Phoebe squeezed her arm, concern in her expression. “I hope you know I will do anything I can to help.”
That was the problem. No one could help. Talking about it wouldn’t solve anything.
“Thank you, Phoebe.” Harriet forced a smile she didn’t feel. “You are a dear.”
They joined Winifred and Millicent in the drawing room and within minutes, the rest of the members arrived, including Tibby and Lady Marion, as well as two potential members.
Harriet hugged Tibby, pleased to see how happy her friend was after returning from her wedding trip.
“Welcome, everyone,” Phoebe said. “And an especially warm welcome to our guests.”
Introductions were made for Lady Eliza and Mrs. Rebecca Hatch, the latter a widow despite being close to their age.
“Please share something about yourselves,” Phoebe requested.
“Thank you for inviting me.” Lady Eliza was attractive with light brown hair curled in ringlets, green eyes, and a friendly smile. One glance suggested she was anything but a wallflower, unlike the original members of the league. Her pink-beige gown was in the latest style with folds of fabric in the back and an ecru lace-trimmed underskirt.
“I look forward to becoming acquainted with all of you,” she continued. “I am relatively new to London, having attended finishing school in Switzerland followed by several years abroad, traveling with my aunt.”
“How interesting that must’ve been,” Winifred said.
“It was, though rather lonely at times. My brother is several years older than me, and we had little in common during my childhood, so I spent much of my time immersed in books. The same proved true while I was at finishing school and abroad.”
Lady Eliza’s warm manner and easy smile made her immediately likeable. She seemed kind from what Harriet had witnessed thus far. She had a way of looking at people intently as if eager to listen to everything being said, and she didn’t want to miss a word. The trait was endearing.
Mrs. Hatch was more reserved in her manner and still wore the grey of mourning, her gown modest in design. She had a cautious demeanor and seemed to closely observe everything around her. “I am a widow and recently moved to London,” she said as she smoothed a hand across the grey fabric. “I don’t have family in the area other than a cousin with whom I live.”
She had to be lonely as well, Harriet thought. But was that due in part to her reserve?
They each shared one or two of their favorite books and what they liked about them before the meeting started in earnest.
Phoebe called the meeting to order. “The first item on our agenda is a discussion on the last book we read,Our Mutual Friendby Charles Dickens.” She looked around expectantly.
“I confess that I found it rather complex and difficult to follow at times,” Winifred said. “I didn’t understand why the main character was pretending to be someone else and went so far as to allow everyone to presume he was dead.” Winifred looked at the other members. “Did anyone else feel that way?”
Harriet couldn’t help but notice how uncomfortable Mrs. Hatch looked at Winifred’s comment and wondered at the cause, especially when the lady said she hadn’t read the book. Yet the widow’s face went pale, and a hint of panic shone in her eyes. Harriet made a mental note to ask Phoebe if she’d observed it as well.
As always, the discussion was a lively one. Though Lady Eliza hadn’t read the book either, she’d heard of it and joined in the conversation.
“Our book for the coming month will beThe Eustace Diamondsby Anthony Trollope,” Phoebe said. “This is the third in the Palliser series. It was originally published as a serial in theFortnightly Review. Has anyone read it?”
“I enjoyed the first two in the series but have yet to read this one,” Millicent said. “The family drama has been entertaining thus far.”
Harriet briefly closed her eyes, wondering what her friends would think of her own family drama. She wasn’t certain she wanted to read about anyone else’s at the moment.
“I look forward to it,” Mrs. Hatch said, and Lady Eliza agreed.
“Excellent. Next on our agenda is our charitable work. Some of the books we’ve read have shed light on the poor in London, so we’re volunteering for several charitable activities.”
“How wonderful.” Lady Eliza’s broad smile left no doubt as to her approval.
“I would like to be involved,” Mrs. Hatch added. “Being new to London, it’s difficult to know where and how to spend one’s time on such activities.”
“Perfect. Next Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be visiting the Whitechapel Workhouse to discuss their needs and how we might help.”
Phoebe shared a smile with Tibby. “The final item on our agenda is an update on theFor Better or Worseagenda.” She addressed the two new members. “You may have already heard of it. This agenda might not be of interest to you.”
“What is it?” Mrs. Hatch appeared rather uncomfortable again, shifting in her chair.