“We work very hard to raise funds to pay for food and other necessities for women and children,” Julia explained.
“Especially for the widows and children of the war.”
“You seem the perfect advocate for such people,” she addressed Willa.
“What do you mean?” Willa asked.
Madeline sat on the edge of her chair and leaned forward to whisper her answer. “It is no secret what has befallen you and your mother. I would think if anyone could sympathize with those in need, you could.”
“Nothing unusual has befallen me, Miss Hershey,” Willa defended herself. “There are any number of second wives and their children who have met the same challenges. Unfortunately, when titles and estates are entailed to the heir, the remaining children are often forced to find a way to support themselves.”
“Please, do not take offense to what I have said. Primogeniture is not as widespread in my country. After all, I am the heiress to my father’s fortune.”
“If I recall properly,” Willa said, “the laws vary in different territories.”
“States,” Madeline corrected rather hastily.
“States,” Willa said. “Inheritance laws are not the same in every state.”
How Julia adored her friend for all the time she spent with her nose in a book, especially ones about history.
“What are the laws in Pennsylvania?” Julia asked.
“Pennsylvania? I live in New York.”
“Oh. I believe your brother, Mr. Garland, told me he was from Pennsylvania.”
Madeline waved her hand. “Yes, of course. We share the same mother, but his father was from Pennsylvania, mine from New York.”
“I see,” Julia said.
“Have you ever traveled abroad, Lady Julia?”
“To France and Italy when I was very young.”
“Do you have any desire to see America?”
“No,” she said with conviction.
“Why ever not?” Miss Hershey asked.
“I am perfectly happy with my home. America seems a world away, a very free place.”
“Free?”
“I believe she means primitive,” Willa said.
Julia covered her mouth to stifle a laugh—Madeline Hershey had taken great offense to what her friend had said.
“I assure you, I am as civilized as you, Lady Willa.”
Willa did not say anything, and awkward silence stretched between them until the Duke of Pridegate appeared.
“Ladies.” He bowed, offering a dazzling smile to Julia.
“Your Grace,” Miss Hershey said, standing. “Your friends were just telling me how uncivilized they think America is.”
Alonzo chuckled. “Many Englishmen would be hard pressed to agree after the war. Perhaps King George benefitted from losing that vast continent after all.”
