I can actually relate a bit, Sisabel. I have experienced similar disappointment in wanting to forge through with friendships with various people that it seemed like this is someone I could hand out with. Even my step sister whom I reconnected with this summer after decades was someone I thought more opportunities to hang out would happen. But with these two individuals that I have in mind, just isn't going to happen.
I think I too would have found bringing a clique of friends a bit put offish if that's even the right expression? Disappointing to say the least. Your husband does make a very valid point in my eyes.
I tend to look around me quite often at how other women seem super connected. It's a thought that has weighed on my mind since my divorce and my mom's passing away happened within months of each other. I had my three sons and utterly zero network to local family support. I was my mom's only child. My dad and stepmom at the time lived 45minutes away as does my mom's brother and his family. I have an ex husband who doesn't drive(another story in and of itself) and a bit of disconnect as my closest women friends live states away after.
I've noticed most of the women around me have siblings. Which extends their base of support. Great for them. Less great for me.
I had a cancer scare years ago and sat with my ex as the need to list who is next in line for caring for the kids needed to be a discussion. Then he had a heart attack scare. Sure he's from a big family, but brothers in big families interact much differently than sisters do. Besides his sisters are all my mom's age. It was a December/May type of marriage. And my ex is 3rd youngest of 11...
And it's not that I drift along truly in need of friendships, but it would really be nice to have local friends where random momemts of meeting for coffee or whatever would be nice. So often everyone is wrapped up in their own universes and aren't open to more. I do have a couple friends from work that if I reached out and set up going out that it could happen, but it's work friendships. I never did find in person mother's groups back during the stroller years either ...
It's not that this woman owed you friendship but gosh, where was giving you a chance occurring? Maybe she was nervous about going to a group alone? Maybe the next time could be different? I wouldn't stop going if this was something you enjoyed to begin with.
I hear your disappointment.