“Even though you have inherited the title?”
“It has been less than two months, Lady Haynesdale.”
“Of course, you are still in mourning, and there must be many details to attend.”
Joshua nodded.
She smiled again. “Dare I ask if a particular lady has claimed your attention?”
Joshua smiled. “Do you mean to contrive a match for me, Lady Haynesdale?”
“I would not be so bold, of course.” She smiled at him and he was not convinced of her claim. “Your arrival is most timely this day as I would like to ask for your assistance.”
He inclined his head. “I am at your service.”
“Lord Addersley, you almost make me wish I had another daughter of eligible age.”
“You are kind, Lady Haynesdale.”
“An acquaintance of mine has recently arrived in the area and will be visiting today. I fear that her niece, who is Captain Emerson’s younger sister and my friend’s ward, must be disappointed in Haynesdale after the activities of London. To that end, I am planning a ball in less than a fortnight and do hope you will attend.”
Joshua felt his brows rise. “A ball to entertain the ward of a friend? That is most generous, Lady Haynesdale.” Who was this young lady and why did the duchess wish to see her attached? Joshua was intrigued.
His hostess leaned forward, and he watched her cheeks flush slightly, as if she had been caught. “But the young lady is lovely. I must ensure that her dance card is full, lest she find my hospitality lacking, yet I had forgotten how few gentlemen there are in the vicinity who dance well.”
“I do not dance, Lady Constance.” He spoke firmly and set down the cup. His pledge to his father was uppermost in his thoughts and he would not break it so readily as this.
“Nonsense! I recall your tutor well.” She shook a finger at him, her tone teasing, not allowing him a chance to speak. “I will not have your refusal, sir,” she said, pretending to be stern. “Will you not at least meet Miss Emerson before you decide?”
Joshua blinked. “Youdostrive to make a match, Lady Constance,” he accused softly, guessing the reason was lessabout his own prospects than those of the duke. “Does this young lady have atendrefor your son?”
The dowager’s cheeks flamed. “I could not speak as to her interest,” she began, though Joshua sensed that was not the case. The young lady aspired to wed Haynesdale but his mother did not approve. Why not?
Did it matter? He would not welcome Haynesdale’s leavings, simply to suit the dowager duchess’s plans. He could be insulted by being deemed to be merely useful and set down his cup, mustering his refusal.
But there was an audible flurry of activity from the foyer, much to his hostess’ visible relief. “Why, they have arrived and you can make their acquaintance in advance of the ball. How perfect an opportunity!”
Joshua stood and spoke with resolve. “Lady Constance, I remind you that your son is most capable in evading the aspirations of even the most ambitious of young ladies.” He reached for his hat. Why did some women persist in striving to orchestrate the situations of others? It was a kind of meddling Joshua could not admire…
The door was opened in that moment and the newly arrived guests announced. Joshua glanced up, then could only stare in silence.
If he had believed in kismet, fate or other such frippery, Joshua might have concluded his alliance with this young lady was meant to be. No sooner had he realized he had need of a bride and despaired of finding one without returning to London, than the perfect young lady stepped into his presence.
Her hair was as dark as a raven’s wing and her eyes were blue. They sparkled with an enthusiasm for life that could not be disguised and her step was spritely. She wore a white gown with blue embroidery upon the hem and a wide ribbon of sapphire blue at the high waist. Her spencer was black velvet,and altogether she was a most appealing sight. She was so delicately built that he could have easily carried her all the way back to Addersley Manor. Better yet, she bore absolutely no resemblance to Charlotte Havilland.
He might have conjured her by will.
He blinked, averted his gaze with an effort, and cast Lady Haynesdale a glance.
The dowager smiled at him, triumphant.
But her success was not yet complete. What trait was lacking in the lady? Was she witless or foolish? Joshua watched her gaze rove over the drawing room, as if she had plans to change it all, and guessed that her ambitions were as suspected. What made her unsuitable for Haynesdale in his mother’s view? Was it only her open ambition?
Joshua put down his hat, determined to find out.
“Oh, but Constance, you have a guest!” the older lady protested.
“Of course, you cannot have met. Our neighbor, Lord Addersley, seventh Viscount of Addersley,” Lady Haynesdale said. “My lord, Lady Dalhousie and her niece, Miss Helena Emerson.”
