“Some ladies are more desperate than others,” Winifred said. “One need only think of Lady Lucinda and her sister, Lady Jane, to know that. The two seem intent on spreading falsehoods about the league and our agenda.”
Phoebe tapped a finger on the paper. “That’s exactly my concern. Now here’s what I have so far.”
Twenty minutes later, they had settled on several questions that would confirm the level of the ladies’ interest in books and reading.
“We should attempt to become acquainted with them in addition to asking the book questions.” Millicent looked at Phoebe to see if she agreed.
“Absolutely,” Phoebe said.
They added two more questions and declared the list done.
Harriet was disappointed the task had been completed so quickly.
“I’m going to select a book or two while I’m here,” she said when it looked as if everyone was ready to leave.
Millicent leaned forward before anyone rose and looked between Harriet and Winifred. “Do you have any news on how Frances’For Better or Worseplan is progressing?”
Harriet glanced at Winifred, uncertain how to respond. Frances had told her that her family intended to remain in the country for another week or two.
Winifred shook her head. “I have no idea.” She frowned. “I don’t even know the identity of the gentleman in whom she’s interested. I didn’t notice anything during the house party. Perhaps he wasn’t there.”
When Millicent looked at Harriet, she shrugged, unwilling to share anything on Frances’ behalf. “We’ll have to wait for Frances to provide an update at the next league meeting.”
She truly didn’t know how the situation was going. She’d left the house party as early as possible.
“It’s terribly exciting,” Millicent said with a grin. “Especially when I think of your success, Phoebe, as well as Tibby’s. In fact, I’m thinking about being the next to move forward.”
Harriet’s breath caught even as Phoebe sent her a concerned look. Millicent’s comment shouldn’t bother her. Hadn’t she told herself that she couldn’t pursue Joseph because of her past?
Then why did she not only ache for Joseph, but it also felt as if life was passing her by?
“That’s so brave of you.” Winifred touched Millicent’s arm. “Do you have a plan?”
“Not yet.” She pressed a hand to her stomach. “The idea makes me so nervous I can hardly bear it. Perhaps I won’t be able to go through with it.”
“Of course, you will,” Harriet said, pushing away her own concerns. “I’m sure it’s frightening, but that’s the whole reason we are doing this together.”
“Exactly,” Phoebe said. “If it weren’t for thinking that I’d be letting down everyone, I might’ve not gone forward with my plan.”
Millicent nodded then smiled at each of them. “I am so grateful for you ladies. This is an excellent reminder of why we need to take care to invite ladies who will be a good fit to join us. I wouldn’t want our friendship to change.”
“Nor would I.” Harriet still worried that Frances would resent her after all that had happened.
They talked for a few more minutes before Millicent and Winifred departed. Harriet took her time rising, not yet ready to be alone with her thoughts again.
Phoebe stepped closer. “Harriet, I can see you’re still upset.”
“It will pass.” Though she was beginning to worry it wouldn’t.
“Have you considered that the gentleman has a say in all this as well? While it’s generous of you to allow Frances to proceed, how you and he feel also matters.”
Phoebe’s quiet words sank in, making Harriet wonder if she’d done the right thing by leaving without speaking to Joseph.
“If you still feel so strongly about him, maybe that proves there’s more to your attraction than you realized.”
Harriet blew out a breath. Did that change anything?
“At least think on it,” Phoebe continued. “Love is rare. Don’t toss it aside without fighting for it.”