Mother pursed her lips. “I cannot accept such behavior. But it is also clear that I cannot stop you. I do love you, darling. I only wish you needn’t be so difficult.”

“I’m not trying to be,” Philippa said. “As unusual as this seems, life will be simpler. I’ll no longer be welcome in the beau monde, but I hope I’ll still be welcome here.”

“We won’t disown you,” her mother said in shock. “Our house shall always be open to our only child. Why can’t you continue living here?”

The newspaper crinkled. “Perhaps because as long as she lives here, you’ll never cease attempting to arrange every aspect of her life.”

Philippa inclined her head at her father’s words. “I have my majority and my inheritance. I’m ready for independence. I love you, Mother—I love both of you—but my happiness lies elsewhere.”

Her mother sniffed. “You cannot possibly expect us to visit Islington.”

Philippa bowed her head. “I would never.”

“Thank God,” muttered Elizabeth.

Marjorie’s skirts fluttered as if she’d kicked her sister.

“Well.” Mother harrumphed. “I suppose you’ve come for your things.”

“Our daughter shall not carry her baggage about like a tramp,” Father said from behind his newspaper. “Have the maids prepare the trunks and send the footmen over with them in the carriage.” He turned the page. “Yes, all the way to Islington.”

“Then this is goodbye. Mother, Father,” Philippa said. “I hope to see you again soon.”

Father shook his newspaper without responding.

It was the same as always, yet so different. He did not have time for her, but he cared about her more than she had ever guessed. Loved her enough to let her go.

Mother followed them to the door, but stopped Philippa before she followed the others outside. She smoothed one of Philippa’s ringlets. “I do hope you’ll find someone you can agree to marry one day.”

Philippa could not help but a smile. Her muscles felt light and free. “Breathe easy on that score, Mother. Love is definitely in my future.”

She nodded to her kindly butler and strode out from the home she’d lived in for as long as she could remember…straight into a solid wall of women.

“W-what,” she stammered.

“It’s Thursday,” Florentia said.

Sybil took Tiglet from Philippa. “It’s time for our reading circle.”

“When Chloe didn’t send out invitations, we assumed we were to come here,” said Lady Eunice.

Gracie alighted from a hackney and raced up the path. “Am I late?”

“No,” Philippa said in wonder. “For once, you are not. But I’m afraid I don’t live here any longer. I am happy to keep hosting the reading circle, but it will need to take place at the Wynchester residence in Islington.”

“Mother will never let me go there,” Gracie said. “I’ll say I’m with Sybil.”