Free To Catch a Rake by Sally Orr Page A

and they all took a seat to hear the latest news concerning their varied philanthropic efforts.
    Lady Sarah, a tall, young blonde whose personal fortitude was immediately recognized by everyone who met her, stood and described the Society’s recent success in the rescue of London’s destitute governesses. Many of these ladies possessed a higher level of education than most. Yet for various reasons—lack of marriage, old age, or illness—these intelligent women found themselves destitute. The Learned Ladies Society was established to house and feed these governesses so their last years would not be spent on the streets or in the workhouse.
    Lady Sarah faced the twenty or so women present that day and began the meeting. “I am pleased to say that we found adequate placement for three governesses this month.”
    The ladies politely clapped in unison.
    Grizel, a black-haired Scottish lady who lacked all reservations about speaking her mind, said, “Clara, how does this good news affect our current finances? I am worried we may not have enough funds to keep all of our women housed during the winter.”
    Clara’s disorderly blonde curls suggested an air of frivolity, but under those curls was a tidy mind especially brilliant with numbers. “I must say, I too have concerns on that score. At our current rate of expenditure, we should save our funds for the time being, until we can guarantee that they will last through the winter with our current number of governesses.”
    Almost all of the benevolent ladies nodded or verbally agreed.
    “But if we do not rescue them now,” Bethia said, “more poor women may be required to spend the cold winter on the streets.” The oldest lady in the group, her varied life experiences had propagated a tolerant heart.
    Grizel countered. “Agreed, but if we’re daft and overspend by saving more women than our funds will allow, then all of our governesses may find themselves in difficulties this winter. Sometimes we must make sacrifices to keep those we’ve already saved.”
    This discussion ended when most of the ladies caught a whiff of the Spanish almond cake and China tea seconds before it was brought into the room.
    While her friends silently ate cake, Meta gathered her courage before standing to address the ladies. “May I take this moment to speak on a personal matter?” Since giving a speech during such an important event as tea was a rare occurrence, she instantly grabbed everyone’s attention. “Thank you. You see I have a favor to ask all of you. Without going into details, except that it involves the happiness of my beloved sister, Lily, I would like to request your assistance.”
    Several ladies resumed eating their cake.
    Meta took a deep breath. “Tonight when you speak to your husbands or fathers, I would be so grateful if you could ask them to support the Thames Tunnel project currently under construction by Mr. Marc Brunel.”
    Whispers broke out amongst the ladies.
    “Next week they will start to dig under the Thames, and everyone is excited about the prospect of England being the first country to dig a tunnel under a navigable river. Can you imagine it, strolling under the Thames.”
    Several ladies gasped.
    “Oh, I’d be too frightened,” one lady said, with a shiver.
    “I’m not a mole,” said another.
    “I think it’s exciting, wondrous even,” Lady Sarah said, clasping her hands together.
    Meta smiled at her friend. “It is exciting, very much so.” She turned to address the group. “What I request is that you consider funding this remarkable achievement. Profits are expected when the tunnel opens and reaps the tolls from traffic. You have all seen the congestion around London Bridge, so you understand that investing in shares, or even a helpful donation, could benefit all of London. What I ask is that you bring the necessity of funding the tunnel to your husbands’ or fathers’ notice.” With any luck, she’d achieve at least one promise of