“Such a complicated situation. What happens now?” Phoebe asked.
“I’m keeping my distance so Frances can pursue her interest in him if she so chooses.” She bit her lip at the lie. She was stepping away from Joseph for good. If she happened to see him, she would treat him as an acquaintance. That was all she would allow herself. But she didn’t share that. It was one more secret to keep.
She was very good at keeping secrets.
“What a tangled state of affairs. But I have faith it will work itself out, and you should, too.” Phoebe watched her, the confidence in her expression causing Harriet to smile. She nearly believed her.
Yet what would Phoebe think if she told her about her past?
“I am blessed to call you a friend, Phoebe. You and all the ladies in the league are a treasure.”
“I couldn’t agree more. While I understand your wish to allow Frances time to sort through everything, don’t give up hope for yourself.”
“We shall see.” She didn’t want to lie to Phoebe by agreeing when she had no intention of seeing Joseph again, let alone giving in to her feelings for him.
Phoebe scowled. “I want what’s best for you both. These things often have a way of resolving themselves when we least expect it.”
“I shall keep that in mind.” But as far as Harriet could see, it was over and done. From this point forward, it was only a matter of convincing her heart of that.
“Now then, I want to discuss a few items regarding the league,” Phoebe said.
“Of course.”
“We have had several ladies request membership. Five more. A few I know but others I don’t.”
“So many?” The thought was alarming when it had only been the six of them for nearly two years. Doubling their size would present a few challenges.
“I fear news of our group continues to spread.” Regret flashed across Phoebe’s face. “I suppose it is to be expected since Lady Lucinda and Lady Jane seem determined to tell others about us. But still, it makes deciding who genuinely wants to join us more difficult.”
“You mean since we don’t know if they want to become members for the books or theFor Better or Worseagenda,” Harriet suggested.
“Exactly.” Phoebe shook her head. “I find it interesting that anyone could believe we have a secret way of finding husbands. As if we do something they couldn’t do on their own.”
Harriet raised a brow. “I have to say I wouldn’t have even considered taking action if not for you suggesting the agenda, along with the support of the other league members.”
“I never meant for it to become our primary purpose.”
“Of course not.” Harriet agreed completely. “What do you propose we do?”
“I think we should meet with them individually to discover what their true intentions are before we invite them to a meeting. Those who seem to be a good fit can attend the next league meeting and decide if they’d like to join.”
“Excellent idea. I’m happy to assist with that.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it. Perhaps we’ll divide up the list of potential candidates and ask the other league members to aid us as well.”
“I’m certain everyone would be happy to help. Have you decided on next month’s book?”
They discussed the three that Phoebe was considering, all of which sounded wonderful to Harriet. One she had already read, but she’d realized in the first few months of belonging to the league that reading a book with others and discussing it brought details to light she’d never considered.
Hearing other views made her think in new ways. She didn’t always agree with them, but the discussions forced her to reconsider her own opinion. The meetings were always interesting. That was all the more reason they needed to be careful about who they invited to the league.
After Phoebe took her leave, Harriet remained in the drawing room, staring out the window, her thoughts on Joseph once again. She’d already told herself to stop thinking of him more times than she could count.
Unfortunately, without success.
Time would ease the pain. The thought of the coming weeks without him was daunting when she’d grown accustomed to seeing him every day.
But what choice did she have?