The vicar Mr. Locke and his bookish young verger were somewhat less than enthusiastic over her idea for adult literacy classes.
But Mr. Nolan's sister Penelope, a most pert and outspoken young bluestocking in her early twenties with flaming red hair, said, "Of course we shall help. Nothing worse than ignorance, except people who are willfully so. We can call upon everyone of importance in the district and get them to commit to an hour a week."
"Oh, but—"
She snorted with derision. "No sense in trying to be polite, dear. If you wait for them to volunteer, you'll be waiting until the last trump sounds."
"Very well. We're having a masked ball tomorrow night. If you would all care to come, you can get them to give you an undertaking. You can put me down for three hours each week."
"Goodo. Leave it to me, my girl. Only don't expect me to wear a costume. I shall just bully them and leave," the pretty Penelope said in a firm tone.
Elizabeth smiled, and nodded. "As you please. But you're more than welcome to join us."
As soon as tea was over, she joined Charlotte and Vanessa, who she saw had been hard at the ball preparations all day.
"I'm sorry I've not been much help."
"Nonsense, dear," Charlotte said, giving her sister-in-law a warm hug. "Vanessa and I have been having a marvelous time. We had a lovely day with the children. Clifford is just now finishing gathering wines from the cellar if you'd like to see what he's up to. Only don't ruin your frock."
"Is Thomas back yet?"
"No. You know what these horse fairs are like. A lot of whiskey, blarney and hand spitting."
"True. He will have to scrub himself from head to toe when he gets back."
"So long as he doesn't bring Fitzsimmons, I shall be happy to see him no matter what his state."
Elizabeth looked at Charlotte. "You don't like him, then?"
"I am sure he is all very well in his way, but certainly nothing like the Rakehells. Or his cousin Stewart, and Colonel Joyce and Major Parks and their set."
Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully. "I shall go find Clifford, tell him to come up and wash and dress for dinner."
Vanessa smiled at her. "Thank you."
She threw her dark day coat over her gown and went to the door at the back of the house under the servants' stairs.
Clifford was happily standing there amid the racks with a lantern, poring over the treasures.
"Fascinating. You father must have done a very brisk trade with the French. There are some vintages and types of wine here that even I've never seen, and my father fancied himself a real connoisseur."
"Well, we're very close to France here. Historically speaking there's always been a great deal of trade between the two countries, up until the Revolution at any rate. And there was that short cessation of hostilities after Trafalgar, and the Convention of Cintra."
"Don't mention that ignoble incident to me, or I shall forget myself and swear in the presence of a lady."
"Well, the Government thought it was were doing the right thing, trying to save lives," she said in an attempt to placate him.
"Wellington didn't. They forced him to agree to the Treaty, but as soon as he got to London there was the inquiry, and he was exonerated."
"Thank goodness," she said with a shudder. "I hate to think where we would all be now without him."
"Don't I know it."
"But sometimes one has to compromise, doesn't one?" she asked pensively.
Clifford shook his head. "Not if you believe in your cause strongly enough. If you know it is the right thing to do. We never could have placated Napoleon except by allowing ourselves to be devoured."
Elizabeth considered his words for a moment as she admired the dusty old bottles and the cellar. It was not used very much, but was not nearly as filthy as she might have expected. She certainly had some very dedicated servants.
"So your solution is to stand and fight, no matter what?"
"If it is presented to you, yes. Never start a fight, but always finish one."
"Thank you. I'll keep it in mind."
Clifford gathered up the last of the bottles from the table.
"Here, let me give you a hand," she offered.
She took a couple from him and he was able to lift the lantern to guide their way up the stairs.
"I hope you're going to be happy here. If you ever get homesick, though, you know we'll always be thrilled to see you at Stone Court."
"Do you think I'm making a mistake by staying, Clifford? Please, give me your honest opinion."