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Just as quickly, a swift rebuttal flared to life. I would act the fool and jeopardize the fragile bond between us. But I couldn’t deny I wanted her respect.

The sound of arguing reached us from the far edge of the excavation site, near the boundary of Perry’s field, next to the Medusa pool.

Mr. Beaumont’s voice cut through the air.

I exchanged a glance with Bridget, her lips tightening in silent frustration.

Without a word, I strode across the dirt toward the men, dust rising from my boots.

As I neared, Mr. Barron and Abigail hurried toward the group, their faces painted with surprise and curiosity, clearly drawn by the raised voices. Mr. Barron slowed, hanging back just enough to observe but not interfere, his eyes darting between Beaumont, Harrington, and me.

“You cannot be serious, Harrington.” Mr. Beaumont’s voice carried loudly.

Mr. Harrington folded his arms across his chest, his double chin sinking into his snowy cravat as if he were a schoolboy enduring a dressing down.

“I can present the findings, of course.” Mr. Harrington chewed his lip.

Ire bubbled up. I sensed Beaumont was playing a game, partly fueled with a vindictive desire to hurt Bridget and Mr. Perry.

Beaumont, spotting my arrival, chuckled drily.

“Mr. Harrington actually thinks he can give credit to a vicar’s daughter for the discovery of the mosaics.

She cannot speak at the society meeting.

” He placed a hand on Harrington’s shoulder, his tone patronizing.

“You’ll be the laughingstock of the antiquarians.

Imagine what London society will say when a bluestocking stands in front of the podium and lectures your colleagues.

Do you really want to damage your reputation in such a manner? ”

“I-I do not think a woman, a lady, needs to stand at the podium. She could write the articles, and I might sign off on each paper,” Harrington stammered, barely able to meet my gaze.

“It’s a matter of credibility,” Beaumont nodded sagely.

I stepped forward, pointing toward the Medusa mosaic. “Mr. Harrington,” I said, my voice low but firm, “A gentleman does not betray the lady who gave him full access to one of England’s greatest finds. Do not be her Perseus.”

The mortal woman was considered a monster, which struck me with irony.

The Greek men feared and reviled Medusa, including the conqueror Perseus, who used her abilities to fulfill his ambitions.

How dare these men speak of Bridget in such condescending tones, each intending to use her for his own gain.

Mr. Harrington flushed bright red.

“You won’t let me speak to the society?” Bridget joined us, sounding incredulous as she brushed her hands free of dirt. Behind her, Barron and Abigail stood a few steps back, their expressions wary.

“Mr. Harrington, I am shocked. I wrote to you in good faith, hoping to write a paper and present my findings before the society. I even offered my research notes and illustrations for your use. Am I not eligible for the invitation your journal offered? You made assurances that I might earn a position with your society. How could you brush me away so easily?”

Mr. Harrington coughed behind a fist. “Really, Miss Littleton...”

Mr. Beaumont offered a conciliatory smile, but it felt as false as could be.

“Now, be reasonable, Miss Littleton.” His tone sweetened to a patronizing level.

“Surely a lady of good breeding realizes she cannot wander into any man’s club at will and decide she is one of the men.

Of course Mr. Harrington must take over the excavation.

You did your best, but it’s clear that the entire dig has been compromised.

Someone dug holes all throughout the field, which is absurd.

The mosaics appear damaged from a shovel or trowel, and a section went missing.

You cannot protect this site, nor can you uncover it without causing further damage.

Neither you nor Mr. Perry are qualified to continue. ”

Her gloved hands clenched at her sides. “I fear this is a plot to take over my research, Mr. Beaumont. You’ve dismissed me twice.

Now you realize you have lost something of value, but you are too late to claim it.

If you can dismiss me and Mr. Perry so easily, who is to say you won’t do the same to Mr. Harrington? ”

“Miss Littleton will have my protection,” I spoke. “I will assist with the dig if need be, in any way I can. But, gentlemen, it would be a shame not to let Miss Littleton present her research as she has fought so hard to preserve the Roman villa. None of you would be here if it weren’t for her.”

The false smile faded quickly. Mr. Beaumont regarded me a moment longer than I cared for.

“Highly irregular, but I daresay it would be entertaining to see her at a meeting,” Lord Ainsley said with a laugh.

I wanted nothing more than to deck that smug look off his face.

Instead, I turned to Mr. Perry and Mr. Harrington. “If you want laborers and a guard or anything else from me, you will let her name be on the documents.”

The men grew silent. No one else spoke in Bridget’s defense, not even her friends, Miss Perry or Mr. Perry.

But I heard Bridget’s soft intake of breath beside me.

At last, Mr. Harrington mumbled an agreement.

“Thank you, Mr. Harrington. I assure you that any presentation given will meet the society’s standards.” Bridget lifted her chin. How proud I was of her in that moment. She would do well, no matter where she stood, whether in a field or in a salon. Her sheer tenacity alone could not be discounted.

Mr. Beaumont pulled out his snuff box, his features strained, while Lord Ainsley leaned over, muttering something into his friend’s ear. Try as I might, I couldn’t hear a word of what they said.

I felt a soft hand on my arm, and I caught the scent of lilacs, distracting me from all else.

I glanced down at her.

“Thank you,” Bridget said. Then she added with a whisper, “Rafe.”