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“Everyone knows that,” Charlotte said with a small laugh. “Find a man, start a family, live a life and all that boring stuff, and then the real fun starts.”

Eleanor laughed at Lottie’s words, and for the first time since the incident three days prior, she felt more like her old self again.

I don’t know why I’m so upset. It’s not like marriage with Gabriel was ever on the table. I should be thanking him for making that clear before I started thinking about him that way.

Eleanor smiled to herself. She knew Lottie was joking, but she had it partly wrong. The most fun that Eleanor ever had was when the duke had kissed her on two occasions. That fun had to remain a secret.

And I owe it to myself to consider a gentleman who is willing to pursue me.

Eleanor took another glance at the duke, who wasn’t looking her way now, but who still seemed to be keeping an eye on her at intervals.

“Come on,” Charlotte urged, taking hold of Eleanor’s arm again and leading her through the tent.

Eleanor wasn’t sure where she was being led until she saw an elegant woman, perhaps in her late twenties, smiling warmly at Lottie in recognition. Lottie looked around before they reached the woman as if the upcoming meeting was to be a clandestine one.

“Good afternoon, Charlotte,” the woman said with a voice as rich as velvet.

“It’s wonderful to see you again, Augusta.” Charlotte turned toward Eleanor. “I’d like to introduce you to Eleanor Ashworth. Eleanor, Augusta Whitlock is another friend of mine.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Augusta,” Eleanor said, still wondering as to the nature of the meeting.

“I have heard a lot about you,” Augusta told her. “All pleasant.” The woman smiled.

Lottie looked around again. “Are any of the others here?” she asked.

“Yes,” Augusta said. “Harriet and Cordelia are in attendance.”

“Perhaps we will bump into them,” Charlotte suggested. She took one more look around and then pulled Eleanor closer to Augusta, lowering her voice. “Augusta founded a secret book club for ladies who like to think and question and generally talk about things that might be frowned upon by others. A book club that you might be interested in, Eleanor, to take your mind off other things.”

“I have no qualms in talking about the book club publicly.” Augusta looked around as Lottie had and smiled. “Although, the less I talk about it publicly, the less trouble I get into.”

Eleanor smiled in reply. “I must admit that a secret book club would pique any young woman’s interest.”

“You are welcome to join if you would like,” Augusta told her. “Charlotte knows when and where we meet.”

“Oh, you must come,” Charlotte urged.

“If I have the time, I would very much like to,” Eleanor admitted. Perhaps it would help to take her mind off her troubles.

“For now, I shall take my leave,” Augusta told them. “It seems you have an admirer.”

Eleanor turned to see what Augusta meant as the book club founder slipped away.

Lord Fairfax was making a beeline for her.

Eleanor had found him lacking compared to Gabriel, but not anymore. The fact that he was coming over to her and wanted to spend time with her put him above Gabriel. And she wanted to show Gabriel that she had moved on already, even if she hadn’t.

She needed to understand why he had left the room so suddenly, but Gabriel wasn’t talking to her, and it wasn’t her place to ask for an explanation.

Eleanor turned her attention to the approaching suitor and did her best to put a smile on her lips, although she still didn’t feel like doing so.

“Lady Eleanor,” Sebastian announced warmly as he closed in on the two ladies. “Such a pleasure to see you here today. And Lady Charlotte, of course.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Eleanor replied.

“Are you here alone?” Sebastian asked.

Eleanor understood what he was asking. “His Grace is with his uncle by the large petunia plant.”