Free Improper Pleasures (The Pleasure Series #1) by Cheryl Howe Page A

suggestions you have made for the church.” Astra glanced at
Reverend Fitzgerald for support, his pleasure at her words undisguised. Really,
he must learn to be sterner if he hoped to make bishop. “I gather you wished to
keep this good deed a secret, but since I seemed to have stumbled upon it, I
don’t think the benevolent nature of the act would be spoiled if told.”
    “I am replacing the stained glass in the nave. Thank you
for your interest.” Ivy nodded, her face tight. The simple exchange seemed to
pain her.
    “Miss Templeton wishes her gift to remain anonymous, but
I’m sure our parishioners would welcome the knowledge and be as grateful as I
for her generosity,” said Reverend Fitzgerald.
    Astra met Ivy’s gaze once more and between them passed the
knowledge that their passionate reverend had entirely too much confidence in
the godliness of his congregation. In fact, Astra would not be surprised if
rumors already abounded about the relationship between the notorious beauty and
their unmarried young vicar.
    “Perhaps it should be revealed in time, after the people
of St. Keynes have learned to love the addition. Change can be slow moving in
the West Country.” Astra smiled at Ivy.
    “Very perceptive, Lady Keane. Good day.” Ivy nodded curtly
once again, but Astra caught a glimpse of a smile before she turned away.
    Astra watched Ivy descend the steps and slip into her
waiting carriage.
    The bundle of Lark’s outgrown dresses, Astra’s donation
for the poor and the reason for her outing, remained in her own carriage. She
thought the noble mission would be a good antidote for her wicked thoughts
about James. In light of Ivy’s anonymous contribution, it paled in comparison.
Of course, Astra had not been that wicked—yet.
    “This is not the first thing she has done for this
community, Lady Keane,” Reverend Fitzgerald said beside her. “I don’t like
seeing Miss Templeton sit in the back of the church, shunned and forgotten
every Sunday.”
    “At least the whispering and the complaints have stopped,”
Astra said, but the fire in Reverend Fitzgerald’s eyes told her that was hardly
enough. As a member of The Ladies of St. Keynes Servants of Our Blessed Lady of
the Holy Well, she had heard some of the matrons wish to ban Ivy from attending
services. Fortunately, one of the ladies had seen the unchristian like
character in such a request and persuaded the other women not to behave in such
a petty manner. Astra just wished she had been the one to speak up on Ivy’s
behalf. Would she end her days as one of those judgmental old crows, quick to
harshly judge others for fear her own shortcomings would be revealed?
    “She does not deserve such treatment. No one does.”
Reverend Fitzgerald composed himself. “So what may I do for you today, Lady
Keane?”
    Astra had to drag her attention away from Ivy’s carriage
that lingered at the bottom of the steps while her driver fiddled with one of
the horse’s harness. “I have some things to donate to the poor. I’ll have my
driver deliver them.”
    Astra raced down the steps before Ivy’s man could climb
back into his seat. “Miss Templeton, would you care to join me for tea in the
village?”
    Ivy leaned forward and poked her head out of the window.
She placed her gloved hand over the one that Astra had unconsciously rested on
the carriage. “Thank you, Astra. Your offer is too kind, but I do not wish to
sully your spotless reputation.”
    The sadness in her words removed all hint of sarcasm,
though only Astra understood the irony. How easily she could have been the one
cast out from polite society.
    “Then perhaps you would receive me in your home,” Astra
insisted. “Carter House is not far from here.”
    Only a hint of surprise snuck past Ivy’s ever placid
demeanor. “I would be honored. Follow in your carriage. My staff is loyal and
discreet.”
    Astra paused to watch Ivy’s polished carriage roll down
the winding lane, past fields of