Gabby’s insides tightened with irritation, but she managed to quash it. If she were not so proud of her restraint, Huntley would be outright amazed. “Now, how might I be of service to you?” She directed her question to Lady Liverpool.
“When I received Lady Bentick’s note telling of yours and the duchess’s good works, I knew I must learn more.”
A light tap sounded, and Mrs. Keir entered with a tray looking a tad awestruck. “Ah, tea. ’Tis just the thing for such a conversation, I daresay,” Gabby said.
Mrs. Keir departed, surprisingly speechless.
Gabby poured out the tea. “As you probably are aware, the duchess and I attended Miss Greensley’s together.”
“I understand she was quite the hoyden,” Lady Bentick said with a smile that did nothing to lessen the sting she’d intended.
“As it happens,” Gabby said with a pointed smile. “I was the instigator in almost all instances and Rebecca was the dearest when it came to getting me out of scrapes. Your insinuations are misguided. As I was saying, the two of us dearly wish to help those young women who wish to better their lives and livelihoods than current opportunities permit.”
“This is quite remarkable, Lady Huntley,” Lady Liverpool murmured. “In what way, might I ask?”
“To be blunt, a young woman who is assaulted is usually considered to be at fault.”
“Well, of course, she is,” Lady Bentick said. “They all wish to steal their lot in life by enticing a man far above their means.”
“I beg to differ, Lady Bentick,” Gabby bit out, her impatience seeping through. “A woman should never be assaulted. Are we not considered the gentler sex? It is no secret, men with low confidence seek to assert their power on the powerless. I, personally, find it appalling. And telling. A true gentleman has no need for such action. He rises above such behavior.”
Lady Bentick did not respond verbally, the dotted spots high on her cheek bones spoke for her.
“Your adamance shows your passion. And, I quite agree with your assessment. Such men are truly cowards,” Lady Liverpool said softly. “Tell me, Lady Huntley, how many young women have you assisted thus far?”
“Seven since we’ve opened Hope House, my lady. A few others before.”
“There are seven women living here? Wage free?” Lady Bentick’s shock reverberated through the room.
“Quite so, Lady Bentick. Most have something substantial to contribute and are thrilled to do so, yet it’s not a requirement. And, we’ve room for many more. It’s shocking how many women are in need of services.”
A disdainful sniff sounded from Lady Bentick. “In what capacity, Lady Huntley? Most women live the life they were dealt and deserved.”
What a horrid woman. Gabby’s temper slipped with a need to shock her blasted stockings off. “How… kind… of you to say,” Gabby drawled. “In actuality, almost all the women we’ve assisted were taken against their will and left with child and no means to care for themselves,” she said flatly.
Lady Bentick gasped.
Gabby didn’t stop there. “Perhaps you would care to meet them?”
“I would be absolutely delighted to,” Lady Liverpool said with genuine curiosity.
Lady Bentick was not so forthcoming. “Soiled doves? You cannot be serious.”
Which said it all, Gabby thought. She rose from the settee and pulled on the bell cord. Mrs. Keir entered a few minutes later and seemed to have her dazedness firmly under control. “Send for the young women, please. Our guests would like to meet them.”
Vella soon entered with the others close behind.
“Vella, this is Lady Liverpool, and I believe you already know Lady Bentick.”
Vella dipped a deep respectful curtsy.
Lady Bentick’s brows furrowed as if trying to place Vella’s face. “The modiste’s assistant?”
“Madame Bovine was quite abusive,” Gabby informed her, noting her fading bruises. “May I present Miss Clark. She recently left the theater.” She took unladylike pleasure in watching Lady Bentick’s face turn slightly purple.
Lady Liverpool, however, was all that was gracious. “Miss Clark, how do you do.” A heartening sight to learn the rumors regarding her kind and generous nature held merit.
Lady Bentick’s eyes narrowed. “Miss Clark.”
