Page 112 of The Gentlewoman Companion

“My sister sent me—I will not discuss this or any subject with you. Your appearance here is evidence of your fallen nature. You must go.”

“Lord Molesworth called on me a fortnight ago—do not fret, for we were respectfully chaperoned—and I am remiss in not returning the visit sooner. I was very happy to meet him—such a kind gentleman, solemn and unassuming. You are fortunate to have him.”

“My husband!” She pressed her hands against her chest. “Dragging his honor through the mud, polluting the Molesworth name—the cherisher of my heart! No, I shan’t believe you.”

It was a great pity Lady Molesworth did not like Louisa, for she would make an amusing friend. As it was, her dramatic outrage had Louisa reaching for the comfort of her ribbons. But no. She would not cower. Wadebridge needed a circulating library. “Your honorable husband and his friends came to donate toward improving the roads.”

“You are the woman behind all that? Now that I think of it, yes. He mentioned the visit. He thinks you are some sort of Athena, battling to improve the town. I don’t recall his mentioning your name, else I’d have reminded him of who you are.” The woman spoke this last with contempt.

Louisa’s fingers shook as she picked up a book and read the title. “Tom Jones. So many books.” She gestured around the room. “Have you read them all?”

“And more.”

“You are an educated woman with refined taste in literature.”

“Well, I…my distinguished palate has been noted by some,” she simpered.

“Everyone in town could benefit from your cleverness, you know.”

Lady Molesworth’s eyes brightened. “How so?”

“Think of the gratitude and awe your name, Lady Molesworth, will carry when you become the founder of Wadebridge’s first circulating library.”

“Me?” Lady Molesworth whispered. “The illustrious Lady Molesworth, the beneficent woman who brought literacy to the masses. Yes, appreciation will span generations!”

Her vanity was incomparable, but it served Louisa’s purposes. “Indeed, all Wadebridge will reverence the baroness who introduced to them Robinson Crusoe, Pamela, Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Voltaire.”

Lady Molesworth collapsed in a chair and began fanning herself.

Louisa smiled. She had her.