Page 61 of The Gentlewoman Companion

James moved to stand behind his desk, hands on the back of his chair. “I have lost all interest in politics.”

Lord Tilney stared at him, his steel blue eyes penetrating. “I will give the speech if I must, but we need your vote.”

With his wig slightly askew and the buttons on his waistcoat misaligned, Lord Tilney was not the typical member of the House of Lords. He had been an excellent mentor, serious about improving England and studiously examining every motion. James would miss him.

“I am in London for my own pleasure and will not vote.”

Lord Tilney sighed and took a seat uninvited. “You are jaded, I see. What has happened?”

James offered a partial truth. “I am disenchanted with the bribery.”

“Which is precisely why you must vote! We need honesty and virtue in the House. Your father brought it and was the cause of much good and progress, and I am convinced your moral compass is as strong as his was.”

James hoped it was far stronger. “This coming from you? If memory serves me, you wrote asking me to support a bill that would enrich the aristocrats who invest in the East India Company.”

“You speak as if accusing me of being one of those investors, but I am not. Rather, I am convinced that we must maintain a strong presence abroad. But even if I had invested in the company, I would still understand how the wealth of those at the top trickles down and enriches the nation. I’ll not be ashamed of benefitting from my position when it enables me to better care for an entire village.”

“What of the small merchants who are forced into piracy to maintain their businesses?”

“Bah! No one is forced to break the law.”

“Some would argue they must break it or starve.”

Lord Tilney sighed. “If that is your view, come tell the House. Convince the lords of our foolishness, but don’t abscond because you disagree with me or your father. In fact, come because you have a fresh point of view.” He leaned forward, his face softening. “You are right. There are plenty of rascally lords who take a guinea and cast a vote. Not you. So be the example. I see my public service as a gift—unearned, but one I will do my best to fulfill honorably. Your father did what he thought best in his service. You will do the same.”

Lord Tilney’s arguments were sound, but there was a broader problem. Whereas in the past James felt incapable of voting on acts he did not fully understand, now he’d seen the society wherein his sister and brother resided. New understanding of their challenges introduced nuances to his understanding of legislation. He could not pass a law that might worsen their circumstances.

“Thank you for coming, Lord Tilney. Graham will see you out.”

Lord Tilney tapped the pages he’d laid out. “These papers will change your mind, Halverton. See you in the House.” He left the room, followed by footsteps that echoed down the hall until all traces of the man vanished with the thud of a closed door.

James released a breath. The conversation had been difficult, and frustratingly, the papers left behind tugged at his curiosity. He gathered them and tossed them into an empty desk drawer. Perhaps he would consider them another day.

The larger question remained of how to help siblings—who did not want to be helped.

Chirping voices echoed from the parlor. His mother and Louisa must have concluded their studies and would be deciding the day’s itinerary.

“…a profound analysis,” his mother was saying. “I hope you will speak your mind at tonight’s salon. Your ideas have matured since that first literary breakfast.”

“I still have many questions, and likely as many holes in my arguments.”

“And every wise person does. You will continue improving. Did I tell you? The sisters arrived early and are even now in London.”

“Oh! And Miss Cron? Shall we call on them now?”

“Yes, Miss Cron came as well, and I believe the Trelawneys will be here any day. It is early yet for calls, but what say you to stretching our legs in the park?”

“Precisely what we need before it rains—or the wind picks up,” Louisa said.

James entered the parlor. “Might I join you?”

“Always, but we leave directly,” his mother told him.

James linked himself between his mother and Louisa, and soon they entered Hyde Park. Louisa was a fast walker and was constantly recalibrating her step while Lady Halverton meandered, eyes lingering on the scenery around them. James felt pulled back by his mother on the right and tugged forward on the left by Louisa.

“My lord,” Louisa said with a sparkle in her eye and an energy that made him nervous. “When will you teach me to drive your phaeton and pair?”

“This again?” But he couldn’t restrain a smile.