Page 88 of A Wanton Adventure
Calvert frowned at his daughter. “You used to be friends with Lisbeth.”
Rose snorted. “No, I was friends with Easton. She came along with him.”
“Am I missing something?” Sebastian asked.
“No,” Easton bit out and turned to the Calverts. “It sounds like a worthy cause. One, I think, Rose, you would support as every paper you have written on the translation of ancient text has been turned away by the Society of Antiquaries simply because you are a woman.”
Calvert nodded. “I agree. Rose, you could go to London to learn more about the club.”
“No,” Rose said, glaring at her father.
Calvert frowned at his daughter before pulling out a notebook and scribbling in it. He tore the paper out. “Please have the board send any correspondence to this address. I think we can arrange something.”
“I won’t be going to London,” Rose said, sulking.
“We’ll see. I have an idea,” Calvert stated. His daughter rolled her eyes and muttered about bloody seasons.
Sebastian did his best not to laugh. He was delighted there was interest from the Calverts, well at least from the father. Sebastian nodded. “Thank you.”
“Will you be going to Damascus with us?” Keaton asked.
“No. I hope to leave for London sometime during the next week.”
He wanted to get back to Diana. Whatever her decision was, he needed to know. Calvert winked. “Smart man, not trying to run from his feelings.”
Easton scowled. “Enough, Benjamin.”
The older man laughed. He was right, Sebastian thought. He wasn’t running. He was prepared to know where he and Diana stood. If she decided it was only a tryst, he would do his best to move on. Fear uncoiled in his belly because he didn’t know how anyone moved on from the person they loved.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
London—Mid August 1850
Diana glanced aroundthe grand foyer of the Seely House in open-mouthed amazement. She hadn’t expected the club to accomplish so much while she was gone, but to her surprise, the building appeared to be almost ready to start showing exhibits. Addie, along with the rest of the board members, leaned over the railing of the mezzanine landing, watching her.
“What do you think?” Addie asked.
She smiled. “I think it is remarkable what you have accomplished.”
Addie left everyone upstairs and met her on the first floor. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the income we generated from the columns.”
“It made that much money?”
“A wild amount,” Sarah Martin yelled from the second floor, grinning.
Addie tucked her arm in Diana’s and escorted her up the stairs. “We have so much to show you, but first, we need to discuss the future of the club.”
“Where are we going?”
Their fearless leader winked. “Our office.”
A laugh escaped Diana at the absurdity of what Addie said. They had an office. Once on the mezzanine level, Addie moved to the right but didn’t enter the door where the rest of the womenwere. Instead, she turned so they were looking over the ornate railing, surveying the first floor.
“But first, let’s envision what the board is thinking so far. In the entrance area below, we will have some type of grand statue. There is also room to have a few small displays for visitors to view as they move farther into the building. The two rooms on the left and the right will house our most exciting exhibits.”
This was really happening. They would be an actual club. During the entire time Diana was gone, she’d known what she was working towards, but to hear and see all of this was incredibly empowering. Addie pointed to rooms opposite to where they stood. “On the mezzanine level, there will be a room for women to do research. Sarah Martin will head that up.”
Addie pulled Diana into the office. Located in the room were six ornate desks and a sitting area. Diana brought her to one in the center of the room.
