“Oh, yes,” Eliza said, “and ever since I married, I’ve learned a great deal about running a household and keeping accounts. It can’t be that much harder to manage a business. We could even charge high rates so that we’re only doing it for those we prefer or know personally.”
“Exactly!” Verity said. “Besides, the ton only respects something when they have to pay buckets of money for it. The higher our rates, the more they’ll clamor to hire us. And if Eliza is going to live on an officer’s salary, she can use the money.”
Diana scowled at them both. “Verity, you realize that once you and I do this, if we do this, we can’t go back. There will be no more Seasons, no chance of finding a respectable husband.”
Verity snorted. “As if we have any hope of that now. Besides, I’ve lost my desire to stand around at balls hoping for a few moments of conversation or perhaps a single dance with a man. I’d much rather feather my nest for my future as a grande dame in society, bestowing my advice on the ladies I deign to recognize.” She cast Diana a sly look. “You must admit it would be a fitting revenge on all the society matrons turning up their noses at us. Lady Sinclair offered to pay us—why not take it?”
Because Diana feared she would come to regret it. Still, the siren song of a chance at independence, at living her life as she saw fit, was a powerful temptation. “I suppose if we wanted to keep from losing our standing, such as it is, we could always give our profits to charity.”
“Exactly!” Eliza’s face filled with excitement. “I wouldn’t need much for myself, and the rest could go to charities we pick.”
Sometimes Diana understood why their mother had tired of being under Papa’s thumb and bolted; all of Mama’s household duties had fallen to her and Verity. If they left, too, they could escape Papa’s constant criticisms and incessant demands. This way, they would be in a different household, assuming that Samuel Pierce would even allow Eliza to move her sisters into their home.
And why shouldn’t he? It would keep Eliza busy while he was away at war, and he could be sure she was looked after because her sisters were with her.
That was the main thing. Eliza needed them. How could they turn her down?
“Very well,” Diana said. “We can at least try to make this work.”
And on that night, Elegant Occasions was born.