Augustus sighed. “Your club mostly caters to men.”
“The Den is focused on vice, not artifacts,” Derry replied. “And we do have options for women.”
Devons nodded in agreement with his brother and then added, “The Historical Society for Female Curators has grown into more than Lady Hawley’s revenge project. They are building something quite spectacular. You will regret not involving yourself with them early on. Their first large exhibit will have its grand opening next month.”
“I will have my man of affairs arrange something.”
“Brilliant. I assumed you didn’t want to anger the London Society of Antiquaries,” Devons added.
Augustus scowled at him, knowing his friend was being an instigator. “I already said I will meet with them. No need to try to strong-arm me into it.”
“I would never do that.” Devons grinned.
“What is the exhibit about?” Augustus asked.
“They will host a small reception in two weeks to share with attendees what they can expect at the grand opening. They are calling it a sneak peek. Attend and find out for yourself.”
Augustus could, at the very least, do that. In truth, he hadn’t considered the new club at all for a partnership. It had nothing to do with the London Society of Antiquaries, but more so, he was swamped with all his ventures. Today, they were supposed to discuss their joint telegraph business, not marriage or the all-women’s historical society.
“Where is your wife, Derry? Shouldn’t we be discussing locations for telegraph lines?”
As if his friend could somehow telepathically summon her, Sophia burst through the doors of her husband’s study. “Sorry, I’m late. The twins were being very naughty.”
Everyone rose, and Augustus grinned at the lady, partially because they were good friends but also because it annoyed Derry that his wife liked him so much. He enjoyed irritating the man.
“Augustus, it is so wonderful to see you,” she said.
He took her hand and made a dramatic show of bowing over it. She blushed, and he almost chuckled as Derry practically growled in disapproval. Sophia turned to her husband and frowned. He raised a brow at her. She rolled her eyes and sat in the empty wingback chair of the sitting area.
“Have you started?”
“No. We were discussing Sinclair’s marriage prospects,” Derry said, gleeful to share the information with his wife.
Sophia’s eyes flashed with excitement, and Augustus forced himself not to groan. “Have you met someone? You of all people deserve to find a love match.”
“I’m not looking for that.”
The lady frowned at him as if an absurdity had spewed from his mouth. “Then why haven’t you wed? I assumed you wanted love.”
Augustus tugged at his cravat, hating this conversation. Devons sighed. “We’ve been tormenting him about it allmorning. I think Sinclair deserves a reprieve from any more questions about the marriage mart.”
Sophia pursed her lips, studying Augustus as if he were some rare specimen. He supposed he was. He was a single duke, after all. She sighed. “Please, let me know if you need assistance.”
“Yes. I promise,” Augustus said, knowing he would never ask. “Now, can we please discuss these new lines?”
Chapter Three
Rose sat withLisbeth in her carriage, headed to Seely House. Today, she would meet the rest of the women in charge of the Historical Society for Female Curators and get her hands back on the tablets she’d been waiting to translate for weeks. Anger still thrummed through her that her father had shipped them off without her knowledge—he was such a devious man.
Her eyes flitted to Lisbeth, who was staring out the window. She’d been quiet this morning. Both now and at breakfast. They weren’t close, so Rose didn’t feel right trying to delve into what made her host so lost in thought. Still, she seemed distracted or nervous.
Under Rose’s intense study, Lisbeth turned to her. “I’m thrilled that you’ll get to meet all the ladies today. They are a delightful group of rabble-rousers.”
Rose raised a brow at the description she used. “They are all proper London ladies.”
Lisbeth grinned mischievously, transforming her from a grand duchess to the impish, troublemaking girl Rose once knew. “Depends on what you consider proper. They are not your standardtonladies.”
The carriage came to a halt, stopping any further conversation. The driver opened the door, and they stepped out. The Seely House wasn’t small but a stately building that several workers were actively working on. Rose realized Lisbeth and herclub had lofty plans. The thought filled her with excitement and curiosity.
