A Class Entwined: A sweeping Irish historical romance saga (A Matter of Class Book 2) by Susie Murphy

Author:Susie Murphy [Murphy, Susie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2019-01-31T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

‘That was most entertaining!’ declared Lucy.

‘Yes,’ Cassandra enthused, ‘the sets and costumes were magnificent!’

‘I felt the music was not as strong as some of his other compositions, but otherwise I enjoyed it,’ said Alice in her soft voice. ‘What did you think, Bridget?’

Bridget bobbed her head at her companions. ‘I agree with you all, though I believe the portrayal of the plight of the lower classes was vastly underemphasised.’

The four ladies were returning from the theatre in a single carriage, which Lucy’s husband, Lord Newby, had put at their disposal for the evening.

‘Dearest,’ said Lucy, rubbing Bridget’s arm with affection, ‘you always do advocate so generously on behalf of the common man.’

Cassandra sniffed. ‘I cannot imagine why. The creatures have no one to blame for their poverty but themselves.’

Bridget’s mouth tightened but she restrained herself from berating her friend; though Cassandra was a wealthy countess, she could not boast of a broad education. ‘Perhaps if you accompany me to St Swithun’s sometime, you will observe that that is not the case.’

Cassandra looked horrified at the idea of setting foot in the workhouse, but Alice said, ‘I do believe I should like to come with you. I have deferred a visit for far too long.’

Lucy’s interjection reflected Bridget’s own thoughts. ‘Sweet Alice, you have too gentle a soul for such a venture. One look at the miserable wretches and you would dissolve into tears.’

Alice seemed near to weeping at the very thought. ‘Oh dear, it may be that you are right. How do you bear it, Bridget?’

‘And why do you even bother?’ said Cassandra.

The halting of the carriage prevented Bridget from answering. The Newbys’ footman opened the door and announced, ‘Wyndham House.’

She gathered her mantle around her shoulders. ‘Goodnight, ladies, and thank you all for an enjoyable evening.’

‘Do not forget my party in two days’ time!’ Cassandra trilled in farewell.

‘Indeed, I shall not,’ Bridget called back as she stepped down from the carriage.

A blast of chilly January air hit her and she drew her mantle tighter around herself. Breath billowing out in front of her, she climbed the front steps of the townhouse where her own footman greeted her at the door.

‘Thank you, Peter,’ she said after he had closed the door and shut out the cold. As he took her mantle and bonnet, she said, ‘My goodness, it’s bitter out there. Tell me, how has your mother been since the stove was installed?’

‘Very well, m’lady. I can’t thank you enough. That stove’s been a godsend. She says the house ain’t never been so cosy and her lungs have cleared right up.’

‘I am so pleased to hear that. Do let me know if there is anything else we can provide for her comfort.’ Bridget moved further into the entrance hall and perceived the stillness within the house. ‘Is my husband not here?’

‘No, m’lady, he hasn’t returned home yet.’

Perhaps Garrett had chosen to remain at his club for the night. In a neutral tone, she said, ‘You may go to bed now.

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