Joanna peeked over the top of the book to find the words The Prisoner and an illustration of a naked man who had pinned the naked woman against a wall. One of his hands held both hers above her head and the other hand—she spun away. “I’m very glad it will help you.”
From behind her, she heard the sound of the book being shut, then Amelia brushed by her. She stopped at the door and faced her. “I wonder why the duke owns this book.” She shrugged. “It’s not important. I’m just thrilled that you have it. Thank you.” And with that, she left.
Joanna fell back on the settee, the heat in her body almost suffocating. Had that picture not stirred Amelia at all? Could she really view such sexual activity without it affecting her? Was that what an artist’s eye meant, that there could be such a dispassionate connection to what was viewed?
Grabbing her fan that she’d left on the table next to the settee, she tried to cool herself, but in her mind all she could see was that illustration, only in her mind she saw the face of the man clearly and he was James Huntington, and she was the very nude woman. She closed her eyes to erase the image, but instead she saw her and the duke waltzing, slowing, and him bringing her flush against him. Her eyes popped open. For the first time in her life she understood why the waltz was considered scandalous. Now that the image was burned into her mind, how was she to gaze into those sky-blue eyes without remembering it?
She shook her head even as she fanned herself faster. Why had she ever taken that bloody book?
Chapter Fifteen
James sipped hisdrink, the fine brandy sliding smoothly down his throat. If he had any doubts that Lady Caroline came from good stock, they were assuaged throughout the evening.
“Will you remain in Town for the whole season then?” Lord Holburn sat opposite him, enjoying a glass of port.
He found the question odd. “That is my intention. Both my aunt and Lady Elsbeth deserve a full season since I have denied them that for so long.”
The older man nodded. “Yes, we do need to indulge the ladies to keep the home a contented place. I like that you have experience with that.”
Experience with handling a household of women? Why would he care if—of course, the man was judging him as a possible son-in-law. That must have been the impetus for the invitation to dinner. It wasn’t as if Lady Caroline had any brothers with which Elsbeth could become acquainted. He hadn’t considered that a lady’s parents would need to approve of him as well. It was not a position he was used to being in, and he wasn’t comfortable with it.
“Will you be returning for the season next year as well? I know that once the ladies have a taste for it, it seems to be the only reason they are able to live through the winter months in the country. Though I dare say, this season has felt more like winter than summer.”
The question caught him off guard. “I’m hoping that Lady Elsbeth will find a suitable husband by the end of this season. That would preclude me from having to venture back to London for another. Of course, if she needs a second season, since this one will be relatively short for her, than I will do what I must. I take my responsibility to her to heart.”
Lord Holburn’s brow wrinkled. “Do you not think you and your future wife will return often?”
The man’s concern made sense. If Lady Caroline were to become his duchess, her father most likely expected to see her during the season. Unless… “Does Lady Caroline enjoy the season as much as you and your wife do?”
The man finally smiled. “She does. Town has so much to offer the ladies. She very much enjoys visiting and shopping and going to the theater. Now that I think on it, I don’t believe I’ve seen you in Town much before this season.”
He took another sip of brandy as he contemplated his new dilemma. “No, I have many responsibilities at Burhleigh Park, so my trips to London have been infrequent and relatively short until this year.”
As Holburn went on to extoll the advantages of London, his concern grew. Would Caroline expect them to come to London every season? Maybe he could bring her in, and she could stay with her parents. That way he wouldn’t be forced to endure all the social gatherings. That might suffice. He lifted his glass once more.
He stilled halfway to his lips. Had he really just thought to leave his wife in London without him, when his own father had done exactly that when he brought his mother to London so she and his sister could take a ship to visit her family in America? He shook his head. How could he have thought something like that?
“You don’t think the Thames will freeze over again this winter like it did a couple of years ago?”
At Holburn’s question, he tried to refocus. “No, I just don’t feel I have the knowledge needed to give an educated answer.”
“True. True. Much of this talk about the weather this summer is speculation. I’m pretty sure, though, that it cannot bode well for the harvest.”
Now that was a concern he had as well, and being in London when his tenants might need his advice was difficult. Now that it was mentioned, he would plan on a poor harvest and adjust his rents accordingly, though that might not help with food if it was a truly poor crop. Something he needed to think about.
At that moment, the two of them were joined by the butler who indicated that Lady Holburn was not feeling well.
“It must have been the cow’s head. I told her not to serve it, but she insisted.” He lifted his glass in honor. “She wanted to make a good impression on you.” Holburn took a sip then set his glass down and rose.
He stood as well. “Please tell her I have very much enjoyed our evening.”
As they strode toward the entry, his aunt, cousin, and Lady Caroline emerged from the parlor. It seemed that Lady Holburn had taken ill quite suddenly and was already ensconced in her rooms. After saying their farewells with much ado about Lady Elsbeth’s coming ball, they were finally settled in their coach.
His aunt, who sat across from him, cleared her throat. “So did you take the opportunity to ask Lord Holburn for Caroline’s hand?”
He blinked, the topic so far from his mind that he didn’t see a connection at first. “Why would you think I would do that tonight?”
“It was the perfect time, and Lady Caroline seemed to expect it, as did her mother. At least until she started feeling poorly.”
