How delightful. She already liked Lady Bolton and felt they had several things in common. The chance to have additional time with her was welcome.
After checking her appearance in the mirror, Eliza hurried to the drawing room to await her guest.
“Lady Bolton.” Eliza walked forward as soon as the lady was announced to take both her hands in welcome. “What a pleasure to see you again.”
Her new friend’s genuine smile and the squeeze of her hands felt like a warm hug.
“Thank you for seeing me,” Lady Bolton said. “I wanted to make certain you felt comfortable with our book group and see if you had any questions.”
“Please, join me.” Eliza gestured toward one of the chairs and sat as well. “I enjoyed the meeting immensely. I’ve already located the next book we’re reading and plan to start it after I finish the one I’m currently reading.”
“Excellent. It should be interesting.” She folded her gloved hands on her lap, her hazel eyes holding on Eliza. “I hope you weren’t taken aback by ourFor Better or Worseagenda. I know it’s rather unusual, but...” She lifted a brow as if inviting Eliza to share how she felt about it.
Eliza scooted to the edge of her seat, unable to completely contain her excitement. “I thought the idea quite intriguing.” She wasn’t certain how much to say. While she hoped to become good friends with the lady and the others in the league, she had learned to be careful in whom she confided during finishing school. So many ladies pretended friendship only to act otherwise the moment she turned her back. Caution was key while she came to know the league members better.
“I am pleased to hear that. From your reaction at the meeting, I thought you might have someone in mind.” Lady Bolton’s smile was kind rather than sly, which made Eliza tempted to share a few details.
Still, Eliza hesitated. The idea was too new even if her attraction to Philip wasn’t. But she would tell her a little.
“There is someone who has caught my notice. I am considering whether I want to take action.”
“I confess that I’m surprised when you have only been in London a short time.”
“This is someone I have known for some time.” Eliza kept her voice low, not wanting her aunt or her brother to overhear should they walk in.
Lady Bolton nodded. “That was the case for me as well.” She sighed. “That makes it easier and yet harder at the same time.”
Eliza grinned. “It truly does.”
“I had to remind myself that taking no action was a kind of action in itself.”
“How do you mean?”
“Not doing anything and allowing fate to take its course might seal your future just as readily as doing something to help him see you.”
Eliza slowly nodded. “You’re right. I don’t think I am willing to simply hope.”
“Nor was I.” Lady Bolton waited a moment as if to see if Eliza would say more. “I don’t mean to pry. But please know that if I can do anything to aid you, or at least listen, I’m happy to.”
Her words and demeanor felt genuine, something Eliza appreciated.
“Thank you very much. I don’t know how much courage I have, so any steps I take will be small. Boldness might have to wait until I know if he has any interest in me.”
Lady Bolton nodded. “Understandable. But don’t be afraid to make the first move. Sometimes, men can’t see what’s right before them. I know that from experience.”
Eliza pressed a finger over her heart which ached at the idea of Philip rejecting her. “I confess that I worry about his reaction.”
“There’s a chance he’ll say no, as my husband did at first.” Lady Bolton smiled. “But there’s also a chance he’ll say yes.”
The likelihood of the latter happening seemed slim. Especially when he came to know her better. It seemed far more probable that he would find her lacking just as her family did. Her mood dimmed at the thought. Was what she felt for him truly worth the risk of rejection?
Chapter Three
“Whathaveyoudecided?”Aunt Eleanor asked the following morning after knocking on the study door where Philip was reviewing several reports.
“I’m sorry?” He frowned while trying to follow her question.
“After the garden party yesterday, I assume you’ve made a decision. For which Graham sister do you intend to offer?”
