“And what of you? Are you enjoying your visit? I’m sure there is tea below if you’d like to partake.”
She stopped in front of the two inviting, very wide armchairs. Whatever she may have thought of him, and still thought of him, it did not take away from the experience he’d given her and her father. “Your Grace, I can’t truly express what a wonderful encounter this is. Your generosity in sharing your collection with us is humbling.”
His polite smile faltered. “Don’t be too humbled. It is rare that I also find others who can appreciate what I have amassed here. I have always been willing to share it.”
Something in his look reminded her that she had a book of his. A treasured book that he knew was missing. Guilt permeated her chest. A sudden need to confess filled her.
“I will leave you to your reading.” After his usual truncated nod, he turned and strolled along the balcony to the stairs. When he disappeared from view, she fell back into one of the chairs. She was the worst, immoral, depraved, reprehensible—no, that would be she was the most depraved, immoral, reprehensible, worst guest ever in the nineteenth century. No, since the battle of Hastings. No, since Julius Caesar!
Her lips twitched. She was so much better at berating herself now as a twenty-four-year-old than she had been as a nine-year-old. “Bea, you’d be so disappointed in me.”
She may not agree with the duke’s stance, but he didn’t deserve to have a book stolen. She’d just have to find a way to return it with none the wiser. Feeling better about her error in judgment, and her plan to rectify the matter, she placed the larger book on the small table between the chairs and opened the one that supported her position. Having never heard of it, she was anxious to see what further arguments it might make.
Chapter Ten
James tipped hishat to an acquaintance who passed him as he strode along Oxford Street, not wanting to tarry. Hatchards booksellers had sent him an invitation to see their newest acquisitions. He never failed to purchase one or two new volumes. He was still undecided on whether to replace the book that was missing with another false covered book or to ask for his book back.
Unfortunately, his plans to determine if Lady Joanna was his thief had been inconclusive. There were moments when he was sure she had his book, but others when she’d shown no knowledge of what he referenced. His last effort, to have her find the pamphlet on a woman’s sexual responsibilities to her husband had been set so as to gauge her reaction. He’d never expected her to start reading aloud from it. Not only had it flustered her, but it had made his own body react inappropriately. It was the only explanation he had for moving so close to her. It was as if her voice had spoken to his body, completely bypassing his own mind.
Not that he found her unattractive. In fact, he found her quite stunning in a very unpopular way. That she eschewed the usual white and pastel dresses common among the ladies, showed she recognized that brighter colors brought out her own dark beauty. He couldn’t help but feel a certain admiration for her confidence and independent spirit. She was the only woman he’d met where he found an inseparable connection between her physical appearance and her intelligence. One could not think about one without the other.
His stride slowed. Perhaps that uniqueness could be of benefit to him in discovering the truth. If she had started reading the book, then her knowledge of the bedroom will have increased. If he were to suggest that a woman’s primary purpose should be to please her husband, his true opinion on the matter, but keep his arguments to the physical aspects, he may be able to entice her to admit she’d taken the book and prove his own position at the same time.
Pleased with his new strategy, he increased his pace. The weather was cold once again despite it being April, and he found it invigorating. There was nothing like a brisk walk to clear the head and keep one’s mind sharp. Which meant, that in the advent he was incorrect on his supposition that she hadThe Illustrated Pleasures of Seduction, he should enlist the help of Lord Mabry in determining if any of the gentlemen in the library that evening had wandered over to his desk. He was positive that the young man would be more than happy to oblige him with the truth. If no one had, then he’d firmly ruled out everyone but his staff. That would be a quick remedy by having Harrison investigate the matter surreptitiously. Since half his staff at Haven House were from Burhleigh Park and the other at Haven House for years, he had doubts that his thief lay in that direction.
Rounding the corner onto Bond Street, he stopped as Lady Caroline and her mother exited a shop up ahead. Part of him wanted to duck out of sight, anxious to avoid any delays to the bookseller, but this was a prime opportunity to further his acquaintance with Lady Caroline. As he drew closer, he anticipated the light tone of her voice and the scent of roses.
Lady Holburn spotted him first. “Lord Northwick.” She waved her hand, causing Lady Caroline to look up from handing packages off to a footman. When she saw him, she smiled warmly, her pale lips lifting. She wore a pretty ivory pelisse of velvet and a light pink bonnet.
He gave a nod and made his way toward them.
The older woman beamed. “How wonderful to see you, Your Grace.” She curtsied. “My daughter and I have just been about purchasing new material for your cousin’s ball. Thank you kindly for the invitation.”
“It was my pleasure.” He turned his gaze on Lady Caroline. “I’m very pleased that you will be attending.”
The young woman lost her smile, proving she thought the subject very important. “I wouldn’t miss it. I only just had my first ball two months ago. I remember clearly being very excited.” She cocked her head. “But you were not yet in town, were you?”
“No, we only arrived six weeks ago. I’m sorry I missed such an important event.”
She lowered her gaze, her cheeks coloring. “That is very kind of you to say.”
“Your Grace, would you be interested in joining us?” Lady Holburn looked to her daughter before turning back to him. “We were about to step across the way to Monsieur Armand’s lovely shop. He has the most delicious sugar biscuits, and I must admit to a love of macarons. We’d be honored if you could join us.”
As both women looked at him with hope in their gazes, he had to squelch the desire to be on his way. His priority for being in London was to find himself and Elsbeth a spouse, so he’d never need participate in the social whirl again. That Lady Caroline had not been spoken for yet was very lucky. Or she may have turned down an offer. Something to look into. “I’d be delighted. I have only had Monsieur Armand’s ice cream. I did not realize he also made other sweets.” He offered his arm to Lady Holburn then offered his other to Lady Caroline and turned toward the street. He waited until there was a short lull in the carts and horses traversing the popular roadway before leading them across. When they reached the other side, he didn’t see a confectioner’s shop.
As if she sensed his confusion, Lady Caroline pointed to the right. “It’s just down here once we cross the street.”
“Thank you. I hadn’t known it was near here.”
Her blonde brows puckered slightly. “Did we keep you from an errand then? I would not want to delay your afternoon.”
He smiled down at her. “Not at all. I was just on my way to purchase another book for my collection, but I have no doubt it will be there tomorrow as well.” That would be true only if he sent his footman to let them know he’d been delayed.
“You collect books then?”
At her question, he was reminded that she had not seen his library. “I do. I read them as well. Do you read?” He recognized the hope behind his question.
“Oh, I did read aplenty during my youth.”
