But she was right. If they weren’t careful, they’d be caught in a compromising situation.
For the first time in his life, that didn’t seem like such a terrible thing. He smothered the thought before it took hold. He was supposed to be honoring his family, not giving in to desire.
Still, he bent to press a kiss on the bare skin just above where she held his finger then released her. “You’re right.”
She nodded.
Should he apologize for his behavior? How could he when he didn’t regret it for a moment?
“You go first,” he told her. “I’ll follow in a few minutes.”
“Very well.” She smoothed her gown then moved down the stairs, glancing back at him. “Good evening, Philip.”
Then she was gone, leaving him standing alone on the darkened staircase, wondering how he could live without her.
Chapter Eighteen
SatisfactionfilledElizaasThe Mayfair Literary League concluded their discussion onThe Eustace Diamondsby Anthony Trollope. She liked to think she’d added something meaningful to the conversation.
Lady Harriet—or rather, Harriet, as the ladies had all agreed to use first names—remained in good spirits just as she’d been during the workhouse tour. Eliza hoped she’d share details before the meeting concluded.
“The next item on the agenda is a report on our visit to the workhouse and an update on our plan to host a Christmas ball to raise funds for the training endeavor,” Phoebe said.
The members shared their impressions with those who hadn’t been on the tour followed by ideas for additional crafts that could be offered in the training as well as various products that might sell well. The goal of making the project self-sufficient was vital.
“If we can assist even a handful of people to get back on their feet,” Tibby said, “it would be worth it.”
“I like to think we could help more than a few,” Millicent countered with a smile. “It’s an excellent plan.”
“I took the liberty of speaking with my parents about the idea.” Frances grinned. “They are willing to lend assistance however we need it, and my father has already promised a sizeable donation.”
“Wonderful.” Phoebe’s excitement was matched by everyone.
More ideas were offered, and Frances advised that she would assign tasks in the coming weeks.
As the discussion ended, Phoebe looked around the room, her expression hesitant. “We have another request for membership into the league.”
“Oh?” Tibby studied Phoebe with narrowed eyes. “Why do I have the feeling we won’t be pleased about this one?”
“Lady Lucinda spoke with me at The Orphaned Children of London Charity Ball and asked if we would please reconsider her request.”
Frances’ mouth dropped open. “After everything she’s done, why would we do such a thing?”
“What did you tell her, Phoebe?” Harriet asked, her brow puckered with worry. “Surely, you don’t think it’s wise to allow her and her sister to join us. We’ve already established that they don’t even like to read.”
Eliza remembered the two from the charity ball. She hadn’t met Lady Lucinda but didn’t care for Lady Jane from what little she knew.
“Apparently Lady Lucinda does enjoy books. She doesn’t want her sister to know, but she’s been reading in secret for years. She hides it from Lady Jane because she doesn’t want her to tease her about it.”
“Do you think she’s telling the truth?” Millicent asked.
“I do.” Phoebe nodded. “We discussed several works and it’s unlikely that she would’ve known such details if she hadn’t read them.”
“If she joins us, her secret would be out,” Marian said.
“She is prepared to tell her sister if we accept her membership request.”
“Do you think she wants to join simply because of theFor Better or Worseagenda?” Frances scowled, her suspicion obvious.
