The other guest, Mrs. Hatch, was a reserved individual and wore the grey of half-mourning, her gown modest in design. She watched those around her with caution, making Eliza wonder at the reason.
“I am a widow and recently moved to London,” she told them as she smoothed a hand across the satin fabric. “I now live with my cousin who is the only family I have in the area.”
Eliza recognized that look—the widow must be lonely as well.
They both shared a few of their favorite books—Little Women,Pride and Prejudice, andLorna Doonefor Eliza—and what they liked about them before the meeting started in earnest.
Lady Bolton called the meeting to order. “The first item on our agenda is a discussion on the last book we read,Our Mutual Friendby Charles Dickens.” She looked around expectantly.
“I confess that I found it rather complex and difficult to follow at times,” Lady Winifred said. “I didn’t understand why the main character was pretending to be someone else and went so far as to allow everyone to presume he was dead.” She looked at the other members. “Did anyone else feel that way?”
Eliza couldn’t help but notice how uncomfortable Mrs. Hatch became at Lady Winifred’s comment, especially since the widow said she hadn’t read the book. Yet her face paled, and her brow puckered.
The discussion grew lively, much to Eliza’s delight. Everyone was willing to share their opinion but listened with respect to others, as well. Though Eliza hadn’t read the book either, she’d heard of it and was able to participate to a small degree.
“Our book for the next meeting will beThe Eustace Diamondsby Anthony Trollope,” Lady Bolton said. “This is the third in the Palliser series. It was originally published as a serial in theFortnightly Review. Has anyone read it?”
“I enjoyed the first two in the series but have yet to read this one,” Miss Millicent Davies said. “The family drama has been entertaining thus far.”
Eliza watched as Lady Harriet closed her eyes as if distressed at the mention of family drama. That was something to which Eliza could relate. Her own family had more than its share, starting with her parents before their deaths.
“I look forward to it,” Mrs. Hatch said, and Eliza nodded.
“Excellent. Next on our agenda is our charitable work. Some of the books we’ve read have shed light on the poor in London, so we’re volunteering for several charitable activities.”
“How wonderful.” Eliza was pleased to hear it. The league was turning out to be everything she’d hoped for and more.
“I would like to be involved,” Mrs. Hatch added. “Being new to London, it’s difficult to know where and how to spend one’s time on such activities.”
“Perfect. Next Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be visiting the Whitechapel Workhouse to discuss their needs and how we might help.”
Lady Bolton shared a smile with Lady Shaw. “The final item on our agenda is an update on theFor Better or Worseagenda.” She addressed both Eliza and Mrs. Hatch. “You may have already heard of it. This agenda might not be of interest to you.”
“I haven’t lived in the city long. What is it?” Mrs. Hatch appeared rather uncomfortable again, shifting in her chair.
Eliza waited with interest to hear the answer, unable to guess what it was. Lady Bolton hadn’t mentioned it when they’d previously spoken. They’d only discussed books, not other activities of the league. Like Mrs. Hatch, Eliza had only recently arrived in London.
“We have challenged one another to make a bold move to draw the eye of the gentlemen for whom we carry a secrettendre. Nothing untoward, of course.” Lady Bolton’s cheeks flushed as she spoke. “Just something to help them see us in a different light and as a possible match.”
“Truly?” Eliza studied the group with amazement as she considered the possibilities. “And? Has it been met with success?”
Lady Bolton’s smile was an answer in itself. “I proposed a marriage of convenience to the man who is now my husband. He refused but a short time later, we married, though not for convenience. Definitely a success.” She looked at Lady Shaw with a raised brow.
“I suggested a pretend betrothal to a childhood friend, and we are now married.” Lady Shaw’s happiness was clear as well.
Eliza sat back in her chair overcome by the conversation. “I never thought of doing anything of the sort.”
“Does that mean there’s someone who holds your affection?” Lady Bolton asked.
Eliza hesitated, not wanting to say. But if she wanted these women to become her friends, she needed to share some of herself. Wouldn’t it be best to begin as she meant to go on?
She slowly nodded. “Yes, there is.” The image of Philip Carstairs filled her mind. That was all it took to increase her pulse and send a flush along her body. He had caught her heart when she was young—soon after her parents had died—and still held it.
Her thoughts whirled with whether she could do something to catch his notice. She tapped a gloved finger on her lip, a habit when she was deep in thought that finishing school hadn’t managed to completely overcome. “How interesting.”
Lady Bolton shifted her attention to the other new member. “Mrs. Hatch, I know you’re a widow, but is there someone—”
“No.” The lady adamantly shook her head. “No one.” She glanced about as if realizing her vehement denial was out of place. With a forced smile, she shook her head again. “I’m sorry but I must decline to participate.”
