5. Miss Harrington is Borne Off to London
Miss Harrington is Borne Off to London
Lady Arabella Marlstone, cherished for her delightful eccentricities, partook of tea with her goddaughter in the verdant county of Kent.
She had insisted upon taking her seat in the modest rear parlor of Harrington Manor, having pronounced the formal rooms utterly uninhabitable.
“One must erect a veritable fortress of folding screens to fend off the insufferable drafts,” she declared.
In years long past, she had found her station as a diplomat’s wife to be most gratifying.
Yet widowhood and the rallying of her philanthropic friends had revealed to her a world beyond politics, one she found infinitely more absorbing.
Introduced to an animal welfare charity, Lady Marlstone took up the cause with characteristic enthusiasm, proclaiming its righteous mission to all who would lend an ear.
A childless widow of considerable means and a prominent fixture within London society, she devoted herself to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, whilst also taking a keen interest in the welfare of her brother’s sons and her beloved goddaughter, Lucinda.
The latter, the daughter of her dear departed friend, Lady Harrington, occupied a special place in Lady Marlstone’s affections—and, if she had her way, in her plans as well.
“Lucinda, my dear,” Arabella announced with her usual flourish, brandishing a cucumber sandwich with abandon. “The latest triumph of my endeavors must be shared. We have rescued no fewer than four-and-twenty spaniels from the clutches of a most nefarious poacher.”
“Four-and-twenty?” Lucinda echoed, her teacup arrested midway to her lips. “What on earth was he doing with them all?”
“Why, fattening them up for some unspeakable trade, I am sure,” Lady Arabella replied darkly. “But thanks to the Society, the poor darlings now repose in genteel comfort, awaiting adoption. One never knows when an unsuspecting dowager may require the special devotion of a gentle canine.”
Lucinda laughed, “You are a marvel, Lady Arabella. You have such dedication—your work is enviable.”
“Well, my pet,” her ladyship said, setting down her teacup, “I am exceedingly gratified to hear it, for I have a most pressing proposal.”
She paused, laying both chubby hands on her lap.
“My commitments are multiplying at a rate that would astonish even Napoleon himself, and I find myself in need of assistance. Your father has agreed to let me whisk you back to town with me next week.” One hand reached for Lucinda’s.
“Will you be my lieutenant in this most noble of causes?” With a twinkle, she added, “I shall not deny that my charitable endeavors often bring me into the company of the most charming gentlemen. Mr. Wilberforce, for instance, is a delightful conversationalist.”
“Lady Arabella,” began Lucinda, casting her godmother’s hand back at her. “I hope you are not hatching any matchmaking schemes, your last attempt was disastrous.”
“Well, my love, I wish you would consider me beyond some oviparous farm animal. My last attempt was, in fact, a masterpiece of planning. If only Alex had been the tiniest bit less obtuse, all would have gone off splendidly.”
“While I am grateful for your thoughtfulness, ma’am, my heart has yet to recover from…”
Lucinda’s smile faltered, and she looked away. “Well, from being denied Alex’s sincere regard.” She sighed. “You see, I did so much desire to be his wife.”
Lady Arabella regarded her goddaughter with pity.
“Yes, that came to my notice as quite a surprise, my pet. I never imagined you were so smitten with him. A leftover from childhood revelries, one must suppose.” Not one to linger in sentiment, Arabella tried to move forward.
“My love, you must not allow the affections of childhood to dictate the course of your future. Alex, for all his qualities, has about as much sense in these matters as a turnip.”
Staring outside, Lucinda’s memories of her gallant young Alex danced at the edge of her thoughts, but she pushed them aside. “I fear I am not in a position to entertain suitors or partake in matchmaking endeavors if that is your aim, ma’am.”
“Did I say aught to that effect?” Arabella asked all wide-eyed innocence. “I require your assistance with my charity work,” she reiterated. “From what I know of your kind nature and resourcefulness, I think it would be an excellent fit.”
Lucinda relented, then nodded. “If I can be useful to you, I am ready to help. In truth, I crave an occupation.”
“That settles it!” Lady Arabella declared, clapping her hands. “To town, we go! And mind, Lucinda,” she twinkled, reclaiming her teacup and another sandwich, “you had better pack something dashing. One never knows what adventures await in pursuit of a good cause.”
For the inaugural annual meeting of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in July 1825, Lady Marlstone had her goddaughter by her side armed with a dainty notepad and pencil.
First to speak was The Dowager Countess Harcourt, who enumerated, at length, the evils of bear baiting before the key speaker rose and took to the center of the room.
“You’re going to enjoy this,” whispered Lady Arabella into Lucinda’s ear, “‘Humanity Dick’ can hold a room like no one else.”
Richard Martin began by opening his Bible and reading from the book of Jonah in his deep, sonorous voice.
He opened his speech with a forceful indictment: “If the Lord can feel pity and compassion for mere cattle as much as men, then we in his likeness should too!” There was not a rustle of silk or indeed a set of eyes in the room that did not rest on the commanding presence of Humanity Dick.
His speech centered on his anti-cruelty bill and his recent triumph at getting the bill passed through Parliament.
Following Mr. Martin, stood Joseph Pease, a young but ardent man of twenty-five who expounded to the assembled crowd of unenlightened women the horrors of cockfighting from the combatants’ point of view.
Many handkerchief-muffled gasps were heard during his graphic descriptions.
Providentially, what followed was a pause in proceedings for refreshments.
Several older women were glad for the restorative power of a cup of tea and a sweet biscuit to settle their nerves and once allayed, were quite adamant that reform had to be taken.
The bustle of activity amongst the attendees spoke volumes of the organization’s thriving heartbeat.
Ladies and gentlemen of compassionate inclinations milled about, orchestrating relief for creatures great and small.
“Lucinda, there you are!” called Lady Marlstone, coming through the crowd. “Come, I must introduce you to our benefactors.”
Obediently, Lucinda allowed her godmother to make several introductions.
Mr. John Ashley Warre, the Parliamentarian, welcomed her with a nod.
The social reformer and Quaker, Baronet Buxton, extended his hand for shaking, catching her off guard.
Basil Montagu and William Wilberforce were interrupted, but genially dropped their conversation to be introduced to Lady Marlstone’s goddaughter.
Lady Eyre, always pleased to meet another animal advocate, praised Lucinda’s courage to join the Society.
Lady Marlstone told Joseph Pease his speech would not soon be forgotten and reciprocated an introduction to her goddaughter for that of his companion, Lord Creswell, a renowned London barrister who had been instrumental in getting Humanity Dick’s anti-cruelty bill passed through Parliament.
Arabella did her best to encourage the newcomer. But when her attention was taken by Mr. Pease, Lord Creswell drew near Lucinda to ask what motivated a pretty young woman like her to busy herself with the serious nature of animal protection.
“I should be a heartless creature, my lord, were I not to be stirred by the harsh realities that beset our world.”
“A commendable sentiment, Miss Harrington—though one must observe certain boundaries. To dwell on such matters risks unsettling the finer temperaments—a hazard which, I fear, grows more inevitable by the day.” His gaze swept over the assembled women.
“I find it altogether…improper,” he concluded, “that ladies should insist upon involving themselves where their presence is, at best, decorative —and at worst, a trial upon the patience of civilized society.”
“Improper, sir, or inspirational?” She gestured toward the animated clusters of ladies nearby. “Observe the room. Mr. Pease’s words have already moved several ladies to form action committees.”
Creswell’s eyebrow lifted. “How…industrious of them. Though I confess, I have always found the most enduring reforms begin not in drawing rooms, but in the minds of those equipped to enact them. A lady’s influence, after all, is best exercised through the gentle arts—needlework, perhaps, or the arrangement of flowers.
Even the most determined bud will find it a futile endeavor to alter the nature of the vine. ”
“Perhaps, Lord Creswell,” Lucinda replied, her tone cool as she squared her shoulders, “it is precisely because we are so underestimated that we may achieve what others deem impossible. Surely, it is a woman’s nature to nurture and protect?
Imagine what a room full of such resolve might achieve if only we were given the opportunity. ”
Lord Creswell’s chuckle, low and indulgent, grated on her senses. “You are most spirited, Miss Harrington,” he drawled. “It adds mightily to your charm, my dear.”
Lucinda’s retort hovered on her lips, but before she could deliver it, Lady Marlstone reappeared, ushering her back to their seats for the second session.
“Lucinda, my dear! Was I not right?” cried Lady Marlstone, emerging from the Crown the rain will be upon us soon, and I shall not have my bonnet at the mercy of the elements.”
Once ensconced within the carriage, Lady Marlstone embarked upon a spirited discourse regarding her plans for their forthcoming endeavor. By all appearances, satisfied with her day, Arabella pressed Lucinda’s hand.
“You’ve done splendidly today, my love. I am so very pleased you took notes for me.
The effort to concentrate for six hours and then recall all the reforms that must be championed can leave one dizzy with indecision.
But after a quiet night at home and a good sleep, you and I will peruse the notes to fix our plans. ”
Recalling the idleness of genteel womanhood that Lady Sinclair had taken pains to instill, Lucinda was now profoundly happy to have found not only an occupation but also a noble purpose. She had no intention of letting anyone, condescending gentlemen included, deter her from it.