Page 15 of A Wanton Adventure
The young woman’s eyes widened, shocked. Lady Hawley grinned at her before turning her gaze to the Duchess of Lusby. “Her Grace, while currently not involved in antiquities, spent several years traveling to various historical sites to catalog artifacts. It is rumored that she can look at an object and tell you what time period and civilization it is from.”
The duchess frowned at her, not impressed with her knowledge. Before she could respond, their host turned to Diana. A wave of anxiousness filled her. She was unsure and nervous about what their host would say.
“Then there is the Marchioness of Hensley, a highly respectable society member.”
Diana winced, flushing. There was that blasted description again. The duchess rolled her eyes. “Are you saying the rest of us are not?”
Lady Hawley let out another guffaw. “Of course not.”
The butler appeared at the door, interrupting them. “My lady, Lady Esme.”
Diana knew the last lady quite well. Both she and Lady Esme’s siblings had married into the same family.
“Sorry, I’m late.”
Their hostess rose to greet her. “You are here now. We are in the middle of introductions.”
Lady Esme took the seat next to Diana, smiling, relieved she knew someone. “And lastly, this is Lady Esme, a historian. I believe your interests lie in the earliest civilizations on earth and the building of their societies.”
She blushed. “Well, not a real historian, more so self-taught.”
“Only because you are a woman,” the Duchess of Lusby said.
Lady Esme turned to her, surprised that she knew who she was. The duchess didn’t explain any further. Diana studied those around her. There couldn’t be a more different group of women than those sitting in this room. What was Lady Hawley planning?
“Harrison, can you prepare the refreshments?” Lady Hawley asked.
“Yes, my lady,” he said from the foyer.
She took a deep breath. “I have invited you all here to ask you to be on my board for a new venture. I plan to establish theHistorical Society for Female Curators, which will be based out of this very building. It will not be an easy feat, but I think it will be a worthwhile endeavor.”
Stunned silence met her statement. Diana, again, didn’t understand why she was asked to attend. She knew nothing about antiquities.
Lady Hawley continued, “Imagine this building filled with artifacts, ancient texts, and exhibits that make London giddy with excitement. Have you ever been to the London Society of Antiquaries exhibit? It’s dreadfully dull.”
“The study of history isn’t a game,” Miss Martin said judgmentally.
Their hostess rolled her eyes. “I understand that, but presentation is so important. We could use all of our skills to make this venture wildly successful. The Duchess of Lusby, Lady Esme, and you will ensure we provide worthwhile antiquities, and I will draw in visitors.”
She hadn’t mentioned Diana. What did the lady want from her? Perhaps her being here had been a mistake. She felt her cheeks heat, but then Lady Hawley fixed her eyes on her. “And you, Lady Hensley, will give us the appearance of respectability that we need to survive any insinuations thrown our way.”
Ahhh…she understood. She glanced around the room. The women present were either considered eccentric, scandalous, or both. She was here to provide an image of high moral standing. Why did Diana want her attendance to be for something different?
“Will we be stakeholders in this venture?” the duchess asked.
Miss Martin added, “Will it be an all-women’s club? Would our families need to be supportive of the venture?”
Lady Hawley smiled. “All wonderful questions. While I imagine most guardians, fathers, and husbands would besupportive, the plan would be to do this on our own. We would have overall control.”
Lady Esme wrinkled her nose in confusion. “How would that be possible without the ability to legally own the club?”
Their host nodded. “You make a valid point, but after speaking with my solicitor, I believe I have found a solution. We have an investor who has agreed to back us and sign off on a trust, giving us full control.”
Diana and the other women stared at her in shock. Diana asked, “Why would they do that?”
“They will get a percentage of any profits, but they also believe in setting up this club as much as I do.”
The duchess frowned at her. “How do we know this isn’t a passing fancy for you?”
