Page 2 of A Torn Allegiance
Graceful, but grave, her brow he kissed,
And bade her terrors be dismissed:—”
Elsie sighed with happiness as she listened to the words of Sir Walter Scott. The rhymes, the meter, the beautiful language.
Lady Sophie leaned closer. “She saidprince.” She smiled but looked as though she might say more.
Elsie shook her head, watching the others. “We don’t even know if they’re coming.” Her whisper was meant for Lady Sophie’s ears only, but a few of the older women turned disapproving stares in her direction.
“But they must. Ifweheard tell the plans were in place, then they must.” Lady Sophie nodded as though a rumor decided things.
Lady Locke eyed them for a moment from her place up front before continuing her presentation. “I think we can do another benefit for the purchase of more books. Our library is doing surprisingly well.” Lady Locke was widowed and was the perfect group member because she had a healthy inheritance and so much time on her hands that she did twice as much as anyone else.
Elsie loved her.
Lady Sophie nodded in agreement with Lady Locke. Elsie knew her best friend was a firm supporter of a greater library. Her family, though highly ranked, had not collected any sort of library themselves, much to her frustration. “Have we considered allowing visitors to take books home from the library?”
“Oh no. We cannot trust that they will return the books in good condition. Do you know that some readers actually fold down the corners of pages? Or write in them? What if their tea were to spill across the words?” Lady Locke obviously had more to say on the matter, but she forbore.
The group collectively gasped, and Elsie laughed. Women of a mind to do good, to learn, to improve the world surrounded her. “I agree with the others, Lady Sophie. We cannot allow the books to leave, but I also support asking for donations from the users. It will help with our other endeavors and allow us to buy more books.” She placed a hand on her friend’s. “But you most certainly can borrow from our library anytime you wish.”
She nodded. “And I can spend time in the actual space like the others and read what I like?”
They all agreed.
They continued talking and planning, and the more good works that were on Elsie’s schedule, the better she felt. They would use the Season—the gathering of everyone of rank, importance, or money into one place—for good.
The women lingered for a time and then started to trickle out. Elsie’s mother bade farewell to their guests, one by one, at the doorway. Lady Sophie came to stand at Elsie’s side. She was all smiles, and her deep, rich auburn hair curled up around her face. “That was the best one yet.”
“Do you think? The one where you stood on a chair was pretty exciting as well.”
“I couldn’t help myself. Women’s suffrage deserves such a response.”
“That’s why that particular meeting will go down in history as our finest.”
Lady Sophie laughed. “Have you heard from Sir Walter Scott?”
“Not yet. If he comes to London, I think he would join our meeting, don’t you?”
“How could he not?” They waved to another small group of women making their way out of the drawing room.
Elsie leaned closer. “I have news.”
Lady Sophie turned to face her and reached for her hands. “Tell me.”
“Father has been meeting with the Duke of Grant in the early mornings, here at first, and then they left together this morning.”
“What do you think is going on?”
“I don’t know. I thought maybe the war...” Elsie paused, watching Lady Sophie’s growing amusement with confusion. “What?”
“Only you would consider a visit from the Duke of Grant to be war related.”
“What else could it be? Don’t they both spend time with that office?”
“I haven’t the slightest idea, but I will tell you what Idoknow. The Duke of Grant has a highly eligible son, who shows a good amount of interest in you.” Her triumphant expression made Elsie wish to talk of anything else.
“Please, Sophie. I doubt very much that I am the subject of frequent meetings between two dukes.”
