Chapter 15 #2
“Indeed.” Tilly nodded. “He has shown me how to act with grace and decorum, even when I am afraid. He has protected me from storms, and he makes sure I am always safe. Her Grace has always made sure that I am polite, kind, and charming. His Grace makes sure I am brave.”
Laurence’s heart thudded in his chest. He had never thought that Tilly would praise him so earnestly. The ladies also seemed shocked, but smiled widely, nonetheless.
“We are so glad to hear that His Grace is good to you,” the lady in the blue dress said. “Could you tell us about the works Her Grace is fundraising for?”
“Certainly!” Tilly’s eyes lit up, her smile widening, then launched into a discussion about the orphanage and the hospital.
Laurence beamed and stepped away, satisfied that Tilly was in no danger of being mocked.
Looking around the room, he saw others engaged in conversation. Edith was talking to another group of nobles, and James was laughing in a corner with someone. He knew he also needed to do his part.
He took a breath and made his way toward some of the gathered nobles and forced himself to smile.
“Good evening, thank you for joining us,” he greeted.
The men turned to him, seeming a little surprised that he had addressed them.
One man, Lord Harrington, cleared his throat. “Indeed, I did not expect to be invited,” he said with a nod.
“And why is that?” Laurence asked.
“Well, the last time I saw your wife, I may have…” Lord Harrington hesitated. “I may have been having a difficult day and was less than kind. I am so relieved that that doesn’t seem to have diminished her opinion of me.”
Laurence nodded. Of course, he knew this was the man Edith had to pay for the statue that Tilly broke.
“Well, my wife does not appear to be one to hold grudges,” he said. “And I can assure you that she will feel much better about that interaction after tonight.”
“A-After tonight?” Lord Harrington echoed.
The other lords glanced anxiously at each other.
“Of course.” Laurence nodded. “After all, if her charity is doing well, then she will be happy.”
Lord Harrington swallowed hard. Laurence held his smile.
“Your Grace!” James laughed as he walked over, clapping Laurence on the back. “Don’t tell me we’ve already resorted to threats?”
“Of course not,” Laurence said with a grin. “I was just helping my wife.”
“If you say so,” James drawled. “I, of course, have already left a lovely donation for your wife. Is ten pounds enough?”
“Any amount toward her causes will make her happy.” Laurence smiled. He was glad his friend was backing him up.
Lord Harrington seemed to shrink a little. “I… uh… I can offer twenty pounds,” he stammered out.
“Is that all?” Laurence asked. “I mean, my wife has been very generous with you in the past. And we are all called to have a spirit of generosity to those less fortunate than us.”
Lord Harrington’s face fell, and he pursed his lips. He opened and closed his mouth, glancing at the men behind him for support. None came. He grimaced and turned back to Laurence.
“I can offer fifty pounds,” he said.
Laurence didn’t respond.
Lord Harrington squirmed. “Eighty pounds,” he finally murmured.
Laurence smiled. “I am sure Her Grace will be extremely grateful.”
He could feel James vibrating next to him as he tried to contain his laughter.
“I can offer another twenty pounds,” one of the other lords said.
“I shall add another ten into the pot,” the last one said.
Laurence nodded. “I am ever so grateful for your generosity toward my wife’s causes.”
The lords nodded nervously.
“Well, I should see to the other guests,” Laurence declared, before turning and walking away with James.
Once they were out of earshot, James couldn’t hold it in any longer; he burst out laughing.
“Your Grace! That was daylight robbery!”
“I am not the one who forced him to say eighty pounds. I simply asked him to consider having a more generous spirit.” Laurence shrugged.
“While subtly threatening him,” James snorted.
“You know as well as I do that Her Grace is much better at being delicate,” Laurence said.
“Indeed,” James agreed, wiping his eyes. “My dear friend, you have changed.”
“I have?” Laurence asked.
“For the better,” James assured him. “In days past, you would have avoided all contact with any of the guests. Aside from myself, I suppose. Unless they approached you. However, I just witnessed you menacing a group of lords into donating a large sum!”
“Perhaps I have found the way I can best help my wife,” Laurence said sagely, trying not to laugh.
James snickered. “Oh, that is certain. I daresay the recipients of Her Grace’s benevolence will always be in your debt.”
“As long as Her Grace is happy,” Laurence replied.
James’s smile softened. “My, my, you really have changed,” he said softly. “In the most extraordinary way.”
Laurence grinned and walked with his friend toward another group of lords.
He didn’t want to admit it, but he was rather enjoying himself. Not only was he speaking to people, but he was also being helpful to Edith. He would glance at her on occasion, a proud smile on his lips as she gracefully collected donations and spoke to the nobility.
Surely, tonight would be an enormous success for her and her charities.
“Your Grace,” Lord Hargrove’s voice cut through the merriment.
Laurence winced and slowly turned toward him. “Lord Hargrove. I wasn’t aware that you were on tonight’s guest list,” he said coolly.
Lord Hargrove smirked, clearly having a plan in mind.