Page 116 of Duke of Rath

She may not know the perfect manners of a socialite, but she was every bit a duke’s sister—proud and stoic.

Patience shook her head. “Why?”

“Because I’m a woman,” she said. “I swear, Patience, had I had any other passion suitable for a woman—embroidery, painting, music, anything at all—I’d be so happy. Had I had a male organ, my research would have been accepted with open arms. I’d have received funding. I’d have earned respect. But all I got was rejection and pitiful glances. As if wearing a skirt means I do not have the brains or courage to do medical research and help people.”

Patience sighed. “I hate that this is so for you. That’s why we have created our club. And that’s why it’s secret.”

“And that’s why I had to go and ask Mr. Sterling if he would consider using my methods on selected patients and allowing me to observe them while also caring for them as a nurse.”

Patience nodded. “And he agreed?”

“He was the only one who agreed. I suppose, in the underworld of London, the social rules and standards of the ton don’t matter. In the slums, women can do science and run their own businesses. And bastards can be kings.”

Patience gave a sigh and couldn’t stop a chuckle. “Bastards and women of science. That’s quite a team.”

Chastity giggled, and Patience joined her. Together, they laughed, spilling tea and not caring.

“If he needs a botanist, I’m happy to help,” said Patience as she wiped away tears of laughter. “But are you quite safe in Whitechapel?”

“Of course,” Chastity said and hesitated. “I mean, besides being alone with a single man… And walking among thieves and criminals…”

Patience’s eyes widened. “Goodness. Are you sure⁠—?”

“It’s Jane’s brother’s area. Thorne Blackmore is the king of Whitechapel. Nothing happens without him knowing. I’m perfectly safe.”

“Is Mr. Sterling a gentleman?”

Chastity’s cheeks flushed. “Oh, please. There’s no danger of any man trying anything with me. No man would see a woman in me, or anyone they might be interested in!”

Patience blinked. “Forgive me for such harsh words, but that is nonsense!”

Chastity chuckled bitterly. “Oh, it is not. Not that I’m interested in marriage in any event.”

“Truly?” asked Patience. “Have you never fancied anyone?”

To Patience’s great surprise, Chastity’s cheeks flushed. “Well…I wouldn’t say that.”

Patience grinned. “I knew it. Who was it?”

Chastity scoffed and reddened even more. It was quite fascinating to see this smart, confident, brilliant woman blush like a little girl. “I…er…”

“You know I will never tell anyone. You’re my sister and my friend, and a fellow Miss with a Microscope!”

Chastity looked at her hands. “Um…”

“Come on, Chastity, it feels good to open up. Have you never talked about this with anyone?”

“No. I suppose there’s no harm in it. It’s in the past anyway, and nothing will ever be possible. Nor do I want it to be.”

“Well, never say never… Who is it?”

Chastity sighed and put her teacup down with resolve. “It is…it was…Lucien.”

Patience raised her eyebrows. “Lucien? I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. He does favor you. I just didn’t realize you favored him, too.”

“You’re mistaken. He does not favor me, nor did he ever. In my silly adolescent years—and only because we practically grew up together—I had thought I loved him. And we were close, so I thought he might love me back… But there is nothing like seeing the boy you fancy kiss a maid to clear such silly notions.”

“And Dorian would kill him,” said Patience, nodding. “There’s no man in England who has had more liaisons than the Duke of Luhst.”