She frowned slightly. “Miss Thorne? I don’t recall her being on the list.”
“She’s perhaps one of the few eligible ladies of thetonyou didn’t put on the list, grandmother,” he said dryly. “I admit I was curious about why not.”
“I didn’t think you would want to be associated with such a family,” she said. “The Thornes are hardly respectable.”
He had to admit that was true. If it hadn’t been for the deception she had pulled, he never would have called on Joanna Thorne, even if she was on his grandmother’s list. “Being associated with a family’s poor reputation can hardly hurtus, Grandmother. In fact, I am planning to court her.”
A huge grin broke out on his grandmother’s face. “Truly? You want to officially court a lady?”
“I do. I found her quite charming.” He smirked, unable to stop himself from teasing her. “Of course, if you find her unsuitable, then I can turn my attention elsewhere.”
“Absolutely not!” She sprang to her feet and held her arms open for a hug. “This is the loveliest news you could ever give me. I was beginning to think you would never find a lady to court! Oh, I can’t wait to meet her! The two of you can be married by the end of the Season. Do you know how many children she wants?”
Evan was starting to feel slightly ill. Everything was suddenly moving too fast. An image of Joanna and a young child standing in the rain flashed through his mind, and panic seized him for a moment. He took a deep breath and reminded himself that this courtship would not end in marriage and children. “Please slowdown, grandmother. I haven’t even formally asked her parents for permission to court her.” He was sure she had already told them, but it still felt necessary to ask them.
“Oh, but they will say yes, to be sure. I doubt she has many other prospects, what with her being an outcast from society. I doubt she has a large dowry, what with her father’s pastimes, but luckily, you are in a position where that doesn’t matter.”
He nodded. “I am very fortunate that way. Thank you, grandmother. I am glad you approve of Miss Thorne, even though I would court her regardless of your opinion of her.”
“I am happy to welcome any woman who makes you happy in the family, my dear.”
He smiled but didn’t reply. At least his arrangement with Joanna would keep the dowager duchess from playing matchmaker with him for one more Season.
The next ball would be in less than a week, so if Evan wanted to publicly announce the courtship at the event, he needed to move fast. He also admitted to himself that he wanted to see Joanna before the ball, even if he originally planned to meet her there.
The next day, he traveled to Clifford Manor, where he asked to speak to the viscount.
The man welcomed him into his home with a broad grin. “It’s a pleasure to see you again so soon, Your Grace,” he said. “I am afraid my daughter is visiting her friend, Lady Penelope Atwood.”
He felt disappointed. But at least he could get the formalities with her father out of the way. “That is all right. I am actually here to speak with you.”
“Oh?” The two of them settled in the drawing room together. “What for, Your Grace?”
“I have come to ask you for permission to court your daughter.”
“I was hoping you would say that! You absolutely have my permission. Oh, forgive my manners. Would you like some brandy?”
The duke declined with a soft smile.
The viscount poured himself a glass and took a swig. “I am very pleased that you wish to court my Joanna. I must admit I am surprised. From what I understand, the two of you met under less than auspicious circumstances.”
The duke felt his smile grow as he remembered Joanna in the tea shop. “Miss Thorne knows how to make quite an impression. I must admit, I enjoyed her company even though that was the opposite of her intentions.”
The viscount nodded. “She can certainly be memorable. But if you intend to court my daughter, then you must know I can’t offer you a dowry.”
He nodded. “I understand. I am well aware of your situation, but I am in no need of a dowry.”
The man nodded. “I am glad to hear it. Joanna has had a very trying few years. I know that I am to blame for that. You wishing to court her is welcome news for all of us.”
Before Evan could respond, he heard the front door open.
“I am back, Father!” Joanna called from the hallway. “Mrs. Lucas was not available today, but one of her daughters could be spared—oh.” She entered the drawing room and locked eyes with Evan. She dropped into a curtsy. “Your Grace. I wasn’t aware you were here.”
He stood up and inclined his head. “Miss Thorne. I just asked your father for permission to court you. He said yes.”
Joanna smiled. “I am pleased to hear it.” She folded her hands in front of her. “I just came back from visiting Lady Penelope.”
“I thought you were visiting Mrs. Lucas.” He arched an eyebrow.
