Theodosia whistled. “You are astonishing. Then how long did the Warrick fascination last? A minute?”
Strangely enough, her infatuation with him had lasted the longest. However, that wasn’t the point. The fact of the matter was that the spell did not last forever. As with all her previous infatuations, it faded until nothing was left but a vague memory of a slight doting.
She avoided Theodosia’s question with one of her own. “Have you ever been smitten with a man?”
“I can’t say that I have.”
“How dreary.”
“Speaking of dreary, your brother and your watchdog are downstairs. How are we going to slip out without them noticing?”
“Oh, I have no intention of sneaking out. Their reaction is what I’m going to enjoy most. That and finding a clue about my future club.” She brought the trousers up to her face, pressing the fabric against her cheek. “Soft.”
“Your determination is inspiring.”
“Why thank you. I live to be an inspiration to all women. However, with Warrick following me about town and my brother on alert, I have to be more careful in my search for clues.”
“Good luck with that, my friend.”
“What I need,” Selena said, “is a bit of subterfuge. A way for them to believe I’m doing one thing while doing another.” Easier spoken than accomplished. But she either needed that or more ears to the ground to help ferret out these women.
Selena inspected the garment from top to bottom, drawing a raised brow from her friend.
“What are you doing?” Theodosia asked.
“Looking for clues.”
“You truly believe they were delivered by your little club? If so, surely, they won’t—”
“Aha!”
“What?” Theodosia brought her face closer. “What did you find?”
“Look at this.”
Theodosia traced a finger over the small patch of needlework adorning the ankle. “A symbol?”
Selena sent her friend a wide grin. “A signature.” Her gaze returned to the black sword entwined with crimson thorned roses, and giddiness spread through her. A magnificent clue.
I have you now.
“When you find this club, please don’t join them willy-nilly,” Theodosia cautioned. “First determine what they are about.”
“Rest assured. I am not so careless.”
“Are you certain? Why do I get the feeling that the moment you receive an invitation you will grasp it with your hands and feet regardless of the consequences?”
“Don’t be such a delight dasher. I will not join them willy-nilly.”
“Good.” Theodosia tossed a pillow over the book while Selena shrugged into the trousers. “Aren’t you afraid your brother will discover their club’s prized book so out in the open?” So far, the book had been handed from heiress to heiress exactly toavoidthe men from getting their grubby hands on it again.
“He already had servants search my chambers.”
“Are you certain he won’t do so again?”
“The male brain.”
Theodosia rolled her eyes heavenward. “Of course. I heard the Duke of Mortimer is also searching for the book.”
