Invitation by Burke, Darcy (book club reads txt) 📗

“Then it’s good that I don’t wish for you to do so. I’ve come with a business proposition.” He lowered himself to the settee and draped his arm along the back. “Will you sit?”

She wasn’t sure if he meant for her to occupy the settee with him. In the past, she would have, snuggling up against his side and allowing her hand to rest on his thigh.

Tonight, she took the chair, perching on the edge amidst a burst of nervousness. Their relationship had changed, and she couldn’t imagine what he meant to propose.

“You look incredibly dubious,” Lucien said, sounding carefree. “Don’t be. I promise I’m not going to suggest anything untoward. At least, I don’t think it is.” He took his arm from the back of the settee and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and lightly clasping his hands between his legs. “What if you had the opportunity to be in charge of something, from its inception, but it would require you to completely change who you are?”

Mirabelle carefully considered his rather vague words. “Change how?”

“You couldn’t be you anymore—a former courtesan named Mirabelle Renault. I’m afraid your name is too recognizable. Hopefully, your face won’t be, but that will be something we’ll address if the need arises.”

She held up her hand. “Stop. You haven’t fully explained yourself at all. What would I be in charge of?”

“I am starting a club, an exclusive establishment where members, both men and women, will be specifically selected and invited to join.”

Mirabelle’s pulse quickened. “What sort of club?”

“I suppose it’s like the gentlemen’s clubs of St. James in that they are exclusive and provide a place to congregate with like souls. However, I prefer a club where the souls have more in common and are less…condescending.”

Laughing, she tried to imagine what he was describing. “An exclusive club without arrogance? I find that hard to countenance. In fact, I imagine anything that comes from you would be hard-pressed to be devoid of conceit.”

Sucking in a breath, Lucien straightened, touching his chest with one hand. “You wound me, Belle. Alas, I am aware of my shortcomings, most of them, anyway. I endeavor to find humility wherever I may. I trust you will always assist me in that endeavor.”

“What an honor,” she murmured.

He grinned as he sat back against the settee and crossed his legs. “I have always considered you a friend—a good one, in fact—and I hope you regard me in the same manner. I am also hopeful you will accept my offer of employment as manager of this new club.”

Mirabelle was at a complete loss for words. After several moments, she swallowed as she tried to banish the sudden dryness from her mouth. “I haven’t ever managed anything.”

“Haven’t you? You’ve told me how you helped your maid with her sewing projects and that you were always better at keeping track of things and organizing the funds. I’ve seen how you manage this household—you are far more economical than your peers.”

She shook her head, her mind reeling. “That doesn’t mean I’ll be able to manage your club.”

“What you don’t know, you’ll learn. You aren’t really going to say no, are you? Imagine yourself as an English widow who’s come to London to manage this club because Society is not to your liking. You’ll be an enigmatic figure people will crave to know.”

To go from someone Society would never entertain to a person of import or popularity was nearly inconceivable. Mirabelle didn’t need or want notoriety, just acceptance. “An English widow?”

“That’s what I was thinking, unless you have a better idea?”

“No, that sounds as if it could be believable. To whom was I married?”

Lucien shrugged. “We’ll invent some chap in…where would you like to have lived? You can’t choose anywhere that doesn’t sound like you. No Yorkshire unless you want to learn a new accent.”

This sounded almost possible. Until someone uncovered her true identity. “What if someone recognizes me?”

“As I said, this club will be exclusive. No one is going to be admitted whom we don’t personally select—and that includes you. You will serve on the membership committee.”

“Me?” She could hardly believe any of this. “How would I know whom to choose?”

“We will start by searching for people who perhaps aren’t accepted anywhere else, individuals who are looking for a new beginning, a second chance.”

“People like me,” she said softly. “Lucien, when did you think of starting this club?”

“Does it matter? It’s already in motion. You can be a part of it or not, but I’d prefer you choose the former.”

It was an excellent solution to what she should do next. Managing the club would be exciting and interesting, and she would be able to support herself. “I admit I do not know as much about Society as you, but how will a club that allows both men and women, and which is run by a woman, be seen as acceptable?”

“Because there will be two distinct sides: one for ladies and one for gentlemen. They will be kept separate, and the ladies’ side will be overseen by a small but select group of respectable women, one of whom will be you.”

She stared at him. “You’ve really thought this through. How can you be sure this group of women will accept me, a faux widow?”

“They won’t know you’re pretending, of course. And in the interest of establishing the truth as we wish it to be from the outset, please don’t use those kinds of words. Just know that I have, indeed, thought this through. I have a very precise plan.” He looked into her eyes. “Do you trust me?”

She shouldn’t. And perhaps she didn’t completely. “I trust you enough.”

He laughed softly. “That’s better than I expected, actually.”

“Who are these other respectable women?”

“No one insufferable, I promise. They are not allowed.”

“And who else is on the membership committee?” she asked.

“A few of my friends and a pair of people who will remain anonymous. Don’t ask me who they are or