Drawing Hearts in the Sand (Seaside Society of Spinsters Book 3) by Tabetha Waite

Author:Tabetha Waite [Waite, Tabetha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: WOLF Publishing
Published: 2024-04-07T18:30:00+00:00

Later that morning, Vanessa was in the studio working on her secret portrait. She wasn’t sure where Lord Fane nor Mr. Porter were hiding, but something told her they were doing their best to plot against each other in private.

Nevertheless, when she was told she had a visitor, Vanessa feared it might be Frank, but when she was told it was Lady Leia Harpin from the boarding house, she quickly wiped off her hands and draped the linen over her canvas as she headed to the parlor.

Lady Leia was sitting on the settee, as prim as ever. Her curly blonde hair was pulled up into a neat chignon, her blue eyes as full of delightful expression as ever. She was the one lady at the Society who Vanessa had considered befriending after Tassy had married and left to sail the world, should she have been given more time. Lady Leia was the daughter of a duke, but she had left high society behind to pursue her own dreams. She wanted to open a ladies’ sparring center so that women who were accosted by the unwanted attention of a gentleman might be able to defend themselves accordingly.

Vanessa walked over, and they embraced each other in a fond, friendly fashion. “It’s good to see a familiar face,” she said with a warm greeting.

“I regret I haven’t come sooner.” Lady Leia gave a slight pout. “Miss Grantham and Miss Stratford thought it best to allow you your privacy, but you should know that I have never been very fond of taking orders from anyone, even from ladies as lovely as our patronesses.”

“I had the idea that you wouldn’t be easily dissuaded. You did join the Society when you could have used your dowry to purchase a duke of your own.”

Lady Leia waved a dismissive hand and gave a moue of distaste. “I have no desire to bow down to any man, no matter his title.” She paused and Vanessa could tell she was weighing her words. “With all due respect, after I heard of your situation, I am more determined than ever to remain alone.”

Vanessa swallowed hard as she thought of Frank and those dreadful years at his side. But then she imagined Lord Fane in the same role and she realized that it would have been bliss rather than horror. “Please don’t let my failed union dissuade you from finding someone you love. Marriage doesn’t have to be distasteful or cruel. If you find someone who can make you happy, then don’t hesitate.”

Lady Leia tilted her head to the side and studied her thoughtfully. “You speak as if you have changed your mind about your husband.”

“No, not about Frank,” Vanessa returned. Eager to change the subject before she gave too much away, she patted the girl’s hand and asked, “How is your sparring center coming along?”

She acted as though she wanted to learn more about Vanessa’s statement, but since Vanessa assumed she had been raised not to pry into the affairs of others, Lady Leia gave a sigh and allowed the change in topic.

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