He waited until they got into the carriage before he broached the subject. “About earlier–”
“We don’t need to talk about it, Your Grace,” she said with a tight smile.
He sighed. “I merely wanted to apologize for my lapse in judgement earlier. It was a mistake that I won’t be repeating.”
“You’re forgiven.” Her tone made it seem like he was certainly not forgiven, but he knew better than to push the subject. They spent the rest of the carriage ride in silence.
The carriage stopped at Clifford Manor, and Joanna and Mary got out. “Have a good night, Your Grace,” she said, meeting his eye for the first time since they left the sunroom. She gave him a sunny smile, but it did little to mitigate the loathing he felt.
“Goodnight, Miss Thorne,” he said quietly.
As the carriage made its way to Blackwell Manor, Evan promised himself to be more careful. He would not ruin Joanna’s life. He would savor the rest of the Season with her and then ensure herfuture was taken care of before parting on amicable terms with her, forever.
CHAPTER 22
Dearest Joanna,
Thank you so much for the book recommendations. I look forward to reading them, and so do my friends. I cannot believe that I will be having my debut Season in less than a year! That is wonderful and terrifying at the same time.
I will have to face the men of the ton and, hopefully, find a suitor or two. Do you think I will find any suitors who see value in a well-read woman? I do not think I could stand to marry a man who tried to discourage my reading. There is nothing as pleasant as a good book, after all.
I have heard the most disturbing rumor from Abigail Summers, whose sister is in London for the Season. Apparently, you have been seen in public with the Duke of Blackwell. There are even rumors that you are courting him!
I beg you to tell me that this is not true. From all accounts, he is not a man whose attention you want. Some would even go as far as to call him a monster. I understand the situation with our fortune is dire. I know you worry about my debut. Even I worry about it. But I beg of you not to let yourself fall into his clutches on my account. We can make do without someone who goes by the Duke of Ice.
Give Mother and Father my love.
Aurelia.
The day after the ball, Joanna read through her sister’s letter, which had arrived yesterday when Joanna was getting ready for the ball. She had not had a chance to read it before now, and she was glad that she had not, because she didn’t quite know how to respond to it, except to tell her sister that she should know better than to pay heed to rumors and gossip rags that sought to see the worst in people.
Joanna set the letter aside and went to the breakfast table, feeling tired from the late night. Her mother was already there, brimming with excitement. “It has been a most eventful morning,” she said as she poured tea for both of them. “Threeinvitations have arrived for you today. Two for upcoming balls, and one for afternoon tea next week. I have also been invited to a ladies’ luncheon with the Countess of Ellwood! Can you believe it?”
Joanna smiled. “That is wonderful news, Mother.” She sat down at the table and noticed that the tea was made with fresh leavesfor once, and a roll accompanied her stew. She hoped this lavish breakfast was just her mother’s way of celebrating and wasn’t a sign of them being more extravagant. Despite their turn of fortune, they could not afford to spend any extra money on themselves. All of that money needed to go to Aurelia’s dowry. “Where is Father?”
“He’s attending to matters of Parliament today, but he will be back this evening.”
She smiled, relieved that he wasn’t already at a card table. “I am pleased to hear it. It has been too long since I have properly seen both of you.”
Her mother beamed and took a bite of the bread. “I am so happy, my dear Joanna. I knew you could find a wonderful match, but I never expected you to catch the eye of a duke. When will you see him again? If Mary can be spared, perhaps you could visit today?”
Her stomach twisted at the thought of seeing him again so soon, especially after that kiss that he clearly regretted. She also felt a pang of guilt for getting her mother’s hopes up for an upcoming betrothal to the Duke of Blackwell. “I cannot visit him today. I am joining Lady Penelope for afternoon tea. Besides, would it not be proper to wait for an invitation from him first?”
“The two of you are courting, Joanna! That is already an accomplishment, but you must be diligent. Until the marriage license is signed, nothing is certain.”
“I shall keep that in mind, Mother. But I do not wish to scare him off by being insolent and visiting him without an invitation. The moment I get an invitation from Blackwell Manor, I will be sure to visit.” She finished her breakfast and stood up from the table before kissing her mother’s cheek. “I must go. I wish to respond to the invitations before getting ready for tea with Lady Penelope.”
Her mother kissed her cheek back. “That sounds wonderful, dear.”
Joanna smiled to herself as she went to her bedchambers. It was lovely to see her mother in such good spirits. She hoped the viscountess would not be too heartbroken when the courtship ended. Their situation would still be greatly improved.
Mary arrived just as Joanna had finished replying to the invitations. The woman helped her get ready for afternoon tea, even though it was hardly necessary to dress up for tea with her best friend.
It was nice to have a maid at her disposal again, and she and Mary got along quite well. It also felt very strange after making do without one for so long.
In mid-afternoon, the two women walked together to Northwick Manor, where Penelope was waiting for tea. She hugged Joanna immediately as soon as Joanna entered the drawing room. “Thank heavens you were at the ball last night. I swear, that place would have been excruciating without you.”
They both sat down for tea, and Joanna immediately helped herself to the small cakes and finger sandwiches being served. Despite eating breakfast, she had quite an appetite.
