Rather than the quick response she had expected, Unity returned to her place on the bed. “This is the brilliant part of the plan with which Ruth helped us,” she said.
Louisa stifled a groan. Ruth having anything to do with anyone’s plans would likely lead to victory but would also entail some sort of mischief.
“You see, next year when the Season begins, Unity and I will join Ruth and set sail to America. Once there, we’ll begin our search for husbands.”
Unable to keep her eyes from bulging, Louisa asked, “Are you saying you’re not betrothed, then?”
Unity grinned. “Not yet. But we shall be. You see…”
She and Theodosia took turns explaining what Louisa could only define as lunacy. Each would tell her parents she wished to stay at the other’s home until the Season began. To stave off any potential suitors, they would mention that a number of wealthy American gentlemen had shown an interest in them and promised to call when they returned to England the following year.
By the time they completed the bizarre telling, Louisa’s head was aching. After all their education, after all they had learned at the school, they would throw it all away to stow away on a ship? Bound for America? She doubted she had ever heard anything so absurd!
“Ladies, I don’t think…” Louisa’s words trailed off upon seeing Unity and Theodosia’s expressions. They were clearly determined to see this plan through, and no words—especially any Louisa had to say—would change their minds. She sighed. “Forget I said anything. But before you begin packing, I need your help in regard to the theater. There must be a way to keep it from being sold. Or at least sold to someone who does not wish to make it into something only a choice few can enjoy. If I were able to, I would purchase it. But I barely have enough to purchase a hat let alone an entire theater.”
Ruth barked a laugh. “Why do you want to save that pile of rubble? Think of the poor tortured souls Mrs. Rutley forces there every year.”
Louisa pursed her lips. “Because it’s a wonderful place where a woman can enter equal to a man. It has a rich history and is an important part of the village.”
Ruth’s brows rose. “Are you saying it has nothing to do with a particular knight you’re enamored with?”
The twins giggled at this but stopped when Louisa shot them a glare.
“Enamored with?” she asked, her cheeks burning. “That is the furthest thing from the truth! He’s arrogant beyond reason, and his treatment of me was disrespectful. It would not surprise me to learn that he treats all women the same.”
As she said this, an image of the knight came to mind. That wonderful smile would make any woman melt in his presence. He was surely the kind of man who would grab a woman without warning and kiss her if he so desired.
Strange. That thought was meant to make her dislike him more, but she was appalled when a soft sigh escaped her lips.
She shook herself. “What can I do to save the theater?”
Theodosia rose from the bed. “I wish I could help, but I’ve no idea what can be done about it. I must tidy my room, or Mrs. Rutley will forbid me from going into the village. And I saw a lovely trunk at the haberdashery last week that will be perfect for traveling. I would be greatly disappointed if it were sold before I could purchase it.”
Unity followed Theodosia from the room, and Louisa turned to Ruth. “You always come up with all sorts of elaborate plans. Surely, you have an idea?”
Her friend walked over to the vanity table and placed her hands on its top. Sighing dramatically, she replied, “Mrs. Rutley will be attending a party at Lord Walcott’s this Saturday. You should ask if you can accompany her.”
Louisa frowned. “And how will that help?”
Ruth turned, her hands on her hips. “I can’t help but wonder how any of you’ll survive without me holding your hand at every step.”
Although Louisa disagreed with Ruth on any number of subjects, with this one, she did not. Ruth was wise—in a mischievous way—and all the students had come to her for help at one time or another when they were unable to devise a plan for something they wanted. And her ideas, although a bit… unconventional, worked out quite well. Most of the time.
“Since many of the most prominent families are still in London,” Ruth continued, “there will be a select few at his party. Old people in their forties such as Lord Walcott and Mrs. Rutley.”
Louisa bit back the retort. Now was not the time to defend their headmistress. After all, Ruth did not mean anything unkind by her words.
“But what does that have to do with what I need?” Louisa asked.
Ruth gave an exaggerated sigh. “Don’t you see? Old people love the theater. If anyone would go out of his or her way, it would be them. Get them to donate the funds you’ll need to either buy it outright or to give to Mr. Barker to make the necessary repairs.”
Louisa’s heart leapt in excitement, and she threw her arms around her friend. “Ruth, you’re brilliant! Oh, thank you! I’ll go speak to Mrs. Rutley now.”
Without waiting for a response, Louisa hurried downstairs and to Mrs. Rutley’s office. Lifting her hand to knock, however, she paused at hearing a man’s voice she did not recognize.
“I beg you to reconsider, Mrs. Rutley. Lord Ezra’s offer is quite generous. You would receive a hefty sum for the school, allowing you to relocate. Enjoy a life of leisure or travel if you prefer.”
Louisa’s eyes widened. Lord Ezra Colburn was the uncle of Julia’s husband, the Duke of Elmhurst. Why was he interested in purchasing Courtly Manor?