“Of course,” their hostess quickly reassured her. “We started this several months ago. One of our other members who isn’t here today is working on hers. Otherwise, we’d have an update from her, as well.”
“You take turns?” Mrs. Hatch asked, her brow furrowed.
“We have thus far, although it’s not a requirement.” Lady Bolton cast a meaningful look at Lady Harriet as she spoke.
Lady Harriet smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Though Eliza didn’t know her, she had become an expert at observing others and would be willing to wager that Lady Harriet had decided against making a bold move.
Eliza hoped she would change her mind. Lady Harriet seemed nice, if reserved, and was lovely with pale hair and wide blue eyes. Eliza already felt they had several things in common.
She looked forward to becoming acquainted with the ladies in the league. They seemed different than the girls at finishing school and so much nicer.
As the conversation continued, her thoughts returned to Philip—or rather, the Duke of Trentworth, as she now needed to think of him. Her brother’s best friend had always been kind to her. His words to her after the death of her parents had forever captured her admiration.
While she’d only seen him from a distance since her return, her reaction to him made it clear that what she felt was worth exploring. Those feelings—both physical and emotional—were unique and refused to be ignored.
What harm could there be in finding a way to catch his notice to see where this might lead? The question was how and whether she could find the courage to act. Yet now that she might be making true friends to support her, she felt as if anything was possible. Hope lit a warm glow inside her.
Chapter One
One Week Later...
Elizapressedahandto her stomach, but it did little to settle the turmoil there. How could she not be nervous about implementing theFor Better or Worseagenda?
She closed her eyes and gave herself a stern reprimand. The key was to quit thinking of her idea as bold. This was merely one step on the path. Philip might already have his eye on another lady and her efforts would be for naught. Or he might not feel for her what she felt for him. Either thought was discouraging.
That was one of the reasons she hadn’t told any of the members of the literary league about her plan. Besides, one of them was already working on one, and Eliza didn’t want to interfere since normally they took turns. That proved this wasn’t a bold step forward, didn’t it? This was merely an unofficial move.
Plus, she didn’t actually have a plan. She had an intention of speaking with him. Somehow. Someway.
The Aker garden party this afternoon should be the perfect place to take this small step. Philip was supposed to attend what was to be a rather small gathering. How could they not cross each other’s paths?
Her brother’s mention that the duke had started the search for a wife and intended to be married by summer made it imperative that she act now. Autumn was the perfect time to do so. The new Season wouldn’t begin until after the new year when Parliament started again in February, which meant less competition. But it also meant fewer events at which to encounter him.
“Is all well, dear?” Aunt Frieda asked.
Eliza didn’t mind that the older woman had invited herself to stay at Linford House to assist Eliza to prepare for her first Season. She needed a chaperone and knew better than to count on her rather distant brother, Winston, the Marquess of Linford, to perform those duties. She’d already been presented to the Queen two years ago while home for a few weeks but hadn’t attended many events as she’d left London again soon after.
“Yes, of course.” Eliza smiled. “It’s a lovely afternoon, isn’t it?”
“I suppose.” Her aunt looked about with a critical eye. She was nothing like Eliza’s mother in looks or personality and was a less-than-optimistic person. While Eliza should be used to it after their travels together, the pessimism still wore on her. “This is an odd time of the year for a garden party. They’re lucky the weather held.”
Lord and Lady Aker prided themselves on being eccentric from what Winston had told them. What better way than to hold a gathering when it wasn’t expected? The fact that many families remained at their country estates this time of year ensured this would be an intimate affair.
Then again, ‘intimate’ by Society’s standards was still a significant number of people.
The terraced garden was covered in shades of gold, red, and brown made all the more impressive by the contrast of the evergreen shrubs. Canvas tents offered shelter, but most people wandered the paths to admire the flowers, including pink dahlias, ruby and gold violas, and lavender asters that created a lovely purple cloud.
Her brother had mentioned Philip would be here when Aunt Frieda told him of their plans to attend. Eliza pulled her attention from the flowers to search for his tall form.
“Offering hot apple cider rather than lemonade is a nice touch on a crisp autumn day,” Aunt Frieda admitted with reluctance as she studied one of the tents where a few guests were enjoying refreshments.
“Shall we partake in some?” Eliza asked.
“Let us explore the garden first. I wouldn’t want to risk carrying a cup with me.” She glanced at both their gowns. “It wouldn’t do to spill. These were expensive purchases.”
“Of course.” Eliza tipped her head to suggest her aunt lead the way along the path.
The older woman often reminded Eliza of the many items she’d purchased for her during their time abroad. Eliza thanked her often as she truly was grateful for what she’d been given, but that didn’t seem to satisfy her aunt.
