She had almost even convinced herself that she did not want him as a lover because of the women he preferred, but that had been a lie as well.
Oh, maybe she should allow him to call on her. What harm could it do?
Except, he may not wish to after the cold reception he had just received from her.
Why had she behaved so badly?
Because she was afraid. She wanted him but didn’t want to be rejected.
If he had truly cared, he would have found her when he returned to England and he had not, which meant that she had made the right decision and reached the correct conclusions before she left Brussels.
Oh, thinking about what could have been and what he may want would drive her to madness and it was best to push all thoughts and emotions as they relate to Orlando Valentine aside and put her mind to more important matters.
“Please see that I am dropped at Athena’s Salon. I can walk home from there,” she requested of Elizabeth who instructed the driver then stepped into the carriage.
“I see that Dr. Valentine greeted you.”
“Yes, well he saw me and it was a polite thing to do.”
Elizabeth tisked. “I know that tone, Blythe. It is the one you use to keep those at a distance and not ask too many questions.”
She did prefer her privacy and one of the reasons she had been a recluse from the moment she returned to England until last. But that did not mean she let people close, though Lavinia and Elizabeth were probably closer to her than anyone else, but still, they did not know all her secrets.
Thankfully her friend did not press and asked no further questions while they traveled from the market to Athena’s Salon and Blythe was very much relieved when she stepped from the carriage then left alone to let herself inside.
After she handed the tulips to a servant, Blythe made her way to the office where she reviewed the accounting, and orders, and schedules for the lectures and discussions and art displays arranged for the following weeks. She wanted to make certain that all was put to rights and that she would be able to answer any questions that Bethany may have when they did meet.
That was supposed to be this afternoon, but her employer never said where or even offered a time.
What if word had been sent to her home and since she had been gone most of the day, had not received it.
Blythe pushed away from the desk and was just about to retrieve her bonnet and pelisse when Bethany breezed through the door.
“Ah, I am glad you are here since we had not settled on a time.”
At least a note wasn’t waiting for her at her house.
“Before we meet, I would like to review the books and memberships since I have been rather derelict in my duties.”
“I am certain that you will find everything in order,” Blythe assured her and hoped that she hadn’t made any errors.
“Why don’t you request tea and then you can answer any questions that I may have.”
“Of course,” Blythe answered and left Bethany to her review while she went in search of a maid surprised to find that it was nearly two in the afternoon. She had no idea that she had been working for so long, but at least it had managed to keep her mind off Dr. Orlando Valentine for a short time.
After making the request for tea, Blythe returned to the office and answer any questions that Bethany may have.
“We gained members in my absence,” Bethany said after Blythe was seated.
“Not many but a few. I assume the list will grow once everyone returns from the country.”
“Even though the Season has not yet begun, the profits were good for January and February.”
“Yes, they were.” Blythe was rather pleased as she had not expected Athena’s to do so well in Bethany and Tessa’s absence. She had simply hoped that income would remain steady so that she did not lose her position.
“Which brings me to a proposition.”
Blythe was on the edge of her seat, waiting. “Yes, Beth…Your Grace.”
