How strange that she had gone from trying to avoid him to hoping to see him. Of course, that was because they were in full agreement now. She’d hoped to tell him about her student recruitment efforts and the list of topics she’d made thanks to a lengthy conversation with her father that she’d couched in simple debate terms so as not to let on why she was so interested in what he had learned at Cambridge. She wasn’t quite ready to tell her family, especially her father, who would brag to everyone he met.
Amelia squeezed her arm to get her attention. “For me, the couple before Napoleon’s woodenArc de Triompheare not aesthetically pleasing.”
Joanna studied them. They were of similar height and width, though the woman had blonde hair much the color of Amelia’s and the gentleman’s was a medium brown color. She didn’t see why they wouldn’t be considered aesthetically appropriate. She shook her head. “I’m afraid I do not have your eye for such things.”
Amelia started them walking again. “Then I’ll just have to be your guide in this area, and you can be my guide in, well, everything else.”
Embarrassed, she shook her head. “There is much I am ignorant of.” As she had discovered in James’ library, especially after reading, or rather viewing, more of it. Even as she thought ofthe book, her cheeks grew hot.
Her sister just chuckled. “You know something about everything. I know a lot about a little. So I’d say we complement each other.”
She squeezed Amelia’s arm. They really did, and so did Mariel. The only area they were lacking was Belinda’s. As usual, at the thought of her sister, her spirits waned.
“Now, this view of the Panthéon is very well done.” Amelia stopped them before the spot on the curved wall.
It was so unusual for Amelia to compliment the painting done in a panorama that she took note. Unfortunately, she hadn’t been to Paris and so could not say if it was well done or not, but she trusted her sister.
Amelia leaned in. “Do not tell, but I saw a forgery of Jean-Baptiste Hillaire’s painting of the Panthéon in Lady Spencer’s drawing room when I called on her last week.”
Forgeries were rather common, but the question was always whether the owner knew she had a forgery or not. “Did she know?”
“No.” Amelia shook her head. “She bragged about having the original.”
“Whatever did you do?”
“I waited until her other callers had left and then let her know. She was shocked, of course, but angry and embarrassed. She decided to switch it out with another painting which I was able to assure her was original.”
“You are such a good friend.”
“I just despise it when people are sold a painting under false—what is Teddy doing?” Amelia gestured to their cousin.
Her heartbeat sped up even before she looked in Teddy’s direction. Unfortunately, he ran toward the entrance where Lady Elsbeth had emerged with Lady Astor. They were followed by James and Lady Caroline, and finally Lord and Lady Holburn. “He’s meeting Lady Elsbeth.” The young woman was dressed in a lovely, pale pink dress and matching hat that accentuated her pale skin beautifully.
She couldn’t resist asking, “What do you think of the duke and Lady Caroline?” To her they were a perfect couple, almost too perfect. He, dressed in tan pantaloons and a dark brown coat and she, dressed in a seafoam-colored dress with matching-colored leaves in her hair. If there was a couple to aspire to for young men and women, the two of them appeared to be it.
Amelia took her time answering. “I think they may be a new couple. They do not move together well. It would be unfair to judge yet.”
She liked that answer. “You’re right, they are a new couple, just this season. Shall we go greet them and try to keep Teddy from playing the fool?”
Amelia chuckled, but they started forward. “I do think we’ll be too late for that.”
She was right. At that moment, Teddy knelt before Elsbeth and had his hand to his chest. They couldn’t hear what he said, but Lady Elsbeth blushed, and Lady Astor frowned. Luckily, Mariel and their mother caught up to him and Teddy rose.
“I wonder what that was about?” Amelia kept her voice low.
“I’m not sure. He needs to stop going to so many plays. He’s starting to behave like an actor.”
Amelia shook her head, but didn’t comment further.
As they approached, James noticed them and sent a smile in her direction, but before she could say a word, Lady Astor greeted her. “Lady Joanna, I’m so pleased to see you. I have so much I wish to discuss with you.”
She glanced at James to gauge whether it would be a good discussion or not, and he gave her a quick smile. Relieved, she acquiesced and walked beside the older woman. She did enjoy Lady Astor’s company.
“First, I want to thank you for teaching my daughter and nephew how to waltz. They’ve been practicing. Elsbeth is determined that her first dance be a waltz and not the Quadrille. I agreed as the dance shows her off beautifully. She moves so gracefully that I’m sure she will have many suitors after the ball.” The woman studied her, clearly looking for her reaction.
She gave her a kind smile. “It was my pleasure. I’m very pleased they have practiced as I instructed. I want Lady Elsbeth to enjoy her ball fully. I know that Teddy has fallen in love with her, but it’s important that she make her own choice. I would very much like being related to you, but if she chooses elsewhere, I hope we can be friends.”
Lady Astor stopped and clasped both her hands. “I appreciate you saying that because I feel the same way. Having you as family would be wonderful, but if not, friendship is definitely assured. I wasn’t sure how you would feel, as I gathered from Elsbeth that your family champions your cousin in his affections?”
