“Answer me!” Lady Chippington demanded.
She was usually even-tempered until riled—and Tilly was fast becoming that.
“Clearly your parents have little control over you?—”
“I’ll stop you right there, my lady,” Tilly said in a tone that could cut ice. “My parents are wonderful, kind, and intelligent people who do not feel threatened by change, as others clearly do.”
“I am a forward-thinking woman!” Lady Chippington said, which had her daughter hiding her snort behind a gloved hand.
“Then you must see that it is time for women to have a place in this world alongside men,” Tilly said. She then dropped into a curtsy and walked away before she could insult the woman further.
She found the terrace and stepped outside. Moving into the shadows, she inhaled a deep breath of smoggy London air.
Was it worth it? Had she been right to form The Iris next to the men’s club? The single word that filled her head was a loud and comprehensiveyesto that question.
“The very woman I was just discussing.”
Tilly closed her eyes briefly and then opened them as she turned to face Lord and Lady Crisp.
“My wife is most displeased you did not allow her entrance into your club, Miss Wilson. Especially considering her standing in society.”
“My intent was not to displease her, my lord,” Tilly grittedout. “I merely wished to understand why she wanted to become an Iris Club member when it does not seem like something that would suit her.”
“Yes well, I think you should rethink the matter,” Lord Crisp snapped. “It will not go well for you if you continue to treat your betters in such an ill-mannered way.”
Was that a threat?
“There you are, Miss Wilson. The music is about to start, and your parents asked me to find you.”
“Ah, thank you, Mr. Howard,” Tilly said, wondering what the man was about. They’d barely conversed with each other during her time in society, yet he’d recently called at her house and tonight come to her rescue.
“Come, my lord, we will take our seats,” Lady Crisp said after shooting a glare at Tilly. “Miss Wilson’s reputation is already in tatters, so being alone with a man will not harm her further.”
Lady Crisp’s behavior only reinforced her decision to leave society. It was time.
“Miss Wilson, are you well?” Mr. Howard asked when the Crisps had gone inside.
“I am, thank you, and thank you for telling me my parents are asking after me. Also, forgive me for missing you the other day when you called.”
“I will call again soon, and perhaps you would honor me by coming driving one day?”
“I—ah, thank you, that would be nice,” she said, unable to refuse without a good reason.
“I must be truthful,” he said solemnly. “Your parents actually didn’t tell me to find you, but as I overheard what Lord and Lady Crisp were saying to you, I thought to intervene.”
“Thank you again, then. That was very kind of you,” Tilly said.
“Can I get you a drink, perhaps, to calm your nerves?” he offered.
“It would take more than that conversation to unsettle me, Mr. Howard, I assure you.”
“A woman who does not fall apart easily is a wonderful thing,” he said, looking out over the night sky. “I think this would be a lovely view when the sun is rising,” he added.
“Quite spectacular,” she agreed, looking out over the park the house bordered, as many of the wealthy members of society’s town houses did.
“Do you like to read, Miss Wilson?”
Tilly returned her eyes to Mr. Howard. He wasn’t dashing or handsome like some, but he was pleasant.
