Everything was ready for the meeting. The tea and biscuits arranged artfully on the table in the drawing room. Evangeline smiled as she and Lady Garrett talked about the upcoming season. They along with Mrs. Midford organized the fall festival and art exhibition which brought in a lot of trade for the town. Her smile dimmed as she thought about possibly having to seek an arrangement outside of their beautiful town. 

          Lady Garrett took notice quite quickly and took Evangeline's hands into her own. "Dear Eva, do not fret we will find a solution. You have many friends here more than willing to help, you have helped every one of us more than once. Quite a number of us have already thought of a plan that should help your family greatly."

      A gentle smile and eyes filled with compassion graced Lady Garrett's face. Which in turn Evangeline could not help but smile back.  There was still hope in her heart after all. Before Evangeline could thank Lady Garrett one of Lady Garrett's maids came in to announce the arrival of Lady Ashford and Miss. Alicia Hudson her ward.

         Once everyone had settled their work truly began. As they were accustomed to do, Evangeline was in charge of  transcribing their thoughts and plans for later consumption. Lady Garrett would later make a budget for the events once everyone agreed. Miss. Alicia truly had the most inspired ideas, Eva tended to look to her for advice on the more creative side of their events. 

      As Eva was writing, Lady Ashford started on a new topic.  Evangeline, herself.  "Now. It has come to my attention dear Eva, that your half brother and his cow of a wife are threatening  you and your sisters." Eva's eyes widened as she heard Lady Ashford, The Most Proper Lady of the town call her sister in law a cow.  

     "How avaricious she must be to want to throw you girls and your mother out!" She continued as a hush had fallen upon the group.  All the women inclined their heads in agreement. "I dare say if my dear Edmund was not already betrothed I would most assuredly have made him ask for your hand!" 

       "Oh! Lady Ashford, you are most kind in your regards towards us. I do humbly thank you for it." Evangeline move closer and embraced Lady Ashford with tears in her eyes. Lady Ashford returned her affection in kind and patted the top of her head. 

        "Edmund is out of the running but perhaps my son Rolland or Dorian?" Lady Grey suggested. Miss. Marian scoffed.

       "Lady Grey, Rolland is still young and Dorian has not been in town for a couple of years now!" Lady Garrett noted. "Perhaps My son Elliot would be the most appropriate candidate." As if it was now a great debate all the women offered their sons, nephews and brothers. Some in jest and others in complete seriousness. 

       After all Evangeline was truly a credit to her family and to the one she would latter join in marriage. Eva let out a giggle before turning everyone's attention back to the future events that the would need to plan.