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“Yes, of course,” Mary said, happy to spend more time with Lady Beatrice.
They walked together with drinks in hand, making their way back to the others. It seemed that the conversation had moved along, with Lady Rachel discussing the demands that the poor were making on society and how it was going to cause a great deal of problems for the economy of London if they were not swiftly dealt with.
“Can you imagine? Before long, we shall never even be allowed to enjoy ourselves, such as this. We will, instead, be forced to look after all those who have not made an effort to take care of themselves,” Lady Rachel said.
“You do not think we must help out our brothers and sisters in society?” Lord Hanbrooke said.
“They must first help themselves,” Lady Rachel declared.
“But what of Christian duty, Lady Rachel? I am not suggesting that we simply hand all we have to others for distribution, but if I see a man on the street who is in need, may I not choose what I do with my own wealth?” he asked.
Mary’s stepmother appeared at a loss for words.
“Again, I do not speak of us simply tossing our money aside. I mean we may make a choice as individuals to invest in the true change of our society by showing mercy to those who are in need,” he said.
Mary listened closely, impressed by his words and curious as to how Lady Rachel would respond when she was clearly so uncomfortable with the idea.
“Do you not think that it is important for us to do what we have been called to do in the Scripture?” Lord Hanbrooke asked.
“I…I merely think that…I believe that it is important for us to obey the commandments, but I do not think that a beggar should simply be given my home,” Lady Rachel said.
“Ah, but now we are speaking in extremes,” Lord Hanbrooke said, a note of warning in his voice.
But the reappearance of Mary and Lady Beatrice put a halt to the conversation and Lord Hanbrooke turned to them. He seemed more interested in his sister and Mary than he had been in the conversation with Lady Rachel. This, too, gave Mary a flicker of joy.
“Ah, you have both returned. And not a moment too soon. Indeed, I believe this dance is nearing its end and I wished to ask if you have space on your card for the next?” Lord Hanbrooke asked, looking at Mary.
She was surprised but delighted. When she looked at her stepmother, however, the icy expression was stiff and furious. She clearly had not expected this after Lord Hanbrooke had spoken with Charlotte for so long. Nevertheless, Mary was thrilled by the offer, and she could not have been happier for the chance to dance with him.
“If Lady Rachel approves, then I would be delighted,” Mary said, deferring to her stepmother.
Mary knew that Lady Rachel could not possibly refuse. She would come across as petty and there was no excuse for her refusal unless she outright expressed her desire for him to dance with Charlotte only.
The request for a dance had been enough of a surprise, but the awareness that Lady Rachel had to approve meant that there was a good deal more at stake than simply accepting. But, at last, her stepmother answered.
“Why, of course,” her stepmother said, tersely.
Charlotte swallowed and looked at Mary with a hidden disgust. Mary had the opportunity she had hoped for—she was going to be able to dance with Lord Hanbrooke. She smiled demurely and gazed at him in wonder.
He was quite different from any man she had ever met before. No matter how badly Charlotte seemed to want to come between them, Mary was utterly unwilling to give up hope that he might care for her, and this was just another chance for her to hold onto that hope.
