Lady Astor nodded. “Yes, that’s true. When my nephew, the Duke of Northwick, heard that we thought to visit, he practically insisted.”
Joanna’s breath caught. Had he figured out that she had the book?
Her mother placed her hand on her chest. “The duke?”
“Yes,” Lady Astor continued. “He wanted us to extend an invitation to Lady Joanna and Lord Wakefield to visit tomorrow afternoon.” Her gaze moved to Joanna. “I’m to understand he spoke of this with you at a lecture?”
She let out her breath as relief flowed through her, but her tension did not leave. “Yes, he did. Father was quite excited to read a treatise on the polar caps extending.”
Elsbeth gave a tiny chuckle. “Oh, that does sound like something James would have. Were you also interested in polar ice caps, Lady Joanna?”
“While I have read a bit about them, I have no interest in this particular theory.”
Lady Astor’s gaze turned thoughtful. “I wonder why he asked for you then.”
Oh, she recognized that look, thatcould she make a good wife for my son, nephew, grandsonthought process. She waved her hand. “It’s no mystery. Your nephew and I were having a debate on the education of women. He thinks he has a book or two that will sway my opinion.”
“A book or two?” Lady Elsbeth chuckled, hiding her mouth with her hand. “I’m sure my cousin has an entire bookcase on it.”
It was Joanna’s turn to be surprised. “A whole bookcase? Is it of great interest to him?” This could indicate the duke might actually be open to further debate on the subject.
The young woman sighed. “Only as it pertained to my schooling.”
“Yes, I’m afraid my nephew took an inordinate interest in Elsbeth’s cannon of knowledge.” A sorrowful look crossed over the lady’s features. “His mother’s education was not typical of most young ladies of theton,and he wished to see my daughter did not suffer from the same unusual background.”
The vagueness with which Lady Astor spoke had Joanna’s mind spinning with possibilities. “Do you know what kind of schooling she had?”
The woman stiffened. “I only know it was American. It matters little now. She has passed on and my daughter has had only the best instructors.” She smiled at Lady Elsbeth. “I do think she will make a wonderful wife.”
Joanna opened her mouth to give her opinion on that, but Teddy found his tongue. “I know she will.”
The young woman blushed prettily, the color in her cheeks giving a faint rosy tint to her pale skin.
“When is Lady Elsbeth to come out? Will it be soon?” Her mother didn’t even look at Teddy, which meant he’d be hearing a few words from her later.
Lady Astor sat a little straighter. “Actually, that was the primary purpose of our visit. We would like to invite you to Elsbeth’s coming out ball at the end of the month. We left an invitation with your butler.”
Teddy rose and bowed. “Of course, we will attend.”
“Lord Mabry, sit down.” Her mother’s stern tone brooked no disobedience and Teddy resumed his seat.
Quickly, Joanna drew the lady’s attention. “It is so kind of you to come in person to invite us. We are honored.”
Her mother chimed in. “Yes, I know that we would very much like to attend.” She turned to Elsbeth. “Are you excited?”
The young woman thought for a moment. “I am. There is much to remember, but I think I’m ready now. Mother would not allow it, if I wasn’t.”
As the ladies began to discuss the preparations for the ball, Joanna cringed. First, a visit tomorrow and then a ball, all at Haven House. How was she to avoid the company of the duke if his family kept inviting them? She glanced at Teddy, who hung on every word Elsbeth spoke. And what would the Huntington family do if it came to light that she stole a book from them?
Then again, it may not be the kind of book they would want discussed. New ideas surfaced, the most prominent one being that she needed to readEducating the Feminine Speciesas soon as possible. After all,ipsa scientia potestas est, or knowledge itself was power, as Sir Frances Bacon wrote. If she knew what the book was about, she would have the power.
Chapter Eight
James drummed hisfingers on his desk. All was ready. His plan to catch his thief was laid out. Now, all he needed was the thief herself. Would Lady Joanna walk into his trap or would she beg off? He didn’t expect her to let her father arrive alone, but if she were smart, which his gut told him she was, then she wouldn’t come. He pulled out his pocket watch and checked the time. His muscles tensed. He hadn’t been this excited since he’d readied for his final debate at Oxford. It hadn’t been easy, but he’d led his team to victory. Anything easier would have been a disappointment. Would Lady Joanna disappoint him or challenge him?
The doors to his library opened and Harrison stopped just inside. “Lord Wakefield and the Lady Joanna have arrived, Your Grace.”
He rose, his blood pounding at the fact his quarry was within his very walls. “Show them in here and have tea brought.”
