, nodding.
“I promise. I won’t put the House at risk again. ”
“It’s all right to make mistakes, darling,” Gabriella told her. “But let’s make them together.” Her sister hugged her. “More than anything, I want you to know how thrilled I am that you are part of this experiment.”
“I shall second Gabby,” Rebecca said, smiling. “Between the three of us, we shall do wonders for many young women in need. But ’tis wise to remember, there will be the occasional failure.” This, she added softly.
The sounds of rustling silk and excited chatter drifted faintly from the fitting room down the hall.
“It sounds as if we’ve a tea to attend,” Gabriella said. “Huntley is rounding up a few outriders to accompany us from the city. We should be able to leave soon. I cannot wait to see how large Antonia is. That’s horrible of me, I suppose.”
Rebecca laughed. “Come, let’s see how our charges are faring.”
Some of the pressure in Rose’s chest alleviated. She stood and followed Rebecca and Gabriella to the fitting room to find laughter and chatter ensuing as final seams were tucked and hems were checked.
For a heartbeat, true regret seeped through Rose at failing to impress upon the young Miss Lockhart the importance of Hope House. Viola was so young—just a girl, really, who’d trembled with fury and fear. But she’d allowed pride to intervene and turned away the generosity offered her.
Rose hoped the best for Viola, truly, as Society would never welcome her now. Lady Lockhart had seen to that. The girl had been cast adrift by its stricture, her life doomed before barely getting started.
Why did Society have to set such impossible standards for women and girls?
It was blatantly unfair. And the worst of it was how women themselves judged others so quickly when, if they rallied together…
Viola needn’t have been cast out. She would have had a bed here.
Food. Safety. And possibly unexpected friends.
Rose wanted to cry for her. Or perhaps it was herself she wanted to cry for.
All those wasted years with that scallywag Stanford.
Self-realization was hurtful in its way, while also enlightening—ugh, like Rose had been at Viola’s age.
Rose hadn’t learned her lessons soon enough.
Stuck married to a horrible man, stuck with the consequences of her own stubborn pride for years on end.
She’d only thought to help Viola avoid such difficulties. But the girl was as stubborn and as prideful as Rose had been. It was fruitless to hope Viola’s realizations would not ruin her life forever.
Regardless, Rose remained steadfast in her decision in not allowing Viola to attend the tea in Amersham. Viola’s actions and words could not be allowed to go without consequence.
A long sigh of regret escaped her. Rebecca and Gabriella were right. One couldn’t help someone who didn’t wish to be helped.
With that, Rose clapped her hands, garnering everyone’s attention. “You all look lovely. Shall we be on our way?”
Just before reaching the door, Maisie skittered forth, nearly flying past on the newly waxed floors. “A note for you, Lady Stanford.”
“A note? For me?” She took the missive and broke the seal to a scrawl becoming quite familiar. Emerson’s bold, uncompromising script slashed the page.
I hear Hope House is already aflame with its newest arrival. I have every confidence you will conquer this battle as you have every other you’ve faced. Tonight, you’ll allow me to manage ours. Be ready by eight.
—Whitmore
The blasted man. It was a charity soiree, not a dinner party.
“One moment, ladies, whilst I respond to this particular demand,” she said through clenched teeth, then stomped down the hall.
In the drawing room, she went to the escritoire and scribbled her own dictate, then raced back to the entryway. This was her outing after all.
The curious eyes of every young woman pelted her, and glinted amusement from Gabriella and Rebecca. She ignored them and turned to the housekeeper, handing over her note. “Mrs. Kier, please dispatch this to Ten Manchester Square as quickly as possible.” She turned to her charges. “Ladies?”
More excitement filled the hall as Rose led the girls through the door, where two carriages and several outriders awaited them.