Addie pointed to herself. “My role will be the president, and I will also drum up customers for our exhibits. You will be the vice president and will do outreach to those in the field, convincing them to allow us to display their artifacts and antiquities.”
Vice president? Diana hadn’t expected such a position. “Why would you pickme?”
“While away, you identified two potential options for exhibits. It suits you.”
Did it? She almost denied it but stopped herself. She had done that. Addie frowned at her. “Of course, if you don’t think you can fill the position, we can think of something else.”
She shook her head. “No, it’s perfect.”
Addie beamed at her. “We all thought so, too.”
Everyone nodded. Sarah added, “The duchess and I may also have a list of potential scholars and antiquarians to contact.”
Diana was ecstatic about her role. Addie pulled out a notebook and placed it on the table in the middle of the sitting area. “A few more things before we wrap up for the day. Both newspapers would like you and Devons to host a talk on your trip. We will have to wait until he returns but I don’t think that shall be a problem. We can have it in one of the large empty exhibit rooms downstairs.”
“Of course,” Diana said.
She ignored the twisting of her stomach. It did no good to dwell on how it may be when she and Sebastian were together again. Instead, she would focus on her new, exciting role. Yes, Sebastian was never far from her thoughts, but Diana needed to move on.
*
Latakia—End of August 1850
“You are sureyou don’t want to continue on with us?” Rose asked.
Sebastian liked her. She would be an oddity in London, but in this city, where a mixture of old and new abounded, Rose fit in perfectly. “No. It is time to return home. I have a business to run that I have been away from for far too long.”
“Clubs are needed here as well,” Keaton said.
“But they aren’t my club.”
Keaton laughed. “You truly do miss London. I can’t imagine ever returning.”
“I’m with you, Keaton,” Easton said and then added, when Calvert looked like he was about to say something, “And no, I’m not avoiding anyone.”
Sebastian wondered if that were true. He’d enjoyed his time with Easton, but the man was a legend in London. Something had to keep him from visiting, and with his personality, Sebastian doubted it was his adoring admirers.
“Thank you for connecting us with the club and also delivering my letter to the duchess,” Calvert said.
Rose glared at him. “What are you up to?”
Her father frowned at her. “You don’t have to know everything I do.”
Sebastian chuckled. “I’m glad you are interested in forming some type of partnership. I will make sure your letter is delivered to the duchess.”
Sebastian suspected Rose would be furious when she figured out what her father was up to. It had to do with sending ancient tablets she was keen on translating to London. Her father was determined to get her a season.
Easton stood. “I’ll walk you to the carriage.”
Sebastian said a final goodbye and walked with him to the line of carriages. As they approached, he said, “Thank you for letting me join you.”
Easton laughed. “You seemed insistent that you wanted to be on any ship but the one you were supposed to be on. Will you see her when you return?”
He could feign confusion, but Easton wasn’t a fool. “It’s up to her.”
“If she doesn’t reciprocate your affection, move on. There is plenty of enjoyment to be had without the tender emotionwreaking havoc on your life,” Easton advised before smacking him on the back. “Good luck, Devons.”
“Thank you,” he said.
