He wouldn’t allow himself to repeat that kiss, even if Eliza asked for another. Even if he longed to have her in his arms more than anything.
Eliza scowled as she finished reading a page and yet couldn’t repeat one word of it. Heaving a sigh, she reached for a lace bookmark to place between the pages, far too distracted to read. That alone was a sign of her inner turmoil.
She only wanted to close her eyes and relive the kiss she’d shared with Philip that morning. She would never have guessed it would be so enjoyable or how much she wanted another. The experience made her even more curious about the other physical aspects of a relationship.
In fact, her entire body tingled at the thought. Was there a chance Philip would be willing to explore those areas with her?
Her mouth went dry as she considered the idea. But there was more to how she felt about him. She wanted to help lift the somberness that he often showed. It was as if the weight of his duties were pressing down on him, smothering the zest for life he’d previously embodied.
“Eliza?”
She looked up to see Aunt Frieda enter the sitting room with several invitations in hand.
“I wanted to discuss which of these events we should attend.”
“Of course.” In truth, Eliza only wanted to go to the ones where Philip would be. Was there a way to discover which ones those might be? “Perhaps we should consult with Winston as well.” He’d surely have an idea about the ones Philip was likely to attend.
“Winston? Whatever for? He is unlikely to want to join us.”
“Yes, but he knows everyone. He could shed some light on which events would be best.” A closer look at her aunt suggested she had yet to be convinced. “Once we decide what we think, of course.”
Aunt Frieda’s lips twisted as she considered the matter. “You may be right. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.” She studied each one, which didn’t take long as there were only a few. “Deciding will be a different experience come the spring when the Season is in full swing. By then, we’ll better know who is who, won’t we?”
Eliza wondered how Winston would take the news that Aunt Frieda intended to stay that long. But if she left, Eliza would have to find another chaperone. That wasn’t appealing either.
“I still think you should’ve waited to see if there were other book groups to join before you chose the one you did.” Aunt Frieda frowned as she looked through the invitations again as if she might’ve missed one.
“I can’t imagine joining another when I already like the ladies in mine so well,” Eliza countered. “What makes you say that?”
“I heard something questionable about the group.”
“Was it from Lady Jane or her mother?” Eliza already knew she didn’t like the woman.
“Why, yes. How did you know?”
“We had a brief conversation. I don’t think we can believe anything she says.”
“Even so, we must take it into consideration. It would be unfortunate if your reputation became tarnished before you’ve truly had a Season.”
“I think Lady Jane will be the one everyone wonders about if she continues to speak so poorly about others.” Eliza dearly hoped so.
“Hmm. It is a risk I’m not certain you should take.”
“Lady Bolton leads the league and is well liked by many.”
“I heard she was awallflowerprior to her marriage.” Aunt Frieda made the statement with the same condemnation as if Lady Bolton had been accused of parading in the street in only her chemise.
“From Lady Jane?” Eliza was outraged.
Her aunt had the good sense to look away rather than answer.
“What else did she say?” Eliza wanted to be prepared to counter any other gossip the woman was spreading if the need arose.
“She mentioned that all the members are trying to snare husbands.”
“That’s not true.” Eliza wanted to stomp her foot in protest. “I was told about theFor Better or Worseidea. There’s nothing wrong with doing something to encourage a gentleman’s interest. He can always refuse if he doesn’t return the regard.”
“It still seems odd. A proper lady should wait to see if she’s noticed.”
