“I have not yet decided. Until I do, I would like a place where he cannot be.”
“Of course.” Tessa grinned. “As we are not allowed in The Emerald Garter, why should he be allowed here?”
Frances supposed it was a good enough excuse as any, until the time was right.
“I will let you know when he can purchase a subscription, if you are in agreement.”
“I have no objection and will wait for you to decide when that will be,” Tessa answered. “Now, we need to finish preparing for tonight. Are you ready to begin your new duties?”
A shiver of excitement and nerves coursed through her body. “I think so,” she answered honestly.
“You will do well,” Bethany said.
“Better than well,” Tessa added.
Frances hoped that they were correct because she needed this position so that she could continue to live here or she would be forced to return to her family in Yorkshire as a failure.
Chapter Eleven
Seth walked away from Tessa’s home a bit disconcerted.
She was his cousin so why shouldn’t she allow him a subscription to Athena’s Salon. He knew that he had answered her questions correctly, which were basically to confirm that he did not believe women were less intelligent than a man. He assured her that he respected women, which she already knew because she’d known him her entire life. He was from a family of smugglers, not that anyone outside of Laswell knew. His grandmother had even sailed on ships, under the cover of darkness, bringing goods in from France. Every female, as soon as they were old enough, participated from driving wagons to unloading boats, and some made deliveries.
Amelia had been in the process of learning how to keep the books, two different sets to hide their ventures and where their real fortune came from when she had contracted the measles and died. So, how could anyone who knew his family as well as Tessa believe that he would harbor any beliefs that a woman was weaker than a man in any aspect, other than physically on occasion?
The argument had ended with Tessa telling him, “If you truly believe what you are saying, then you would allow women to be members of The Emerald Garter.”
All he could do was stare at her. If he allowed women to gamble, men would either stop visiting his establishment, or they would be more careful with what they were willing to risk. It was simply something he could not do.
“I will reconsider your request once you have changed the rules for your gambling establishment.”
Seth nearly stomped down the street. Certainly, his cousin could understand the difference. Just because he admired and respected women did not mean that most gentlemen in Society did and he could not afford to lose business.
That still left afternoons and three evenings that he could see Frances, which was far more than he had for five years so he must be satisfied with that.
When he returned home, Seth found Blythe stitching in the parlor, smiling and humming.
She had attended Athena’s Salon last evening and had gotten home rather late. He only knew that because he had left The Emerald Garter early for the purpose of speaking with her to learn about the salon. She simply glided in, said that it was wonderful and how happy she was that he had forced her away from her stitching, for it had changed everything for her.
When pressed on what was discussed, she claimed that she was too tired and started up the stairs.
He then asked if she had spoken with Frances.
Blythe turned and smiled. “I did not get a chance to, but from what I could see, she quite enjoys her position.”
“Why is that?” Seth demanded.
“There was much laughter coming from the table where she was dealing cards. I am not certain what game was being played but win or lose, everyone was having a most enjoyable time.”
“I am glad the women were enjoying themselves,” he offered. Though, they could have been widows with more freedom over their funds.
“There were no ladies at her table,” Blythe said. “Only gentlemen.” Then, with a laugh, she turned and climbed the stairs.
Bloody hell!
How many of them were flirting with Frances? How many did she flirt with?
If she was dressed in a manner that displayed her assets, as she had been at the ball, no doubt those gentlemen were not concentrating on their cards and losing to her.
