Page 53

Diana looked up as Addie tossed a paper on her desk at Seely House.

Every London paper hinted that a great scandal occurred at the Ball of Sin, but none had shared what it was.

Those who attended feared they would never be invited to one of the Den’s notorious balls again.

While many whispered something had happened, no one dared to say that Diana had arrived maskless and kissed Sebastian in full view of the entire crush of people.

Addie grinned. “The ton is dying to reveal what they know.”

She laughed. Honestly, if one looked close enough they would also see that each paper contained a betrothal announcement for Diana and Sebastian. It wasn’t a stretch to guess who the scandal was about.

Lisbeth entered the office. “It was all unneeded drama in my opinion.”

Diana rolled her eyes. The duchess was always so pragmatic.

“Admit it. It was rather romantic,” Addie insisted.

Lisbeth shrugged. “I suppose.”

“I’m just glad we’ve not seen a huge impact on the Historical Society for Female Curators,” Diana said. “I would hate that.”

Even though Lisbeth found her declaration of love for Sebastian unnecessary, she still smiled at her reassuringly. “We will survive any scandals thrown our way. Now, let’s move past the gossip of the day and talk about the tablets.”

Addie rolled her eyes at the no-nonsense duchess. “Sarah has preserved them. There are three. In Mr. Calvert’s letter that arrived with the artifacts, he suggested there may be one or two more. He also said to expect his daughter to be very displeased to be in London.”

Lisbeth shook her head. “Benjamin must really want her to have a Season to go to such desperate measures.”

“Are the two of you close?” Diana asked, intrigued about Lisbeth’s connection to the Calverts.

Lisbeth snorted. “No. She doesn’t like me.”

There had been rumors years ago about Lisbeth before she married. No one knew the truth, but the speculation was she’d disappeared and traveled the world with the Calverts and Thomas Easton. Diana guessed some of that was true based on her expansive knowledge of artifacts.

“Do you know Thomas Easton as well?” Addie asked.

Lisbeth’s eyes flicked to hers. She frowned. “Why does it matter?”

“Why are you being so evasive?”

The duchess fixed her with a haughty glare. “Do I ever ask about the true reason you started this club?”

Diana smirked. Lisbeth didn’t hold back.

All the board members had the same suspicion of why Addie started this club, but Diana suspected that somewhere along the way, this all became so much more than a silly game of revenge for their club president.

Addie winked at Lisbeth. “Keep your secret, duchess.”

She smirked at her. “I will.”

“Do you think the tablets will be enough?” Diana asked.

A sigh escaped Lisbeth. “Based on how all of London has lost their minds over you and Devons’s match, I would say yes. Ancient text that reveals a love story, I can’t imagine it not being wildly successful. Our club can make it so.”

Addie smiled at the duchess. “I agree. I do hope Rose Calvert doesn’t give you too much trouble during the Season.”

Lisbeth sighed. “We should be very excited that she is deciphering the tablets for our first large exhibit and grand opening. I doubt anyone else, but your husband would have the skill to do so. Still, she will be nothing but trouble.”

“It sounds like she will fit in wonderfully,” Diana mused.

They all laughed.

Thank You for Reading!

I hope you enjoyed Diana and Sebastian’s story.