He understood Lady Redhill’s disapproval. Such a cause was not proper for gentlewomen.
Except… was it true their country had abandoned wounded soldiers? If so, that was outrageous.
He leaned forward. “Don’t our soldiers receive a pension for such devastating injuries?”
“That is what I thought. But I have since learned that the pension they receive is a pittance. Also, many feel deformed. They had strong bodies, but now that they are without an arm or a leg, they can no longer do the work they once did. And they are alone. Often by choice. One man told me he is so ashamed of his injury that he didn’t want to return to his village.”
Teasing and seduction evaporated from Oliver’s mind. He pictured himself in these circumstances. He, too, would feel less of a man.
“They deserve a good place to live,” she continued. “I want to build a community for them instead of leaving them on the streets of London.”
This was truly a noble cause. He nodded his agreement, his mind beginning to work on the problem.
“And many dogs and cats on the streets of London need homes as well.”
Oliver stopped nodding, suddenly confused by the change of topic. “Dogs and cats?”
“Have you not noticed the soldiers begging on our streets?”
He hadn’t. But now that she prodded him, he reflected that there were a number of crippled beggars on the streets. He’d never suspected they could be former soldiers. “But dogs and cats?”
She smiled at him as if she knew how woefully unaware he was. “Every time you see one of the king’s men begging, he always has a beloved animal at his side. A dog or a cat. One man has a crow that he has trained. These animals are like family to the men, so wherever we find a place for them to live, the animals must be included. A place in the country would be ideal. Someplace large enough that the men can take care of themselves and regain a sense of self-respect. You do appreciate the importance of pets, don’t you?”
He didn’t... but he didn’t wish to tell her that. She obviously had strong opinions on the subject. He was also beginning to understand why Lady Redhill laughed.
And then it hit him—the Harrington sisters. Yes, he’d heard of them. One codger at his club had claimed they were all too intelligent and forward-thinking for their own good. The man had also added a dire verdict, “No wonder they aren’t married.”
Oliver was aware that there were numerous women with excellent minds, spirit, and even looks who never married. Hiscousin Amanda came to mind. She’d rather have her books, art, and garden than an overbearing husband.
“I need your help, Your Grace.” Lady Celeste leaned forward, seemingly unaware that it drew his attention to the mounds of lovely, smooth skin above her bodice. It was hard not to stare, especially since he found himself drawn to her. However, Amanda had taught him that women didn’t not appreciate being ogled. He reluctantly forced his gaze to meet Lady Celeste’s imploring eyes. “And I can help you in return,” she promised. “It would be good for your reputation to be seen asnoble. A noble duke.”
Now she had his complete attention. “Instead of… what?” Was he not noble? Was he not a duke? Then he thought of the way Liverpool and Robinson had dismissed him.
“Please, I don’t mean to insult you,” she hurried to say. “You are an important guest on any list. However, I believe you are being invited for the gossip. People like to pretend they are scandalized by the number of women you have bedded?—”
“Not that many women. I’m discerning.”
“Perhaps,” she conceded without so much as a blush. “It may all be jealousy or the enjoyment of spreading rumors. Did you truly swing across Lady Milbury’s ballroom on her chandelier, showering wax on everyone?”
“That was years ago. I was barely nineteen. And I did it for a wager. I won. Unfortunately, that damn story follows me everywhere.” He made a frustrated sound. “Most of what the papers print is untrue.”
“If you support my charity, it will show a different side to you. People will think of you as a leader.”
She was right, but he’d learned to be wary. “What do you receive out of my patronage?”
“Your endorsement will attract attention. People will listen to you.”
“But you, what doyoureceive?”
“My late father’s last request was for me to start a charity for a cause that matters to me. If I succeed, I will receive a small inheritance, one I will donate to the charity.”
He wanted to say yes, but he hesitated. Lady Redhill, with her sniffs of disdain and rolling of eyes, was one of his chief critics, and her opinion carried weight. She enjoyed belittling people. Perhaps she was behind some of Liverpool’s concerns about him? He knew why she was angry with him. She had wanted him to marry her daughter. She’d practically thrown the girl at him. And he’d been too young back then to understand how he could have better handled the situation.
But he was older now. He was also ready to stand for something. Lady Celeste’s cause was just... until she rattled on about dogs and cats. However, he questioned if his association with the charity, especially considering Lady Celeste’s unmarried status, would do more harm than good?—
Voices sounded right outside the library door.Women’svoices. Loud women’s voices. One was practically shouting, and the other raised her voice to answer.
Lady Celeste’s eyes widened. “That sounds like Lady Redhill. Imusthide.” She jumped up from the stool, just as Oliver rose.
