“I do,” Effie said. “And soon, so shall you.”

Mrs. Naismith flashed Effie a fascinated look. For an instant it appeared she might rise from her seat, but she made no move to do so, only sat there, observing Miss Compton’s approach with an expression of ill-disguised curiosity.

“Miss Flite,” Miss Compton said, dropping a brief curtsy.

“Miss Compton,” Effie said. “May I present Mrs. Naismith? She is a newcomer to Lady Bartlett’s gatherings, just as we are.”

“Mrs. Naismith,” Miss Compton said.

A bubbling giggle escaped Mrs. Naismith’s lips.

Miss Compton glared at her.

“I’m sorry,” Mrs. Naismith said quickly, covering her mouth with her hand. “But this is just too absurd.”

Somewhat mollified, Miss Compton joined them on the sofa, seating herself on Effie’s opposite side. “I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one to find it so.”

“Nonsense,” Effie said. “The lecture promises to be edifying in the extreme. By the end of it, the three of us will be fast friends.”

“What is the lecture about?” Mrs. Naismith asked.

A woman in a chair nearby turned to answer. Her curling gray hair was contained by a felt turban trimmed with cerise feathers. “It is on the subject of girls’ education,” she said. “We shall be hearing the latest progress on the committee’s findings as well.”

“What committee?” Effie asked.

“The one Lady Bartlett has assembled to reform the married women’s property law,” the woman answered. “There was a similar committee several years ago, but its work came to nothing. We’re determined to take up the charge.”

Effie’s interest piqued. Miss Corvus had mentioned that there was serious discussion about a bill being brought before Parliament. Could this committee be the source of it? “How have you proceeded?” she asked.

“We collect signatures on various petitions,” the woman said. “We also collect testimonials from affected women. Their personal stories are powerful evidence. It only remains to find a sponsor for our bill—and to successfully combat any opposition to it. I have every reason to hope that, this time, our attempts will be successful.”

“It’s a splendid ideal,” Effie said. “I endorse it wholeheartedly.”

The woman offered her hand to Effie. “Mrs. Jefferies,” she said, introducing herself.

“Euphemia Flite,” Effie replied, shaking her hand.

“You are welcome to join us,” Mrs. Jefferies said. “Young people are the lifeblood of our fight.”

Before Effie could reply, Lady Bartlett moved to the front of the room, raising her hands to bring everyone to attention. “My dear friends, old and new, welcome, welcome. We have much to get through today, so if you’ve all taken your seats…”

Miss Compton whispered to Effie as Lady Bartlett continued speaking. “I don’t think we should remain.”

Mrs. Naismith heard her. She leaned across Effie to reply to Miss Compton. “Why ever not?” she whispered back.