Fans of Eloisa James & Julia Quinn discussion
Monday Puzzler
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The 26th Demeber one
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Cool! I have that one on my Nook but haven't read it yet. I'm looking forward to it now.
Lady Heroine glanced at Miss Bramhall and Sir Hugo, then studied Hero thoughtfully. "Tell me, Sir Hero, do you really think she has an excellent point?"
"I do," he said firmly. "The value of any organization that prides itself on being at the forefront of progress is being able to debate and discuss new ideas, no matter how outrageous they would seem."
"And you think full membership for women is an outrageous idea?"
Heroine’s Friend groaned softly.
"One must consider all aspects of the proposal." He chose his words with care. "The Explorers Club is locked in an eternal struggle with the Royal Geographic Society for recognition and prestige. Regardless of the merits of the argument, until the society accepts female members, we would be at a disadvantage to open our own membership."
"So until one monkey jumps off a cliff, none of the others will do so?"
He frowned. "It's a very steep cliff and a long way to the bottom. One hates to jump alone."
Heroine’s Friend's gaze slid from Hero to Lady Heroine. "Perhaps this is not something--"
"Then all that about being at the forefront of progress"--Lady Heroine waved in a blithe gesture--"is nothing more than an idle claim? Simply a slogan that looks nice at the top of the club stationery?"
"Not at all." He bristled. "We have always taken a leadership position."
"But you'd rather be the monkey that follows than the monkey that leads?"
"At least that monkey has something to cushion the fall," he said sharply. Good Lord, he was right. She was annoying. He drew a deep breath. "We have made great strides forward in any number of areas."
"But not in this particular area."
"The weather is exceptionally cool for this time of year, don't you agree?" Heroine’s Friend said, a note of panic in her voice. They ignored her.
"This particular area," he said firmly, "is somewhat contentious."
Lady Heroine shrugged in an offhand manner. "No doubt because most of the members of the Explorers Club also have membership in the Geographic Society. Therefore it is not surprising both organizations would see this issue in precisely the same way."
"Then we agree on that?"
"We do." She nodded. "But you have not answered my question."
Heroine’s Friend scoffed. "Nonsense. Of course he--"
"And which question was that, Lady Heroine?"
"I asked you if you thought membership for women was an outrageous idea. Well?" Her voice was cool. "Do you?"
"Lady Heroine." He paused. As much as he wanted to know this woman, he had no intention of deceiving her. Still, there was no need to be completely candid. "I walk a narrow path between these two organizations. They have both sponsored and provided support for my expeditions and travels and other endeavors."
"And you don't want to alienate either of them."
He breathed a sigh of relief. "Absolutely not."
"Speaking out in favor of female membership would not endear you to either group."
"Then you understand."
"Completely." She smiled slowly. "But as I am obviously a member of neither organization, your answer--your secret--would be safe with me." She leaned closer and stared into his eyes. "Tell me, Sir Hero, do you think women should be members of this club or, for that matter, the Geographic Society ?"
He stared into her eyes, deep and endless and altogether mesmerizing. Damnation. He blew a long breath. "No, I do not."
She straightened. "I see."
"Do you?" he said.
"Unusual weather, really," Heroine’s Friend said quickly. "It's surprisingly cold and rather--"
"It comes as no surprise. Your opinion is very much the same as most men and, I would think, most members of the Explorers Club. You think women have their place. I think women should do whatever they wish if they have the ability to do so," Lady Heroine said smoothly. "Be that belong to an organization or explore undiscovered lands or manage their own finances."
He drew his brows together. "Then I fear we shall have to agree to disagree."
She cast him a brilliant smile. "I don't find that a particular problem."
He stared at her for a moment. "You are the type of woman who enjoys a rousing debate, aren't you?"
"Good Lord," Heroine’s Friend muttered.
Lady Heroine laughed. "It was great fun, wasn't it? There is nothing like a good debate to make the blood race."
"Then you don't think women should be members," he said slowly.
"Nonsense. Of course I do." She shrugged. "This particular cause simply isn't one of my passions."
"What are your passions, Lady Heroine?"
"Hats," Heroine’s Friend said a bit more vehemently than was necessary. "She likes hats. Hats are her passion. A grand passion."
"Indeed. Hats are certainly among my many . . ." She met his gaze directly, and his breath caught. "Passions. As is debate."
"Then will you try to change my mind on this subject?" He smiled slowly. "Bend my way of thinking to yours?"
"Absolutely, as I am right and you are wrong. However." She smiled pleasantly. "I do not expect you to change simply because I wish it. You are who you are and should be accepted for who you are. As should I."