A Matter of Convenience

A Matter of Convenience Book 1 of –––––––– –––––––– A Victorian Romance –––––––– Lana Williams USA Today Bestselling Author A Matter of Convenience Book 1 of The Mayfair Literary League By Lana Williams Join the ladies of The Mayfair Literary League as they pursue a new mission: For Better or Worse. One bold move could change their futures... The bachelors of London won’t know what hit them when these bookish ladies set their sights on the men in their lives who don’t see them for who they truly are—yet. She refuses to live with regret... Lady Phoebe Fitzroy knows her assets are few and the clock is ticking before Society declares her a spinster. Yet how could she accept another offer when her heart belongs to a man who seems completely unaware of her existence? He refuses to marry without love... Anthony Stanhope, the Earl of Bolton, intends to see his siblings settled before dealing with his own marriage. One thing he knows for certain—his will be a love match. Watching his parents’ cold marriage of convenience has convinced him to seek more for his future. It’s clear to Phoebe that she must take matters into her own hands to force Anthony to see her as someone more than his sister’s friend. To help bolster her courage, she dares the ladies of the Mayfair Literary League to join her by making bold moves of their own with their secret crushes. Will her effort to catch Anthony’s eye—and his heart—end in disaster or lay the path for the future of which she’s always dreamed? Table of Contents Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-One Epilogue Other Books by Lana Williams About the Author Copyright Other Books in The Mayfair Literary League A Matter of Convenience, Book 1 A Pretend Betrothal, Book 2 A Mistaken Identity, Book 3 Prologue London, England 1870 Lady Phoebe Fitzroy set her teacup on the table and braced herself, well aware that what she was about to propose would shake the foundation of The Mayfair Literary League. The five other ladies who graced her drawing room had become dear friends in the three years since she’d started the book club. However, it had come to her attention that they shared more than a love of books. They were similar in age and had endured five or more Seasons without finding husbands. She’d spoken with each of them individually over the past two weeks and confirmed that they all had another common issue: men. Or lack thereof, to be precise. She cleared her throat, and her friends immediately stopped their conversations to look at her, expecting her to call their monthly meeting to order to discuss their latest read. However, today would be different. At least, that was her hope. “I would like to propose a slight change to our literary league for the coming months.” Phoebe ran a nervous finger along the braided trim of her cuff, hoping her idea would be welcomed. “A new agenda, if you will.” Several of the women frowned and fidgeted, suggesting they didn’t like the sound of that. Accepting change was a challenge for most of them. “But we enjoy reading and discussing books,” Lady Tabitha Malton countered, and the others nodded in agreement. “Have no fear. Books will remain the cornerstone of our group as will our charitable endeavors. However, after conversations with our members, it has come to my attention that each of us has an issue that requires our attention. One that can’t be resolved until it sees the light of day. That issue is...” She paused for dramatic emphasis. “A secret crush. A man who has caught our interest but has not yet done us the favor of returning our regard.” Frances Melbourne, one of her best friends, suddenly took great interest in her tea, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. Phoebe hid a smile. Frances had been the first member she’d spoken with about the problem. The focus of her friend’s interest had surprised Phoebe, and she couldn’t wait to see if Frances accepted her challenge. The next few months would prove interesting if nothing else. If the idea resulted in even one happily ever after, Phoebe would be pleased. “None of us are getting any younger,” she continued. “We’re far from debutantes and much closer to spinsters than we’d like.” Phoebe was six and twenty and starting to worry she’d never have a family of her own. Her ample figure with its generous curves certainly didn’t help. Now that she knew some of the other ladies felt the same way, she took comfort in knowing she wasn’t alone. Yet she was disturbed to realize that none of them, including herself, had acted before now. While it was true they were all more bookish than beauties, that wasn’t a reason for them not to find love. “I challenge each member of the league to complete one bold act to catch the interest of their tendre, including myself.” Murmurs of shock and concern filled the room. Phoebe held up her hand to quiet them, wanting to make certain they understood her call to action. “We will not lower ourselves to compromise our reputations, nor will we force the man we admire to propose. He must choose us of his own free will. The purpose of the bold act is to help the gentleman to see us in a new light. If our attempt fails, at least we’ll have the comfort of knowing we tried, and we can face our future and whatever it brings without regret.” Her friends shared glances as if wanting to see the others’ reactions before revealing their own. “If you’d like assistance or an opinion on how best to go about your bold act, simply