The downfall of Viscount Bridgerton

chapter forty nine - a secret society

"Before I was unfortunately sold off into marriage I had always wanted to study at university. Of course, the whole idea was nothing more than a dream. Oxford and Cambridge, they would never accept a woman to study among the ranks of men! But that didn't stop me from dreaming."

Aurora paused for effect and took a small biscuit from the tray that the servants had so kindly provided them with.

"Upon finally accepting that at the age of eighteen I would not be attending university - no matter how hard I wanted to - I made myself a deal. I told myself that I would continue to educate myself no matter what. And so I have."

She paused, checking that Eleanor had taken in all that she was saying. Upon concluding the affirmative, she continued in the story once again.

"I have not stopped my education. Indeed, I am still diligently working away at my Latin, and Greek, and history, philosophy, English, et cetera. And I do believe that I have learnt quite a lot studying alone. So much so, and this brings me to my proposal, that I think I should like to impart my knowledge with other young ladies of London society."

Eleanor was now quite confused. For Aurora had such a lovely manner of speaking, but occasionally it did descend into poetry and, once it did, it became quite frankly incomprehensible.

"What do you mean?" She inquired as politely as she knew how.

"What I mean is this; I wish to set up a society for young women to further educate themselves. We could meet daily, or a couple of times a week, and study all sorts of subjects. Just like the men do. Then, eventually, we could prove to them that we are just as smart as they!"

Having now understood exactly what it was her dear friend was suggesting, Miss Hayward was quite enthralled by the idea. The prospect of being able to study whichever subject she liked was... almost unthinkable!

"But where would we host such a society? Ad how will we spread the word without all the men finding out? And-"

She was cut off before she could ask anything else.

"We would hold the lessons at my - well, Anthony's - new townhouse. He is away most of the day anyway doing... whatever it is viscount's do all day. Regardless, the house will be free. And a for how to spread the word..."

She trailed off. This was not a concern that Aurora had come to consider yet.

She pondered it for a moment before Eleanor broke her thoughts with an almost silent gasp.

"I have an idea. We personally invite our feelings learners. Surely not all women would wish to be involved in our studies, but I don't think it will be too hard to discover who might be. Eloise and Penelope, for example! I am quite certain they should like to be involved. And Miss Watson, the two Sandringham girls... perhaps Lady Coldingham, and Miss Black!"

"We must make a list, Eleanor. Of all the young ladies we know with absolute certainty would be willing to join. Once we have established a small group and have gotten the society up and running. Then we could consider inviting more women."

Eleanor had been in the middle of drinking her cup of tea and had to force the scalding hot liquid down her throat in order to speak her thoughts.

"Oh, that sounds like a perfect plan. I shall grab some writing paper and ink. I won't be too long."

With that, Miss Hayward rushed from the room in a flurry if excitement, leaving Aurora Bridgerton to contemplate her thoughts.

She could not believe that this was finally going to happen.

For years, she had imagined being able to empower other young women and help them in their studies. Now her dream was becoming a reality!

This truly felt like it could be the start of something great.

'Who knows... maybe one day women will be able to vote,' she thought. 'No, no. I am getting ahead of myself.'

Eleanor returned not long later with several sheets of Hayward headed writing paper, and the two girls spent the entirety of the afternoon planning out their ideas for the society.

Miss Hayward had suggested mid-way through the afternoon that they invite her cousin Reginald along. She knew that him and Aurora were already good friends, and he had often shown a keen interest in both of the young ladies' studies.

Aurora thought this was an excellent idea. He certainly was very intelligent, and she had no doubt that he would be particularly helpful when it came to teaching history and geography.

She agreed to let Eleanor invite him to their first meeting which was to take place in three days time that would make it a Thursday

So long as the venture proved to be successful, the group would reconvene the following Monday.

With these official dates in place, Aurora began to feel a buzz of nerves and excitement.

She departed from Hayward House a little after six o'clock - for she had, after all, promised Violet that she and Anthony would dine with them that evening.

Plus, she thought this would be an excellent opportunity to fill Eloise in on their idea and suggest she tagged along under the pretence of 'promenading for suitors with Aurora and Penelope'.

***

Loyal readers,

I hope you are all well! You will see that this story is taking another turn - and with it we will see the return of Reginald and you will also notice that Eloise and Penelope have a larger role in the coming chapters.

I wonder what Anthony will have to say when he discovers Aurora's new scheme.

Also, shoutout to me for having completed my translation of the fifteenth book of The Iliad from Ancient Greek into English - I've only got nine books left!

Don't forget to vote and comment. I love reading your comments as many of them do make me laugh!

Yours faithfully,

Valentina R