His skeptical façade returned. “And you know this how?”
Too excited to be deterred, she smiled. “I’ve spoken to them, at length. At dinner parties, balls, in theaters, even while shopping. It’s all in whispers for the fear of being labeled a bluestocking, but their young minds are thirsty for math, science, literature, philosophy, and Latin.”
He raised his brows. “Latin?”
She chuckled. “Very well, that was mine. But with all the other subjects I have had conversations with them. Did you not see how many young women were at the lecture on coal lamps or at the mechanical museum? They are hungry for topics not provided to them.”
He was smiling now. “Did you talk to these women just to be able to prove your point to someone?”
“No, the conversations were unexpected. While many women my age shun me for not wanting to be considered a compatriot, the younger women searched me out, though with the utmost caution. I was elated I wasn’t the only one. It was they that made me realize we need to expand the education of women.” She found herself out of breath, too excited at the prospect that she may have finally reached him, but she needed him to know one more fact. “Even Lady Elsbeth sought me out apurpose.”
“Elsbeth? What topic could she possibly talk to you about when she has the full use of my library?”
She smiled. “It appears your library is lacking in the area of geology.”
“Geology? I didn’t know she wished to learn about rock.” He held his chin in his hand, contemplating her information.
She didn’t want to interrupt, hoping he would admit her argument was sound, yet fearful he’d find fault with yet another aspect and dismiss her argument. If she were honest, his acceptance meant more to her than anything she’d yet done in her life. If the Duke of Northwick agreed, it would validate her beliefs, something that meant more to her than she realized. When had her father’s agreement stopped being enough?
He dropped his hand. A slow smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “Your argument has merit. I didn’t see it originally, but you have empirical facts. Granted they are few, but they are a start.”
Joy rifled through her like nothing she’d ever felt. She should be stoic and accepting, but that wasn’t her. She spun in circles, her arms thrown wide. “Yes!”
He chuckled. “You’re going to make yourself dizzy.”
“I don’t care.” She continued to spin, her triumph too great to shorten the celebration.
“You’re going to makemedizzy.” His good humor came through in his voice. He was such a good sport at losing.
Finally, out of breath, she stopped, only to have the room tilt precariously. As she lost her balance, he caught her to him.
“Look at me and don’t stop until the room ceases to spin.”
For once, she was happy to obey him. He really did have a very handsome face. Aristotle would be pleased. He seemed even handsomer now that he agreed with her. She was sorely tempted to kiss him, like one of the illustrations inthe bookhad shown. She licked her lips.
His gaze moved to her mouth and his pupils dilated. He really did have the most beautiful sky-blue eyes. His head lowered.
Unable to think, she watched his lips come closer and the feeling of anticipation inside her built. Without conscious thought, she licked her lips again.
He blinked and pulled back. “How are you feeling now?”
Oddly disappointed, she answered. “Winded, but I think my balance has returned.”
He slowly set her back.
She stumbled a bit, and he grabbed her shoulders. “Maybe you should sit down.” He scanned the area around them. “Come.” He guided her as if they were in a dance, one hand holding hers, the other behind her and resting on her shoulder.
When they reached the outside doors, he let go of her hand and opened them. There was no furniture outside, but he led her down a few steps, and she sank down onto the top one. “Thank you.” The air was crisp like autumn, though it was the middle of April. Still, it felt good on her heated skin. She took a few deep breaths, her stomach now starting to scold her. She placed her hand on her abdomen. She absolutely refused to be sick in front of him.
“Shall I send for water?” His concern was genuine.
She looked up, but the light was behind him, and it made her stomach queasier. “No, if you could just sit?”
He turned and seated himself next to her. “The cooler air should help.”
That’s what she was hoping. How silly to have spun so long. She knew better. She was just so bloody happy. Even with her stomach still rolling over, her lips quirked. She would tell her father as soon as they were alone, and then she would tell…no one else. While her family supported her ideas, except for her father, none of them would truly understand the significance of having convinced Northwick. A bit of the joy seeped away, but she stubbornly held onto the rest.
Chapter Thirteen
