Addie motioned everyone over to the sitting area. The five board members sat on the two sofas and Sebastian and Malcolm took the wingback chairs.
“I would like to introduce you all to my brother, the Marquess of Derry.”
Addie looked at Malcolm and Sebastian. “How is Derry going to help us?”
Sebastian continued. “While he is still part owner in my club, the Den, he is a peer and, as a partner, could provide the Historical Society for Female Curators a level of respectability I can’t. I’ve convinced him to partner in the club and use the same agreement I signed to make sure the board remains in control.”
Lisbeth frowned and glanced at Malcolm. “Why would you do that?”
Malcolm’s eyes flitted to Diana and back to the duchess. He shrugged. “My brother says this club is a worthwhile endeavor.”
Addie beamed at Sebastian. His eyes flitted back to Diana who was frowning at him intently.
“You will hand over ownership of the club to the Marquess of Derry?” Sarah asked.
Sebastian nodded, and the group fell quiet. Shockingly, Diana said, “No.”
Everyone’s eyes flew to her. She flushed but still shook her head. “Why should we bow to these bullies? There are very few men who would have supported our endeavor and done so much for us. We can’t simply end our association with Devons because of some article. It would make us no better than them. We are better than that. This board may be comprised of all ladies, but Mr. Devons has been our partner and our champion. As theboard of the Historical Society for Female Curators, we should not turn our backs on him.”
Sebastian stared at her in shock, and he suspected the rest of the ladies felt the same way as no one said anything. Malcolm said, “I promise I will be as dedicated as my brother. I have given him my word.”
“Thank you, Lord Derry, but my vote is no. We started this with Devons. Fail or succeed, we end it with him,” Diana said.
An impressed smirk filled Addie’s face. “You are right. I vote no, too.”
Esme said. “I agree.”
“Me as well.”
Lisbeth sighed and nodded.
Diana turned back to him and Malcolm. “We do not accept your plan.”
Malcolm guffawed and everyone’s eyes jerked to him. He held his hand up apologetically as he tried to compose himself. “I’m sorry. This is not at all how I planned this going today.”
Addie shook her head. “You aren’t alone.”
Diana’s gaze swung back to Sebastian. “We still should do our talk tomorrow. If we don’t, they will think we are worried about the article.”
Sebastian was stunned by the board’s willingness to risk everything by continuing to partner with him.”
“Diana—”
“I refuse to be forced to do anything because of what is printed in the gossip sheets. We should not change our plans. Will you be ready for our talk tomorrow?”
Even though he was still nursing his wounded heart, he couldn’t help but smile back at her, impressed. “I will be ready.”
She nodded. “Good, then it is settled.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Diana stood withSebastian, listening from the second floor of Seely House, as visitors made their way into the largest exhibit room.
“Are you ready for this?” he asked.
She was. The blasted article infuriated her and made her more determined than ever to see this club succeed with their existing partner. It enraged her that Devons thought they would give him up. That she would. He mattered so much to her. It took everything in her to not let the words fly out of her mouth. She smiled back at him. “More than ready.”
“You are becoming quite the rabble-rouser.”
