“It’s my pleasure,” Harriet replied with a reassuring smile. “Today is about friendship and harmony.”
As the guests arrived, Lora greeted each with heartfelt warmth, noting the surprise and cautious friendliness of their responses.
“Lady Lora,” Lady Weatherby began hesitantly, “it’s so lovely to see you. We’ve missed your presence at our gatherings.”
Lora’s eyes softened. “I’ve been quite occupied with the clinic project, but I’ve realized how much I’ve missed spending time with all of you.”
Over tea, the conversation flowed from fashion to the latest novels. Gently, Lora steered the discussion.
“I must admit, I’ve been so focused on the clinic that I’ve fallen behind on the latest happenings. Have I missed any noteworthy events?”
Lady Davenport exchanged a glance with Mrs. Fielding before replying, “Well, there’s been quite a bit of talk lately. Mr. Hastings seems to be very… active.”
Harriet tilted her head thoughtfully as she stirred her tea. “Active? In what way?”
Mrs. Fielding leaned in slightly, her teacup delicately balanced in her gloved hands. “He’s been visiting several households,” she began, her tone casual yet edged with curiosity. “Including mine. He’s been sharing some rather… concerning observations.”
Lora felt a subtle tension ripple through the room, but she maintained her composure. “Oh? What kind of observations?”
Mrs. Fielding hesitated. “He mentioned rumors about financial irregularities concerning the clinic’s funds and suggested that the Duke of Rockford might be facing financial difficulties himself.”
A murmur swept through the gathering. Before Lora could respond, Lady Davenport interjected with a scrutinizing gaze. “Mr. Hastings, you say? I’ve heard he’s relatively new to our circles. It’s curious that he’s so informed about the affairs of our esteemed members.”
Lady Weatherby nodded thoughtfully. “Indeed. One must consider the source of such rumors.”
Lora offered a grateful glance toward Lady Davenport. “I assure you all, every donation to the clinic has been carefully accounted for. The Duke’s support has been both generous and clear.”
Lady Davenport smiled kindly at Lora. “My dear, those of us who have known you and the Duke for years can certainly attest to your integrity. It’s unfortunate that an outsider like Mr. Hastings feels the need to spread unfounded gossip.”
Mrs. Fielding shifted in her seat, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. “Perhaps I was too quick to lend an ear. It’s just that he seemed so certain…”
Harriet seized the moment. “Confidence does not equate to truth. We must be cautious about entertaining claims from those who haven’t earned our trust.”
The other ladies murmured in agreement. “It’s rather improper for Mr. Hastings to involve himself in matters that don’t concern him,” Lady Davenport added. “Especially when it involves casting aspersions on a peer of the realm.”
Lora felt a warm surge of relief and took a moment to reinforce the connection. “I appreciate your faith in us. The Duke and I are committed to the welfare of the community, and it’s heartening to know we have your support.”
“Between us,” Lady Davenport leaned in conspiratorially. “I find Mr. Hastings’ motivations rather suspect. He seems overly eager to ingratiate himself, perhaps hoping to elevate his own standing.”
Mrs. Fielding sighed. “You may be right. It’s been so long since we’ve had any real intrigue. Perhaps I was drawn in by the allure of it.”
Harriet laughed lightly. “Well, let’s not give him the satisfaction of causing discord among us. After all, we’ve weathered far more significant storms together.”
The atmosphere in the room lightened considerably. Lora exhaled slowly, the weight of uncertainty easing. For the first time in days, she felt the foundation beneath her steady. Lady Davenport turned to her with a sincere expression. “If there’s any assistance we can offer, my dear, please don’t hesitate to ask. The ton looks after its own.”
Lora’s eyes softened with gratitude. “Thank you. Your support means more to me than words can express.”
Lady Weatherby hesitated before speaking. “Since we’re on the subject, there’s also been some chatter about the highwayman and… connections to certain families.”
Lady Davenport raised an eyebrow. “Surely you’re not suggesting any link between our esteemed members and a common criminal?”
Lady Weatherby quickly shook her head. “No, of course not. But Mr. Hastings implied that perhaps some recent troubles are not entirely coincidental.”
Lora took a steady breath. “I assure you, any misfortune I’ve encountered is purely coincidental.” She should have known her incident with the highwayman would be fodder for the gossip mill. “The idea that the Duke or anyone in our circle is connected to such activities is unfounded.”
Lady Davenport gave a faint, dismissive wave. “It’s hardly appropriate for someone of Mr. Hastings’ standing to comment on affairs that are beyond his ken. Perhaps he would be better served tending to matters within his own sphere.”
“Quite so,” Lady Weatherby chimed in. “One must remember one’s place in society. Overreaching rarely ends well.”
