Page 96 of A Wanton Adventure
“Devons,” she said.
“I’m glad you are here. We may have an opportunity to one-up the London Society of Antiquaries,” Addie said.
Diana looked at Sebastian’s impassively polite face one more time before taking a seat in the sitting area. She asked, “How?”
Addie and Sebastian grinned at each other. A flash of envy shot through Diana at how comfortable they were with each other. It didn’t help that Addie looked stunning today. She was dressed in a turquoise gown that highlighted her black hair and vibrant blue eyes. Married and single men adored her. She glanced at Sebastian, wondering if he ever had a liaison with her. It was none of her business, Diana reminded herself.
She sighed, causing everyone to look in her direction. “I’m sorry it has been a long day.”
“There is talk about you and Tremont’s lovely waltz last night.”
Diana’s eyes darted to Sebastian and his impassively polite face hadn’t changed. She had the desire to rile him up but wasn’t sure she knew how. She turned back to Addie. “Tremont is an adept dancer.”
Addie laughed and then refocused her attention on Devons. “This man has brought us the best news.”
The longer Diana sat there with the two of them, the more annoyed she became. She arched a brow. “Really?”
“During my follow-on travels, I traveled with Thomas Easton, and he introduced me to the Calverts. I know you had hoped to meet them in Livorno about a potential partnership. I mentioned this to them. They are interested. They know the duchess—”
“Lisbeth, please.”
“They know Lisbeth well. Benjamin Calvert has proposed an option for an exhibit.”
Addie, unable to contain her excitement, clapped. “They offered to allow us to display ancient stone tablets that Benjamin Calvert suspects is a love story. Ladies will love it.”
“What do they want in exchange? Can we afford it?” Diana asked.
Lisbeth smirked. “Benjamin would like me to host his daughter for the season.”
Sebastian shook his head. “I met Rose. She has no interest in visiting London.”
Diana forced herself not to frown at his familiarness with the woman.
Lisbeth smirked. “No, she would rather be anywhere else, I assume. The tablets have not been thoroughly studied or translated. Rose will want to be the one to do that. Benjamin willuse them to entice her to London. She will be furious with her father.”
Sebastian laughed. “That is sneaky of Calvert.”
The duchess was quiet for a moment but finally said, “Benjamin’s wife passed away before I met him, but he used to always say she held big plans for Rose when it came to the London season. I think he wants to make sure he fulfills her dream.”
“When will she and the tablets arrive?”
Lisbeth studied the letter again. “I think the tablets should be here within the week, and I bet Rose is not far behind.”
“Is Rose a family friend?”
Lisbeth’s face became shuttered. “Something like that. Rose is twenty-eight. She will come because of the tablets and attend a few balls to appease her father, but I doubt she has any plans to marry. I do think we should invite her to be part of our club.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind hosting her?” Diana asked.
Lisbeth shrugged. “I adore Benjamin. He was like a father figure to me when I was younger. I would host her for a season even without the tablets.”
Addie nodded excitedly. “These tablets may be perfect for the grand exhibit. The next topic we need to discuss is the talk we are hosting about the leisure cruise. Can we be prepared in a week?”
They all looked at Sebastian since he had only returned to London a few days ago. He shrugged nonchalantly. “That’s fine. Whatever Diana believes is best works for me.”
“We wrote the column as partners. I would like your thoughts too.”
He smiled at her politely. “Within the week is fine.”
