“That’s the point,” Theodosia said with a smile. “All the male servants have been dismissed for today as well.”
“You father is quite lenient,” Leonora murmured.
“He’s been dismissed as well.”
Selena laughed along with Leonora.
“Well, you are certainly not shying away from the gossip sheets.” Lady Harriet, recently wed to the Marquess of Leeds, joined them. “Your name shall be sprawled across the paper tomorrow. It is quite refreshing indeed. Who knows, perhaps soon we’ll see men dismissed party after party.”
Theodosia grinned. “I’m surprised your husband allowed you attend without him.”
“Oh, he is skulking in the carriage with a book,” Harriet said drily.
Selena laughed. Leeds was obsessed with his wife, especially when it came to matters of safety, though this could hardly be considered a risky event. “I am not surprised.”
“I wish I could snatch a protective husband such as Leeds,” Leonora said. “It’s enough to make one’s heart flutter.”
Selena’s snort followed Theodosia’s.
“You don’t agree?” Leonora asked. “Do you not want to find husbands?”
“It’s not that I don’t want a husband,” Selena said. “It’s just that I’m notlookingfor one. I shall find myself first and then find a husband.”
Harriet nodded. “I quite understand. Your entry on the heiress list claimed both your best and worst attribute to be your brother. If that is not depressing, I don’t know what is.”
“Exactly.”
“Those entries don’t carry much meaning, do they?” Leonora asked. “Given your brother’s temper, it’s only natural that his friends wouldn’t want to provoke it by saying anything more specific.”
True...Warrick had alluded to that much as well.
“I agree,” Harriet said. “Besides, my husband adores my laughter and that was my biggest flaw, as you recall.”
“Well, I for one, can tell you that Saville is a fire-breathing dragon,” Theodosia muttered. “He is also the reason I decided to host a female only tea party. Do try the punch. It has a delightful kick.”
Leonora lifted her glass. “I can attest to that.” She glanced at Selena. “If what those rascals said about you bothers you so much, just ask another man’s opinion.”
Selena accepted a glass of punch from a passing server. “I’d rather not. They leave a rather sour taste in my mouth these days.” She took a sip. Sweet. “Let’s change the topic, shall we? I’ve had enough of wagers, lists, and the opinions of men.”
“Fair enough,” Theodosia said, clinking glasses with her. “Why don’t you ask if anyone here has received an invitation?”
“Oh, right, has any of you been invited to a secret women’s club?” If they had, she would know for certain that this club was toying with her.
“No,” Harriet said.
Leonora shook her head.
“Apparently none of us meet their requirements, whatever they are.” Selena took another sip of punch. Still the only leads they had were the note, the crest, and the trousers.
“And you wish to receive an invitation?” Harriet guessed.
Selena nodded.
“How brave,” Harriet responded. “Leeds would explode if he found out I joined a secret organization. I shall tease him to death if I receive such an invitation.”
“Your husband is the type that would lock you in a tower and toss away the key,” Selena said.
“Tease and run,” Theodosia suggested.
