Georgina's ‘At Homes’ at Tavistock House had continued throughout September 1879. The room was almost always full, due to the publicity generated by her appearances at the Aquarium and in the police courts. The programmes were the usual mixture of readings and lectures (mainly by the hostess) and musical items. The takings, however, remained low. Georgina claimed that she was raising money to support her orphanage, but members of the audience may well have wondered what had happened to the orphans themselves. Most of them were still in France and Georgina quickly disposed of the only one left in London, ‘that little wretch’ Tommy, who was ‘planted’ at a place where he would be ‘trained on board ship’. Georgina was only too pleased to see him go.

As Rivière had deprived her of her Benefit Concert, Georgina decided to hold one of her own. On 5 November, the day of the cancelled concert at Covent Garden, she booked St James's Hall for St Cecilia's Day, 22 November. She sent a circular to the members of the choir, informing them

Apart from one or two ‘turncoats’, the choir remained loyal. Georgina received numerous letters of support and most of the singers still came to rehearsals.