Page 7 of The Gentlewoman Companion

They both looked at Miss Thorpe as if to test the assertion. With rigid posture and tightly compressed lips, she squinted between the sheet of music and her fingers. She did seem more suited to the pleasures of the outdoors. His mother shook her head, but whether at the amateur performance or the girl’s morose expression, Halverton did not know.

“Her father tried to force marriage on her. Very distasteful.”

“Be on your guard, Mama. You do not want to meddle in their family affairs.”

“I think she was sent to us by providence.”

“It’s a risk to bring a person into the house about whom you know nothing.”

“James. This is not the first time I’ve taken someone in.”

“This is different. She is not a village orphan employed to clean the grates.”

His mother clenched her jaw, and he prepared for a lecture.

“Poverty is not the only ill that befalls women. Society demands a daughter obey her father, even that she commits her life and well-being to a man her father selects. Put yourself in her shoes. Would you like me to choose your wife?”

He knew better than to respond.

“Good. Lady Gifford will be your bride.”

He repressed a sigh. Lady Gifford was almost twice his age and had five children.

“Miss Thorpe has been a pawn,” she said. “It is unreasonable not to consider a woman’s wishes.”

“Not all fathers are so unfeeling.”

She nodded at Miss Thorpe. “Her father is, and if I can remove one young woman from such tyranny, I will. Truthfully, I admire her pluck. Escaping one’s family requires no small amount of courage.”

“Escaping her family?”

“She fled when they insisted she marry.”

“Your companion ran away from her father?”

“Lower your voice.” His mother darted a look at the girl. “All has come to rights. She has leave to stay.”

“What exactly is her station?”

“She is genteel. Her father is a country squire, little better than a yeoman. Her education is wanting.”

“No doubt you will remedy that.”

“Absolutely. I will enlighten her mind and polish her manners. She will be ready for London.”

Halverton furrowed his brow. “I did not expect you to agree to such a trip so readily.”

“Whyever not?”

“It’s been so long since you’ve gone to town. I thought you had an aversion to the bad air.”

“Nothing of the sort. I adore town, and Miss Thorpe will benefit from seeing the sights. Besides, I will cherish additional time with you.”

Unexpected as his mother’s enthusiasm was, her answer pleased him. “I shall look forward to it, then,” he said.

“Shall I prepare Louisa to accompany you on your afternoon ride?”

“Really, Mother. Who is the companion here? Isn’t she to see after your needs?”