“That’s a tremendous idea.” Lady Bolton beamed. “Holding it near Christmas will give us time to organize the event and for those planning the training to have the details in place.”
“This is incredibly exciting.” Miss Davies clapped her gloved hands together.
“And an incredible amount of work.” Mrs. Hatch sighed. “While I am in favor of the idea, I worry how we can manage it.”
“Perhaps we should compile a list of the tasks and assign a few to each person,” Miss Melbourne suggested. She lifted her chin and a finger. “I volunteer to lead the planning of the ball. That is if you all agree to aid me.”
“Frances, that is very generous of you,” Lady Bolton said. “Are you certain?”
“Absolutely. My mother will be pleased to assist us as well.” Miss Melbourne glanced at Lady Harriet out of the corner of her eye, and the emotion that flashed across her features made it clear there was meaning behind it. “I need something with which to occupy myself.”
A mix of sympathy and what appeared to be regret took over Lady Harriet’s expression. “Frances—”
“No need to say anything, Harriet.” Frances shook her head. “All is well. Truly. But I should like to have a task to keep me busy for a time.”
Eliza didn’t pretend to know what they were speaking of, but it seemed the original members of the league did. That only made her more curious.
“Very well.” Lady Bolton looked around the group. “Frances will manage the ball with our help. I will contact the person who’s organizing the volunteers for the training and see how we can help them as well and inquire whether it’s possible to add carpentry and other such skills to the options. Meanwhile, I think we should write down any ideas we have for goods that will sell well and spread the word to search for volunteers. Our next league meeting is in two weeks’ time, and we will discuss progress again then.”
Eliza sat back in her chair with a sigh. Mrs. Hatch was right. This was going to require work. But if the plan helped even a few of those in workhouses to have a better life, it would be worth it. Something simply had to be done to help change the fate of those poor people.
Thank goodness she’d never been in the situation of the women in the workhouse. Listening to the other ladies made her more grateful for their friendship. To be surrounded by like-minded people was a true gift.
These were the sort of tasks she would need to undertake if she wanted to be not only a helpful individual but a worthy duchess. Whether she’d have that chance remained to be seen. But that didn’t change her goal of wanting to help the less fortunate and changing the world around her for the better.
“Viscount Delbert has returned, Your Grace. He is in the billiard room.”
Philip nodded his thanks to the butler and stood from his desk chair. He’d remained home the entire day to work and was pleased he had. He had been waiting for his cousin to return so he could make it clear that his behavior with Eliza had been unacceptable.
Markus was a puzzle. He seemed to have the world at his feet and yet was determined not to appreciate it. He had wealth, parents who loved him, and fine examples of good people, including his parents and Philip’s father and brother, to follow. But Markus didn’t seem to appreciate his lot in life.
That wasn’t Philip’s concern except when his behavior affected others. Though tempted to mention his latest misstep to Uncle Herbert, Philip had decided against it for now. Besides, anything his uncle said had little effect on Markus’s behavior thus far.
Philip strode into the billiard room and found Markus staring out the French doors toward the garden with a drink in hand, despite it being only afternoon. “Decided you couldn’t hide forever?”
Markus glanced over his shoulder at Philip as if he’d been expecting him. “So it seems.”
Part of Philip wished he would, though it was terrible to think. But his cousin continually went out of his way to cause problems.
Deciding he didn’t care where he’d been or why, Philip went straight to the point. “Do not ever put a lady’s reputation in jeopardy again.”
Markus slowly turned to face him and lifted a brow. “I’m sure I don’t know to what you’re referring.”
That was a lie and they both knew it. But Philip supplied the details anyway. “Lady Eliza at the Haverford Ball.”
“Who?” Markus frowned as if he had no idea who she was.
“Don’t.” Philip was in no mood for games.
Markus smiled then took a sip of his drink. “No need to be so angry, cousin. I was merely having a little fun with you.”
“Your idea of fun and mine are worlds apart.”
“They weren’t always. I rather miss the old Philip who was willing to share a few laughs.”
“Never at the expense of others. That seems to be the only type you enjoy these days.”
“Did Lady Eliza claim I harmed her?”
