So far, for Sophie, that world existed only in sketches and words. She’d yet to experience the thrill of a lingering kiss or a sensual touch. But she intended to—maybe before she was married to Lord Singleton.

While Lily continued writing, Fiona said, “I noticed you returned from your meeting much later than usual.”

In the months since the Debutante Underground began, Sophie had taken to spending Friday evenings at Fiona and Gray’s house and staying overnight. The routine spared Sophie from having to explain where she was going every week and also provided time for the three friends to work on the column the next morning. Fortunately, Sophie, Lily, and Fiona had grown up together, and Mama was inordinately fond of the entire Hartley family—so she didn’t object to the arrangement in the slightest.

“Forgive me if I worried you last night,” Sophie said. “After the meeting I stopped by a vacant building near the dress shop to see if it would make a suitable alternative location.”

Fiona arched a strawberry-blond brow. “And would it?”

“It would…” Sophie mentally debated telling her friends about Mr. Peabody. She’d thought of him often since leaving him snoring softly in his chair.

The harsh lines of his face had softened as he slept, and his tightly coiled muscles had relaxed. If he’d been dangerously handsome stalking about the tailor’s shop, he’d been doubly so as he dreamed, with his long legs sprawled in front of him and his full lips parted. She’d turned down the lantern and carefully placed a blanket across his lap before gathering her things and tiptoeing out of the shop’s back door. If anyone in the world could understand her odd attraction to a relative stranger, Sophie was sure that Fiona and Lily would.

But part of her feared that talking about her evening with Mr. Peabody would strip away the magic, make it feel strange or trite. So she decided to keep him solely to herself. “Unfortunately,” she continued, “the building isn’t available for let.” She shrugged as though it were nothing but a mild disappointment. “I’ll find something else.”

“The offer to hold the meeting here still stands,” Fiona said kindly, “but I know you’d prefer a spot that’s more centrally located.”

Sophie smiled gratefully. “Yes, dozens of people strolling up to your front door would attract undue attention, I’m afraid.”

“Would you like us to help you secure a location?” Lily offered. “If money is an obstacle, we’d be more than happy to cover the rent. It’s the least we can do.”

“Thank you,” Sophie said sincerely. “You’re both so generous. But I’m going to attempt to do this on my own—if only to prove to myself that I can.”