“Do you have any books on medical treatments or nature’s effect on the body?”
Medical treatments? Why would she be interested in those? “I do. In fact, I have a number of volumes on those and related subjects.”
Lord Wakefield touched his daughter’s arm to gain her attention. “Joanna, the duke has invited us to see his library.”
He watched her closely as she excused herself from her conversation and turned to her father. “Who has invited us?”
Her father stepped back as he gestured. “The Duke of Northwick.”
Her gaze met his, and she cocked her head. “Really? That is quite magnanimous of you, Your Grace. Whatever prompted such a kind invitation?”
Instead of appearing guilty, she seemed to take umbrage at the fact he’d made the invitation. Again, he was struck by a feeling that she didn’t want to be in his presence. “Your father wishes to see a treatise I own, and he told me you are interested in medical science. Since I have numerous books on that specialty, I would welcome your perusal of them. Mayhap you know of a book I’m unaware of.”
She opened her mouth to reply, then closed it, instead turning to her father. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. I’ll discuss a time with the duke if you’d like to take this opportunity of Lord Davy being alone to ask him any further questions you had.”
Lord Wakefield’s gray eyes lit with excitement, making them appear silver. “Yes, yes. You decide upon the details.” Then without excusing himself, he strode toward the lecturer who had finally made it to the refreshment table.
James returned his attention to Lady Joanna. “Would Tuesday be convenient?”
Her head snapped to him and this time there was no denying her anger. “Do you always invite women to explore your library?”
Surprised by both her tone and look, it took him a moment to respond. “I’m not sure what you’re implying. You will, of course, be chaperoned by your father.” Did she think he’d make advances upon her person? The notion was absurd.
She waved off his answer. “That is not my concern. At your dinner, you implied that women need know very little beyond the social graces. You also made it clear that women’s minds were only able to comprehend certain knowledge and certainly not what men comprehend. So I ask you, why invite me, specifically, into your private hall of learning?”
Clarity washed over him, and he grinned. “You thought because of my statement that I would not allow a woman in my library?”
Her brows rose. “Am I not correct?”
He chuckled. “No, you are not. In fact, you only had to ask my cousin or aunt, who often make use of the books I’ve collected over the years. My remarks were simply based upon observation.”
For the first time since meeting Lady Joanna, she appeared unsure. She almost didn’t look like herself as her gaze shifted away. “Then am I to assume that Lady Elsbeth and Lady Astor only read about embroidery, dancing, and painting?”
Her voice had lost its volume and assuredness. It made him uncomfortable. He much preferred it when she was on the attack, which was rather odd and something to ruminate on later. “For the most part, that is their interests in addition to music, poetry, and some select novels.”
Straightening her shoulders, she met his gaze. “Then I owe you an apology, Your Grace. I was under the misconception that you opposed women being educated on subjects beyond those you mentioned. I erroneously assumed that you also did not feel women should have access to such knowledge. I am sorry.”
Nowhewas in a quandary because what she stated also wasn’t true. How could he accept an apology if it wasn’t warranted? “I must clarify that I am happy to share any knowledge that may be found in my library. However, I do not believe women should be educated on the same subjects as men.”
Immediately, the fire was back in her eyes. “Why?”
An odd relief swept through him as she resumed her former bearing. He smirked, “Then what would men do? If women learn what men learn then there is no division of labor.”
“Of course, there can be a division of labor. It can simply be divided differently.”
“What? Are men then to learn embroidery? I’ll have you know I have no interest in learning that particular task.”
She grimaced. “And you think I did? I’d rather do anything instead of that.”
The idea that a woman wouldn’t find decorating clothes enjoyable surprised him. “What would you do with your time instead of embroidering. I mean something else that may be just slightly more pleasing?”
Her gaze darted to the side and her tongue came out to moisten her lips, her concentration complete. Finally, she gave a quick nod. “I’d rather choose the food for a dinner party of fifty. What task do you dislike the most?”
Her question was fair. If he thought back to his studies, there had been subjects he wished he didn’t have to know, one in particular. He gave a brief nod. “Numbers. I despised learning them, and to this day, I must schedule my solicitor to force myself to review my ledgers.”
“You don’t like mathematics?” She sounded as astounded as he had that she didn’t care for embroidery.
He lowered his voice. “I absolutely despise them and would do anything else instead.”
