Her lips quirked up and the colors in her eyes seemed to dance. “And what would you rather do?”
How could he truly communicate how he felt about numbers? What would be the worst possible task—he grinned. “I would rather muck out my entire stable.”
“Oh.” She squinched up her nose. “That is truly worth avoiding. But as it happens, I thoroughly enjoy numbers and find it a pleasure to work on an estate’s books. So you see, if both genders were taught the same subjects, we could all enjoy our daily tasks. Imagine how much happier we all would be.”
Her debating skills were quite extraordinary, but so were his. “Then would you have us men embroider the sheets? No, I’m afraid just as we must all have some tasks which we prefer not to do, it is best we leave things as they are.”
Her smile disappeared. “Why?”
“Why, because what women and men learn is based on centuries of figuring out what best works for our society. Surely, you cannot believe that it is this way by happenstance.”
The long dark curl that lay upon her collar bone twitched. He followed its length to where is started just over her ear. It twitched again before she spoke. “I’m fairly certain that our division of labor and learning between the genders is the way it is because those who have taken control, men like you, simply wish it to be so and do not care for progress.”
He opened his mouth to object to such a blanket statement, but she held up her hand.
“No, no need to defend your ancestors. I understand. It is much easier to be complacent and keep long held traditions than risk expending your energy on change for the betterment of all. Some people simply can’t see beyond what they already know.”
Affronted by her assumptions, he stood silent. Where to begin to educate her on her numerous argumentative fallacies?
“Now if you’ll excuse me. I’d best be saving poor Lord Davy from my father. I’m sure even Amelia is growing bored. Good night, Your Grace.” She gave the shallowest of curtsies and strode across the room, her hips swaying forcefully as she made haste to desert him.
Insulted and not a little angry, he thought to rescind his invitation. Taking a calming breath, he reconsidered. If he was to discover if she was his thief in truth, he needed to allow it to stand. However, a strategic plan was in order for when she did visit with her father. One that would make it very clear that she was guilty or innocent.
And then what?
Chapter Seven
Joanna only half-listenedas Lady Dulac related her daughter’s success so far this season to her mother. Where did her mother find her patience?
The soothing colors of the room with its walls of ivory and tiny roses on pale green vines, did little to slow down her racing thoughts. At least here in their own parlor, she needn’t worry about the Duke of Northwick arriving. Yes, her behavior towards him four nights ago had bordered on rudeness, but she hoped that might mean no forthcoming invitation to his home. What bothered her even more was that she wanted to rail at him for not being able to see the legitimacy of her arguments. Why was it so important to her that he admit she was right?
It had to have been that glimmer of hope she had as he engaged in real debate. He acknowledged her points were valid while making one himself. For just a moment, he seemed to transcend his boorish personality as his blue gaze brightened and he’d given her a rakish smile. But then he’d had to return to the weakest of all arguments– that society was as it was because it always had been. So disappointed in his final reasoning, she hadn’t even bothered to take his book from her cabinet to explore it any further. She would have to categorize him with all the others who—
“Joanna, did you hear that?”
She blinked as she looked at her mother who sat in a chair with fabric that matched the wall. “I’m sorry. Did I miss something?”
Her mother smiled knowingly. “Lady Dulac said that a new panorama scene is opening next week. This one is of Paris. We really must go.”
Oh dear, and they would probably include Amelia, who would not only point out any flaws in the Parisian view, but also would be sure to explain where the team of artists had missed a stroke. She pasted on a smile. “Of course.”
Her mother sighed. “I was so young when I visited Paris. I know it will bring back wonderful memories. I was quite popular back then among a number of charming gentlemen.” She lifted her fan and eyed them over it coquettishly.
Thinking of her mother as a young woman who enjoyed flirting was difficult. It did beg the question why she’d married father, but the tale was that he’d solved a serious dilemma, and she’d fallen in love with him. Her mother was still quite handsome. Her chestnut hair showing very few strands of white, and the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and lips attesting to the many smiles she’d given. In her blue morning dress that matched her eyes, she looked the perfect hostess.
Her mother addressed Lady Dulac, who sat in a pale pink chair opposite in a sage green dress that matched the vines on the walls. “Will you and your daughter be visiting?”
As the lady answered, Joanna tried to listen, but her thoughts wandered back to her debate with the duke. These types of conversations, like the ones her mother and Lady Dulac were having, had to be why men thought women limited in their capacity to think. Yet, when she’d brought up more socially motivated topics among gentlemen, they were quickly dismissed. The duke had been one of the few who had actually listened to her. That might mean that he could be swayed. Maybe she just needed to be persistent. But how could she do that if she avoided him because she stole his book? While convincing a duke of women’s ability to become equals in life would be an accomplishment to boast of, it was not worth the risk.
The parlor doors opened, and Teddy strode in dressed in tan pantaloons, a white waistcoat and blue wool coat. “Oh, I apologize. I would have had Channing introduce me if I’d known the lovely Lady Dulac was present.”
Lady Dulac rose. “I was just about to depart. I have an appointment with the seamstress.” She turned back to mother. “This cooler weather has necessitated new cloaks.”
Teddy bowed. “A missed pleasure on my part.”
The older lady puffed. “Lord Mabry, save your charm for younger women. I am impervious to it.” Did she not realize the color that rose in her cheeks denied her claim?
Teddy walked the lady out before returning and slumping onto the settee next to Joanna. He stretched his long legs out in front of him and crossed them at the ankles, throwing one arm over the side support.
