Of Night and Dark Obscurity

“Bother my reputation,” Caroline said firmly. “This is about offering people safe, clean housing. What’s more important than that?”

“Marrying into the right family and bringing up your children in the right circle,” Gladys said smugly as she picked up her bag with Cleo following her. “I’m sorry Caroline. But I can’t be a part of this.”

“Me as well, Caroline,” Cleo said. “Our families matter more.”

Caroline watched as both ladies left the room. She turned back to the three that had stayed.

“Prudie?” Caroline asked her friend who had been silent until now.

“I support you, Caro. You always were a bit of a revolutionary. You’re ahead of your time is all. Some people don’t understand that.”

“Then our Guild has begun!” Caroline said excitedly. “Honorary member Lady Lyttleton, members Stella Oakley, Prudence Finch and Caroline Derry. Come to order!” She said smiling.

???

Caroline was pleased that the Guild was finally coming together. She had the financial backing of her father, Lady Lyttleton, Mr. Davies and now she, Stella and Prudie would be the ones to help move the Guild forward and to choose the tenants. It was an exciting beginning.

Upstairs in her room after the women had left, she began to write a simple outline of the next steps they needed to make the building livable and then to let the rooms. She was certain that Peter Davies would be able to help her with what work would be needed and also procure the workmen for it. She had thought that once completed, the decoration and furnishings might be chosen by Lady Lyttleton, who didn’t want the burden of the meetings, but would surely enjoy decorating the homes.

She wrote a simple note asking Peter Davies to meet with her in the morning and gave it to Wilmot to deliver.

She paused to think about how the Guild should go about choosing the families to live in the rooms. She thought about the reasons to choose housing and she realized she wanted much more than just to house them. She wanted to change their lives. She wanted to offer the women trade to get them off the street, and Stella could help teach the children and adults who wanted to learn.

The first eligibility was they must be a family. An adult with at least one or more child. They must be living in a deplorable arrangement to have the need to move. Caroline assumed the majority would fit that description. They must have an income, or if no income, they must be willing to work in a legal capacity and gain income through schooling and apprenticeship.

Caroline decided that with her father’s consent she would like to be able to pay the first six month’s rent to give the family time to acclimate and find gainful employment. She knew with the resources she was collecting it would be achieved.

It was dark outside as night had settled but she felt a sense of calm. Irene would be happy for her. This was something good to have come out of all this sadness. She already knew the name of the first house. She wrote it down and circled it. The Irene Derry House.

???

Peter Davies was seated across from Caroline.

“My father wants to purchase the building you showed me,” she said smiling.

“With you as its manager?” He asked.

“Yes. The Guild is coming together. I have several on board already and you will be the fifth member of the Guild if you haven’t changed your mind.”

“Not at all Miss Derry. I’m quite intrigued to see where this all goes.” He smiled lightly at her.

“Hopefully to housing the needy and putting them on the path to better lives,” she pulled out a piece of paper. “My father asked that all the necessary papers be drawn up. I also wanted to discuss the renovations with you.”

He leaned back in his chair. “You come prepared.” He said admiringly.

“This means a lot to me. This isn’t some petty project that will take up my time between my embroidery and croquet. This is important to me,” she said passionately.

“I can see that. It’s impressive. I deal mostly with men as you can imagine. The ladies I do interact with want to know how big the parlor is or the kitchen. You are a rarity,” he told her.

“I wanted to meet with you this morning to discuss the renovations. What you think needs to be done, how long it will take, how many men to do the work and how much.” She looked down at the piece of paper reading off her list.

Peter nodded. “I can draw up an extensive list for you and your Father to review. I have men that work on such projects and they are reasonable. I think you are looking at least two to three months. It shouldn’t be more than that.”

“Excellent. I want to start drawing up a list of possible tenants. The Guild will interview them and see if they fit the requirements.”

She stood up and reached across the desk to shake his hand. “You’ve been very helpful Mr. Davies. I’m very grateful to all you’ve done.”

“And you, Miss Derry, are a breath of fresh air in this London soot.”