He truly did enjoy her company. And heaven help him, but he enjoyed kissing her. The problem was that he wanted so much more than that.
Quitedelightful, she’d said. Only quite? What had she meant by that?
He’d worried that she would react differently to their passionate interlude. After all, she was an innocent and he’d touched her where he was certain no other had.
But instead of outrage, she’d returned his passion and said it was only natural for them to explore the attraction between them.
He considered her meaning as he snuffed out the candleflame. It insinuated that she was attracted to him. A primal part of him wanted to growl in satisfaction.
But it also meant that she thought—or rather, knew—that he was attracted to her. The realization had him frowning again. While he was, and it was ridiculous to think she didn’t know that considering what had just happened, it concerned him as well. He didn’t want to raise her hope for a future together when that was impossible.
With a sigh, he walked slowly toward the door in the darkness. He was clearly overthinking all this. She was an attractive woman, and he was a man. They’d known each other for some time. An opportunity had presented itself, and they’d taken it.
The surprising thing was to know that she truly knew her own mind. He had to admit she was more mature than other ladies her age. Certainly more than Lady Alice, though the lady had to be at least three years older than Eliza. Eliza’s life thus far had given her a variety of experiences that contributed to her maturity.
He stepped into the dark corridor and looked for her toward the exhibit rooms, but she’d already disappeared.
The disappointment that washed over him made him realize how much her company meant to him. If only he didn’t care for her so deeply.
Chapter Sixteen
ThevisittotheWhitechapel Workhouse was one Eliza had been looking forward to. She greeted three of the ladies from The Mayfair Literary League with a smile, pleased to already feel like they were becoming friends.
Yet on second thought, as she studied the grim, soot-coated brick building, this was not the place to express happiness when so many unfortunate souls were inside enduring desperate circumstances.
“How have you been finding London?” Lady Harriet asked as she joined Eliza near the front entrance while they waited for everyone to arrive.
“Better than I expected for the most part,” Eliza said after thinking about it for a moment. Much of her time had been pleasurable. She’d certainly made more progress toward her goal with Philip than she’d hoped.
However, frustration had taken hold after the evening at the museum and continued to simmer inside her. How could he not see what was possible for them? The passion she’d felt hadn’t been one-sided. She didn’t know what more she could do to open his eyes.
But that worry would have to wait.
“That’s lovely to hear.” Lady Harriet appeared much different than at the last meeting. She looked as if a weight had been lifted from her. The shadows that had marked her blue eyes were gone, replaced by happiness.
“I’ve attended several enjoyable events, and I am so pleased to have found you ladies.” Eliza leaned closer. “Forgive me if I’m being overly forward, but you seem much happier than when I previously saw you.”
“Oh?” Lady Harriet’s eyes widened in surprise followed quickly by a smile. “I suppose that’s because I am. At the meeting, I was worried about several issues that have since been resolved.”
“I’m so pleased.” Eliza reached out to touch Lady Harriet’s arm. The joy on the lady’s face demanded no less.
“Thank you.” Lady Harriet glanced at the other ladies nearby. “I haven’t shared that with anyone yet, but I intend to. If you would be kind enough not to say anything, I’d appreciate it.”
“Of course.” However, Eliza could see from the interested looks that Lady Bolton cast in Lady Harriet’s direction that whatever her news was wouldn’t remain a secret for long.
Lady Bolton was speaking with Mrs. Hatch, which gave Eliza a few more minutes with Lady Harriet as they waited for Miss Melbourne, Lady Winifred, and Miss Davies to arrive. Lady Marian and Lady Tabitha wouldn’t be joining them as they had other commitments.
“Do you have news as well?” Lady Harriet lifted a brow in question.
“How do you mean?”
“I thought perhaps from your reaction at the last meeting that you might be implementing theFor Better or Worseagenda soon.”
Eliza felt her face heat. How could she admit that she had when she still might be facing failure? “Oh. Well. I haven’t been in London long.”
“But?” Lady Harriet offered a gentle smile. “You don’t have to tell me. I just had the feeling you might act sooner rather than later.”
“That much is true.” Eliza studied her new friend, wondering how much to share. “It’s much harder to implement than one would think. In theory, it seems simple but...”
