Page 4 of Highland Champion
“I wonder why she just dinna tell us to meet her back at the town house.”
“I thought about that, too.” They’d sent the remaining footman and maids back after they’d finished shopping, since all were laden with an assortment of boxes, bags, and packages. “Maybe Louisa wanted us to have an escort home.”
Fiona raised a brow. “’Tis only a few blocks from here to there. Besides, I have my knife strapped to my leg.”
“You will not need it. Mayfair is a very safe area.”
Her friend looked skeptical. “’Tis better to be armed than nae.”
She couldn’t dispute that, although she suspected Lady Bute might well swoon if she knew. Still, the idea that they needed an escort to walk such a short distance in the middle of the afternoon in a wealthy area of London didn’t make sense, either. “I wonder…” She paused, thinking.
“Ye wonder what?”
“Um… Do you recall Louisa mentioning the Bluestocking Society this morning before she left for the bookstore?”
“Mayhap.” Fiona shrugged. “I was nae paying much attention. What is it?”
“It is a group of women who meet to discuss literature and other important topics of the day. It is considered quite an honor to be invited to attend one of their luncheons.”
“Do ye think that is where Louisa went instead of the bookshop?”
“I do not know, but why would she spend hours at a bookshop? She already has stacks of books everywhere.”
“I did notice that,” Fiona answered. “Her mother keeps reminding her to put down her book. I’m nae sure why, though.”
“Unfortunately, being bookish and sounding intelligent are not attributes that titled gentlemen are looking for in potential wives.”
Fiona snorted. “They are fools then.”
“I do not disagree, but the purpose of the Season is about making proper connections between eligible men and desirable young ladies, both of whom meet Society’s standards.” Lorelei made a face. “More truthfully, parents of daughters want titles and parents of sons want dowries.”
“Sounds more like a horse auction to me. Strong studs and good brood mares.”
Lorelei smiled in spite of the blunt words. “I don’t think Lady Bute would appreciate you putting it like that.”
Fiona was unfazed. “Louisa might, though.”
“True.” She became thoughtful. “You know, we might have an ally in Louisa—an accomplice.”
“How so?”
“Well, as I said, being a bluestocking is not considered an admirable trait. Lady Bute certainly would not approve of Louisa being a part of that group or word getting around that she was.”
“What are ye getting to?”
“Well, if Louisa has gotten invited to be a part of that society, she cannot just announce where she is going.” Lorelei paused, thinking. “But, if the three of us agree to outings—and we can avoid having servants in tow—once we are away from the house, Louisa can attend her meetings and we can venture to some places I have always wanted to see.”
“Like where?”
“Lots of places.” Lorelei waved a dismissive hand. “Vauxhall. Covent Garden. Seven Dials. Places thatproperladies do not go.”
Fiona grinned. “I was hoping we were nae going to beproperall the time.”
Lorelei grinned back. “This is our time to live life to the fullest before we get married and settle down. I intend to have adventures first.”
“’Tis why I came to London. I want to ken about all of it.” Fiona tapped her leg as Louisa appeared in the doorway. “And we will be well protected, too.”
Lorelei didn’t have time to answer before Louisa arrived at their table, along with her maid and footman. They were each carrying a parcel, which might have been a ruse for Louisa. Lorelei wanted to test her theory by asking about the Bluestocking Society but that was a subject best approached when they had more privacy.
