Chapter 7

The estimated cost caused Mr. Grindel to cough.Alderman Voss leaned back. "Excessive.""Necessary," said Mr. Meer."For an old room with a painted ceiling?""For a public building that supports a town economy."Phoebe, seated behind her uncle with minutes in hand, looked up. Mr. Meer did not glance at her, yet she felt the words like a shared understanding.Voss drummed his fingers on the table. "And during these expensive repairs, what becomes of the season?""The smaller rooms may remain in use if numbers are limited," said Mr. Meer. "Concerts may be held with caution. Card assemblies may continue. The ballroom must not be occupied."Lady Enderby, who had insisted on attending, lifted her handkerchief. "No dancing?""Not safely.""My nerves," she whispered.Sir Lionel looked pained. "The difficulty is funding.""There is also the question of public confidence," said Mr. Atwood. "Visitors may depart.""Not," Phoebe said, "if we give them reason to remain."Every face turned. Her uncle whispered, "Phoebe..."She rose, though her heart beat hard. "The season need not collapse because the ballroom is closed. We may hold subscription concerts in the concert chamber, morning lectures, card evenings with reduced numbers, and a charitable promenade in the gardens. We may invite patrons to support restoration by purchasing commemorative tickets. The town tradesmen may contribute materials at favorable rates in exchange for public acknowledgement. If the Assembly Rooms belong to the prosperity of Ashcombe Wells, then Ashcombe Wells must be invited to save them."There was silence.Lady Enderby lowered her handkerchief. "Commemorative tickets?""With ribbons, perhaps," Phoebe said. "Numbered."Lady Enderby considered this. "I should require number one."Sir Lionel rubbed his chin. "A restoration subscription."Mr. Grindel looked less alarmed. "It might be possible."Alderman Voss smiled thinly. "A charming, feminine scheme."Phoebe met his eyes. "A practical one."Mr. Meer spoke. "And likely more effective than despair."The committee agreed to consider the proposal. That, in committee language, meant no one wished to be responsible for refusing it in front of Lady Enderby.After the meeting, Phoebe remained behind to gather the papers. Mr. Meer helped without being asked.

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