Anthony, Earl of Merryam, wants to build a new school in the town of Little Foxbury. His mother wants him to get married. A bolt to the city to find an architect seems to be in order.
Adeline Edmonds also wants to build a school but for the poor people of Soho. She is rich and can easily afford it. Unfortunately, her trustees refuse to hand over the money until she is forty or married. She has no desire to wait and even less desire to get married.
When she meets the Earl, he seems to be type of type-wasting, pleasure-loving nobleman she despites.
When he sees her in the Soho he is horrified. What could such a gently-bred woman be doing in such a dubious area? Surely nothing good.
Deception breeds confusion and heartache: can two generous hearts find happiness in the truth?
An earlier version of this story appeared in the Secrets of the Soho Club anthology.
