Gorgeous As Sin

Chapter 31

ARE YOU MAD? Why would I go to a Thompson lecture? ”

“Because Dr. Maud Warren is giving the rebuttal,” Sofia said, leaning against Rosalind’s counter and smiling at her. “Maud’s new research disputes all of old Thompson’s outdated theories about women’s inferiority. It should be exciting; the hall will be packed with women.”

“I’m not sure I need that kind of excitement; the police will be there in force.” The police presence at events such as this was meant to intimidate.

“We can sit in the back and leave if things get out of control. Say you’ll come. Violet and Christina will be there. We should lend them our support.”

The two young ladies were just beginning their college careers, having received scholarships at Girton College, Cambridge, thanks to Rosalind’s training sessions. “If they’re going to be there,” Rosalind murmured, “perhaps we should go.” Her Saturday night lectures were about inspiration and change after all.

“We’ll come home directly after. I’ll have you back by ten at the latest.”

“Good. It’s been a busy day.” Rosalind smiled. “Although, I do adore Maud Warren’s poise in the face of ranting, self-righteous men like Thompson. It should be amusing.”

“Absolutely. Thompson always begins shouting when his theories are disputed, as if the louder his voice, the more persuasive his argument will be. If nothing else, Thompson’s temperamental sideshow will help take your mind off Fitz,” Sofia kindly observed, aware of Rosalind’s dreams last night, not to mention having heard the full litany of Fitz’s transgressions at dinner.

“I’m not sure anything will take my mind off Fitz.” Despite every effort to resist, she thought of him constantly. “It’s stupid, I know. I’m probably the five hundredth woman who’s passed through his life, and none of us has left so much as a ripple on his psyche.”

“You never know,” Sofia replied, although she was careful not to say more. Fitz wasn’t exactly known for his permanent attachments. His note may have been nothing more than a seduction ploy.

“Oh yes, I do,” Rosalind firmly said, her pragmatism coming to the fore once again. “I’m not his style if he even has one, which isn’t altogether certain since he amuses himself with women of every age, rank, and description. And he’s not my style by any stretch of the imagination”-she grimaced-“his obvious and impressive charms aside, of course.”

“Darling, look, if nothing else, your thoughts will be diverted for a few hours at least.” Fitz’s impressive charms were too much in demand for her to offer Rosalind any false hope. “And we’ll also learn something about Maud’s new research. Apparently, female test scores at the universities have been exceeding men’s in every discipline.”

Rosalind chuckled. “I could have told them that, although it’s wonderful that Maud has evidence to document the fact. Have you ever thought about going to university? ”

Sofia shook her head. “Not when I’m making so much money with my painting.”

“Once my finances are in a better state, I just might apply.”

“Good. You spent too many years taking care of Edward. It’s about time you thought of yourself.” And if Fitz enters your life again, you’ll have someone to pay your university fees.

“My thoughts exactly.” Along with reminding herself to stop her useless brooding about Fitz.

“I’ll be here at six. We’ll have a quick supper at the tea shop on the corner before we walk to the hall.” Crossing her fingers behind the screen of her skirts, Sofia smiled and said, “I don’t think you’ll be sorry you went.”