‘What I do know is that a woman living in poverty is extremely vulnerable. She has nowhere to go, probably not one single person to help her. And if she has children, it becomes more difficult, complex.’
Claudia simply nodded.
Alexis shrugged her shoulders, lifted her hands helplessly. ‘As for women of our class, despite the scandal of leaving, why they stay I’ll never understand. Could it be that they still love the man, despite his wickedness? It’s a mystery to me.’
‘And to me, Alexis. I have learned a lesson this afternoon. I shall never disbelieve a friend again, if she comes to me with a similar story. I shall pay attention and I will do something.’
‘I feel the same way.’
‘I know you’re not married,’ Claudia stated, half smiling at Alexis. ‘Neither am I. That is because I haven’t met the right man. But I hope I will do so one day. I would like to have a husband and a family. I love children.’
‘Yes, I’m not married,’ Alexis said, relieved that Claudia had recovered from her sadness about her friend. ‘And, frankly, I don’t expect I ever will be. My business career is more important to me than anything else …’
Alexis stopped short, suddenly wondering why she was confiding in Claudia, whom she did not really know. Then she realized that she had felt drawn to her the moment they had met.
‘Your reputation as a brilliant businesswoman precedes you, Alexis. You inspire other women who would also enjoy being in business, but are not allowed to work.’
‘What about you? Would you like to be a banker, following in your father’s footsteps?’
‘No, I wouldn’t. But I would like something to do, which is one of the reasons I want to be involved with your charity. By the way, does the safe house have a name yet?’
‘It does. Delia and I decided to call it Haven House, because that says exactly what it is – a haven for women who need to be safe.’
‘I can’t wait to visit it next Tuesday, and when will it be opened? When will women be able to come there for help?’
‘It’s really ready now, and Delia and I will make it known to the local churches and hospitals that we are there to give shelter,’ Alexis explained, and looked at the doorway as Delia walked in.
Delia joined them near the window. ‘I can see that you have hit it off. I knew you would. In fact, I’m sorry I didn’t ask you to become involved with the charity before, Claudia.’
‘So am I, but here I am now, ready, willing and able to do whatever I can. Wouldn’t it be possible to go and visit Haven House regularly, Delia?’
‘Of course, we’d love that. Alexis and I believe that the women will appreciate our interest in them. We fully intend to drop by whenever we can. Of course, they may be a bit shy at first.’
Claudia looked from Delia to Alexis. ‘I had a thought when I was on my way here earlier. I’d like to share it with you …’ A questioning look crossed her face.
‘Please do tell us.’ Delia smiled encouragingly.
‘I was wondering what I would actually do if I visited the shelter. It suddenly occurred to me that I might be able to teach the women something during their stay. I came up with the idea of taking some books. I thought perhaps there might be some women who can’t read.’
Alexis exclaimed, ‘What a clever idea! It’s just wonderful, Claudia. And there are bound to be many women who never went to school before it became compulsory.’
A smile spread across Claudia’s face, and she began to discuss the kind of books she would collect, how she might bring a carpenter to build bookshelves in one of the communal rooms with their permission.
As she sat listening to her, liking Claudia more and more, Alexis saw the strong family likeness between her and Delia. Their mothers were sisters, making them first cousins. Margot, Claudia’s mother, had died some years ago, but Delia’s was still alive and had helped with the charity.
Both women had the same burnished, glossy brown hair and dark eyes. Pretty women, they were well groomed and smartly dressed. She knew that Delia was just thirty because she had attended her birthday luncheon. But she had no idea how old Claudia was … younger than Delia, about twenty, perhaps, not much older than that.
Each of them was wearing a gown by Madame Valance. Her unique style was easy to recognize and it was obvious to Alex that they also patronized the French designer.
Delia had chosen a deep-rose-coloured silk gown, with long sleeves, a square neckline and a sweeping bustle; Claudia was dressed in a purple silk jacket with a cleverly cut skirt which matched. It was a straight skirt, with side drapes, but no bustle. Alexis thought it was chic, and decided she would order something similar. She liked the idea of skirts without those cumbersome bustles that she no longer tolerated.
Delia broke into her thoughts, when she said, ‘You are certainly giving us a very sharp once-over, Alexis. And the answer is yes. We are clients of Madame Valance.’
Alexis laughed. ‘I was actually admiring you both. And I have suddenly had a serious thought. We must be simply dressed when we are at Haven House, wearing plain clothes.’
‘Nothing like these gowns, nothing fancy. That’s most important,’ Delia interjected. ‘They would be upset, I think.’
Claudia was in agreement. ‘We have to show them respect and kindness, and we mustn’t appear to be superior or patronizing.’
‘Correct,’ Alexis said. ‘Plain clothes, plain talk, too, and very good manners. We must also have a lot of patience. These women who are so much in need must never be made to feel inferior.’
As they took their leave of Delia, Alexis turned to Claudia. ‘I have my carriage waiting, and I’m certain you do, too. But, if not, I would be happy to take you to your home.’
‘How nice of you, Alexis, and thank you. I’m going to visit a relative with my father. He said he would come for me, and I’m sure his carriage is already outside.’
It was. As Alexis and Claudia left Delia’s house, she saw it at once. Her father was standing outside on this glorious sunny afternoon, leaning against the carriage door nonchalantly smoking a cigarette. As soon as he saw them he dropped it, stubbed it out with his foot. Then he began to walk towards them, a smile on his face.
After greeting his daughter in an affectionate tone, he said, ‘Won’t you introduce me to your friend?’
‘Of course, Papa.’ She looked at Alexis. ‘I would like to present my father to you … Sebastian Trevalian. Papa, this is Alexis Malvern.’
Sebastian bowed slightly, offering her his hand.
‘Good afternoon, Mr Trevalian. I am very pleased to meet you,’ Alexis murmured, taking his hand.
‘The pleasure is all mine, Miss Malvern,’ he responded, staring at her with great intensity. He was still holding
