“It’s outrageous, isn’t it,” Gabby said softly.
“Well, that’s neither here nor there at this juncture. Besides, I have hopes of Sebastian taking some of the issues these women face to Parliament.”
“Once he learns it’s the women and their children we are assisting.” It was a hope Gabby shared as well. Yes, she didn’t see her brother as an obstacle for hers and Rebecca’s efforts. A long exhale escaped her. “All right. We have much to decide. How large is the house? I’ve had this thought of bringing someone in—a governess, if you will—who can provide education. And, what of clothes? Is there a housekeeper? A Cook?”
“The governess is an excellent notion. I shall leave the finding of her to you. The seamstress too. You are more familiar with London’s innerworkings than I.” Rebecca’s eyes flashed with excitement. “There is a housekeeper. She is to locate a cook.” She filled in other details of their new house for those in need. “It’s on Hope Street—apropos, don’t you think? Very quiet, with a number of trees.”
To Gabby, this adventure felt almost as if she’d taken a step back in time and that it was once more, she and Rebecca against the world. But, alas, that was not the case. “Sebastian will tell Huntley. Since my marriage, they do seem to be spending an inordinate amount of time together.”
“I feel certain Huntley is as fair minded as your brother,” Rebecca said. “Besides, we had the occasion to speak when we were stuck in the warehouse together.” She shuddered, then took a deep breath. “I feel certain you’ve married someone who shares your forward thinking.”
A bark of hysterical laughter escaped Gabby. “We shall see, I suspect. I’ll mention it in my own time.” She considered her friend and, newest sister. “I was right, you know.”
Rebecca lifted her cup to her lips. “In what regard?”
“You and Sebastian are perfect for one another.” Rebecca was the bravest woman Gabby had ever been fortunate to know. She had gone toe to toe with a horrible villain and had the scars to prove it. Which reminded her. “Have you any new wounds to exhibit?”
Anyone else would be aghast at such an inquisition but not Rebecca. She grinned—genuine and mysterious. “I do not. My husband makes daily inspections.” Two spots of pink highlighted her cheekbones, but there was no other show of discomfiture.
Gabby cleared her throat. “Yes, well.” She did a quick turn of topic. “Um, when can we view Hope House? And what do think of the name I just came up with,” she said with an impish grin.
“Hope House? It’s perfect. We can go now if you’ve the time.”
“I’m to meet Miss Clark at Portman Square.” Gabby rose and went to the window and looked out at across the street. From her position, she could just make out the top of Marble Arch Tower at Hyde Park corner. There were a few people wandering about, most likely having made the short walk across the street. There were still a few hours to the fashionable hour when the park would be overrun. “Do you wish me to bring her here?” She turned from the window. “As you said, my carriage and yours will not be invisible down a quiet street.”
“We could take a hackney. Did your maid accompany you?”
“Of course.”
“All right.” Rebecca stood and went over to the hearth and pulled the bell cord.
Ryleigh’s staid butler appeared in the doorway. “Please secure a hackney.”
“A hackney, Your Grace?” His stunned expression was almost comical.
Gabby covered her mouth with her hand.
“Right away, Your Grace,” he said, backing from the room.
“I see I shall have to speak with him and Ryleigh regarding my privacy,” Rebecca huffed in disgust. “Come. Let’s find your young lady.”
Armed with parasols, Gabby and Rebecca crossed the street and entered Portman Square Garden. Like Fitzroy’s tiny park, Portman Square was covered in matured English oaks. There was a clearing, and small paths, where one could walk at one’s leisure. But unlike Fitzroy, there was no fountain. Odd, since Portman Square was easily double the size of Fitzroy and would be more difficult to locate one small woman who might not wish to be found. But just as the thought materialized, Gabby spotted Mabel.
Gabby hurried forward and took the girl’s hand. “Mabel, you made it.” Gabby moved to one side. “Mabel, let me present, Her Grace, the Duchess of Ryleigh.”
Mabel swallowed. An audible sound that could likely be heard all the way to Fitzroy. Mabel dipped a deep trembling curtsey, nearly tripping forward but for Gabby catching her.
“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Clark. I hope you don’t mind that Lady Huntley shared your dilemma with me. She and I are on a mission to assist young ladies who wish for something better in life. Am I correct in believing that is your wish as well, Miss Clark?”
“Y-yes, Your Grace.”
“Excellent,” Rebecca went on. “We’ve secured lodgings for you. We’ll talk there if that meets with your approval.”
Mabel nodded, too stunned to speak, it appeared.
“Come along, then.”
The three of them made their way to the park entrance where the requested public hackney waited.
