The Baron and the Bluestocking by G. G. Vandagriff Page A

would not have been wise. Lady Virginia has good instincts.”
    Hélène ventured a query that concerned her to a surprising degree. “Is she engaged to Lord Shrewsbury, then?” She steeled herself against the answer.
    “Not yet, my dear, though we do have hopes in that quarter. It is past time he was married.”
    Hélène did not question the relief she felt. The duchess grasped her hands. “Now! How long are you to stay at Aunt Clarice’s?”
    “She says we need rest for a week before we attempt the return journey. I wish it were not such a long time. Catherine Flynn is teaching my pupils, but I long to return to them!”
    “That speaks well of you, my dear. I am so very glad you are in that post.”
    “I understand you and the duke recommended me to Lady Clarice. Thank you very much.”
    Lady Kent claimed the duchess’s attention at that moment, and Hélène took the opportunity to approach Lady Virginia, who stood several yards away conversing with Lord Shrewsbury. They turned to face her as she approached.
    “Lady Virginia, how brave of you to stand up for me against the leader of the Whig party! You saved me from a very awkward situation. Thank you so very much.”
    “I did not know his position or I might not have had the temerity to speak up,” she said. Lord Shrewsbury’s eyes were gentle as he looked at the lady.
    Hélène felt an unwelcome pang in the region of her heart. She said, “Did I not use the best honey, my lord?”
    He turned his gaze on her and laughed. “You did, indeed.”
    Lady Virginia said, “For how long will you be visiting London, Miss Whitcombe, or is it Miss Whitcombe-Hodge?”
    “The latter, if you please. And I will be here for a week.”
    “Well, you must come to tea with my mother and me. I am certain she would like to meet you, and I should very much like to further our acquaintance.”
    Hélène wondered at the invitation. Why would this obviously fashionable lady want her for a friend? Was it only kindness? And why was she second-guessing it? “I think that would be lovely,” Hélène said after a moment. They settled on the next day at three o’clock.
    “And I should like to drive the two of you in the park,” said Lord Shrewsbury. “I will be the envy of every buck and fribble. Shall I call for you after tea tomorrow?”
    “Yes, do!” exclaimed Lady Virginia. “But be warned. We shall be carrying placards saying ‘Education for Women.’”
    He laughed. Lord Donald came up to them at that moment. “I say, my father was most awfully rude. I would offer my apologies on his behalf.”
    “It is not necessary,” Hélène said. “Lady Virginia defended me quite ably, and now we are become friends.”
    After a bit more conversation, Lord Donald offered his arm to Lady Virginia and led her away to meet his mother. Lord Shrewsbury turned to her with a twinkle in his eye. “You did very well, Miss Whitcombe-Hodge. I had no idea you were possessed of such tact.”
    “Then you do not know me very well, my lord. When I am among my peers, I do not hold back, but I know which side my bread is buttered on, as they say. Is Lord Kent a patron?”
    “Yes. He is.”
    “Oh, dear.” She twisted her hands together. “I cannot lose this position, my lord.” The reality of poverty once again reared its Medusa head.
    “You shall not. Ruisdell is by far the most powerful patron. He and I and Lord Deal would vote Kent down if it came to that.”
    “I have not met Lord Deal,” she said, looking around the room.
    “He lives abroad much of the time. He is married to Elise’s sister, Fanny. Neither of them care much for London society. I think they were traveling to Greece for the winter.”
    “How lovely. I suppose it must be a very great thing to travel.” Then, fearing she sounded a bit too wistful, she said, “But I am content with my lot. I do not think a life of leisure would suit me.”
    “Do you realize we have conversed a full five minutes without arguing?”