“Hmm. I could’ve sworn it was because wewereinterested in more than just books that our group caught your notice,” Miss Melbourne added.
Eliza could hazard a guess as to what they were speaking about, and her loyalty was firmly on the side of her new friends.
With a scowl, Lady Jane shifted to face Eliza, ignoring the other two ladies. “It has become widely known that their league members have set out to capture unsuspecting gentlemen as husbands.”
“Thanks to you,” Miss Melbourne muttered.
“You’re referring to theFor Better or Worseagenda, I assume,” Eliza said.
Lady Jane’s mouth gaped in an unbecoming manner. “You know of it?”
“I do as I’m already a member of the league.” Eliza frowned. “I don’t believe you have the facts correct. But do not worry. If you wish to catch the attention of a gentleman who holds your affection, you do not have to become a member in order to act. That’s only an added benefit of the group, not the primary purpose.”
“I hardly need to do something to convince a man to like me.”
“No, you do not,” Eliza agreed. “You can simply wait and hope.” Eliza refused to do so.
“As a proper lady should.” Yet Lady Jane’s tone lacked conviction.
“Where is Lady Lucinda this evening?” Miss Melbourne asked.
“My sister is here somewhere.” Lady Jane searched the room only to halt, her lips tightening in disapproval.
“There she is, speaking with Lady Bolton,” Lady Shaw said. “Isn’t that interesting. I didn’t realize they were friends.” The overly innocent expression she wore as she looked at Lady Jane had Eliza holding her breath in anticipation of what might happen next.
“I hardly think them having a conversation means they’re friends,” Lady Jane countered. She continued to watch the two for a long moment. “I had better see if my sister requires my assistance.”
“I’ll go with you,” Lady Shaw offered and started in that direction though it was clear Lady Jane would rather she didn’t.
Miss Melbourne chuckled as soon as the two stepped away.
“I shouldn’t be so quick to judge,” Eliza began, “but I don’t care for Lady Jane.”
“Nor do we.” Miss Melbourne heaved a sigh. “She’s the reason that rumors spread about our group and our agenda. She overheard me speaking to Phoebe about it and has made a point to tell as many others as she can, much to our dismay.”
“That must be frustrating.”
“Indeed. You might be required to explain it again if someone mentions it.” She studied Eliza. “Tibby said they shared the agenda at the last meeting.”
“Yes, they did. I found the idea intriguing.”
Miss Melbourne smiled. “As do I. As you said, why should we simply wait to see if a particular gentleman notices us? I prefer the idea of taking action instead.”
Eliza couldn’t agree more. While she couldn’t guess as to whether her efforts would be successful, at least she would know she’d tried. “Have you started a bold move?”
Considering that she and Miss Melbourne had just been introduced, she doubted the lady would share any details if she had.
The lady showed no reaction to Eliza’s question, and Eliza began to wonder if she hadn’t heard her.
“I attempted it, but the situation didn’t go as planned.” She shook her head, her expression dimming. “Life is often more complicated than we think.”
Eliza knew that to be true and nodded in agreement. “It is.”
“Suffice it to say that the agenda is not as easy to implement as one would suppose.”
“I’m sure.” Eliza’s chest tightened. While she appreciated Miss Melbourne’s words, hearing them only made her doubt her own attempt.
Miss Melbourne managed a smile. “Sometimes what we think we want isn’t meant to be.”
