Page 19 of Lord of Fortune
“We’re so glad you’ve finally come,” Mrs. Ashcombe said. “You must call me Selina—I’ve decided that we’ll be friends too.”
Amelia didn’t remember the last time she’d felt so welcomed. Maybe never.
Cassie narrowed her eyes. “I suppose that means we’ll be friends as well, so you should call me Cassie. I daresay you’ll like me best.” She gave her sister and Selina a superior look that caused them both to laugh.
At that moment, Amelia couldn’t imagine liking any of them more than any other. They were, sadly, the first friends she’d made in years and she’d do nothing to alienate any of them. Why had she waited so long to accept their invitation? “I’ve been in mourning,” she blurted.
Andy’s forehead creased in sympathy. “Of course. We were so sorry to hear of Mr. Gardiner’s passing. He was a revered member of our community.”
“He was?”
“At one time,” Andy said. “Come and sit. Would you care for tea?”
Amelia nodded as Andy led her to the settee where Selina sat. “Yes, thank you.”
Selina set to pouring her a cup and asked if she cared for milk or sugar.
“Just sugar,” Amelia said. “I must apologize, but I’m not at all certain what your…organization does or how you know my grandfather.”
Andy nodded, her gaze warm with empathy. “I understand he was ill the last few years.”
“Yes.” Amelia accepted her teacup from Selina and took a small, tentative sip. It was an excellent, aromatic blend, unlike anything she’d ever tasted. “This tea is extraordinary.”
“Cassie is very particular about tea. She likes to create her own.” Andy, who’d retaken her chair, looked to her sister, who sat in a matching chair adjacent. “Which one is this, dear?”
“I call it sunlight harmony. It has a distinctively summery flavor. Perfect for today.”
Indeed it was. The day was bright and warm and beautiful—the best of summer. “It’s delicious,” Amelia said, taking another sip. “So is this an official meeting?”
“As official as we ever get,” Selina said, grinning. “We should explain ourselves.” She looked to Andy, who was clearly the leader.
“We are the Ladies’ Antiquities Society, dedicated to the discovery and preservation of antiquities.” That sounded a bit like the purpose of the Order Penn had told Amelia about. Penn? She really ought to think of him as Mr. Bowen. “We are not to be confused with the London Natural Society of Antiquities.”
Cassie snorted. “How could we be? They don’t allow women.”
“So true,” Selina said dispassionately. “But then that’s why we started our own group.” She gave Amelia a definitive nod. “And ours is better.”
Amelia laughed. How could she not? These women were utterly delightful. “Do you actually go out and search for artifacts?” She’d tried and failed. If only she’d met these women before she’d undertaken to find the dagger. Regret curdled in her gut.
“Yes,” Andy said. “Generally speaking, we do not possess the smooth hands and manicured nails of a cultured lady. Particularly at this time of year.”
Selina nodded in agreement. “We don’t care much what other people think. I’m married, Cassie is a spinster—as you know—and Andy is a widow.”
What a lovely attitude, and one that Amelia supported. “I am also a widow.” More or less. In two years’ time, it would be official.
“I lost my husband eight years ago,” Andy said. “How long has it been for you?”
“Five.” Lost was an apt description in Amelia’s case. “And we didn’t have any children.”
Andy gave her an encouraging smile. “Neither did we. I miss Cecil from time to time, but it’s been long enough, and our union was so brief that I don’t even think of him every day.” Her smiled faded, and she looked around at her friends. “Is that ghastly?”
“Not at all,” Amelia said. “I don’t think of Thaddeus every day either.” And when she did, it was to say “good riddance.” “How long has your Society been together?”
“Twelve years,” Cassie said. “Andy and I founded it when I was just fifteen and Andy was seventeen.”
“And whatever provoked you to do so?” Amelia asked. “Aside from the fact that you couldn’t join the London one.”
“Why should men have all the fun?” Cassie scoffed. “I’ve always liked to dig and read and go adventuring. This is why I’m a spinster.”
