Mariel’s hold on her arm tightened.
“Yes. He deposited me with my sister and said something about a new foal?” She cocked her head as if puzzled by that.
Lady Astor’s eyes twinkled. “Ah yes. He’s had that foal on his mind quite a lot. He even left us at dinner the other evening to check on it.”
Obviously, the older woman knew that their tale was nothing more than that, but was happy to keep her secret. Grateful, Joanna steered the conversation to a safer subject. “What of Lady Elsbeth. Is she enjoying her night?”
The older woman looked to her companions before answering with a beaming smile. “She has not had a chance to take a breath. It’s better than I had anticipated. So many of these young men are anxious to learn more about her.”
Her stomach tightened and she forced herself not to frown or scan the immediate area for Teddy.
Mariel answered. “We are so pleased for her. She’s such a lovely woman.”
“Thank you.” Lady Astor turned her palm upward. “Then again, so are you.”
“Me? No, I am a widow. My days for love are long gone.”
Seeing Lady Astor about to push the matter, Joanna broke in. “If you don’t mind, I’m quite thirsty. Would you excuse us?”
At the woman’s nod, she steered Mariel away.
“Thank you.”
“It is the least I can do for my secret-keeper.” At Mariel’s frown, she chuckled and patted her arm entwined with hers. “You must realize how boring your life would be if I were not about to make it more interesting.”
Mariel smiled. “I like boring.”
Laughing, they approached the table they’d left earlier and gathered another cup of punch. Dinner would be occurring soon and would no doubt be a fascinating affair. She could find a seat near Teddy since she wouldn’t have a partner for the supper dance. Turning from the table, she scanned the ballroom. Lady Elsbeth was once again dancing with another gentleman. Knowing Teddy would be near, she studied the opposite side of the room between dancers. He was there, leaning against a column, his gaze following the young woman’s every movement. “I’m concerned about Teddy.”
“So am I. Except for you, he hasn’t danced with any other ladies. He just stares at Lady Elsbeth. It’s not proper.”
She understood that, but that wasn’t what worried her. “I think he feels too passionately.” She turned to look at Mariel. “Is that possible?”
A sadness filled her sister’s eyes. “Yes, I believe it is possible. When I received the news that Marcus had been killed, I felt as if my soul had been ripped from my body. I must have loved him too passionately. When George died, I did not feel so.”
If she had been Mariel, she would have felt great joy when old George died, but she shouldn’t think ill of the dead, especially because his fortune had saved their family.
“Oh, look, here comes Lady Dulac.” Mariel gestured with her half-finished cup.
As the older woman approached, Joanna smiled. The older woman was not only a longtime friend of their mother’s, but also a mother of one of the young ladies who would be attending her new school. “Lady Dulac.” She gave the woman a short curtsey.
The woman acknowledged the courtesy. “Lady Joanna, I wish to speak with you.”
“Of course. You don’t mind if Mariel is included, do you?”
Lady Dulac appeared startled that Mariel was present and quickly brushed off the concern. “It’s of no concern to me. I wanted to tell you that I have changed my mind about Eleanor attending your school.”
Had her dance with the duke done so much damage then? Her heart twisted at the idea of losing one of her pupils before she’d even started.
Mariel spoke before she could. “But why? It is such a wonderful opportunity for Eleanor to expand her mind.”
“Oh, I agree. But her first duty is to marry well, and I do not want her to ruin her chances.” The woman lowered her voice. “She’s a wonderful young lady, but even I know she’s not the most beautiful flower, nor the most graceful swan, so I need to be sure that nothing else detracts from her person. I hope you understand.”
Joanna shook her head. “I do not. How would having more knowledge to bring to her marriage and future family take away from her prospects?” The old frustration at people’s inability to open their minds to new ideas boiled hot, and she grasped her skirt with her free hand to try to keep her outward appearance proper.
“My dear, Lady Joanna. I’m afraid the reality is that men of the peerage do not want a woman with a mind.” She shook her head. “It is a pity, but a good hostess, a calmness of spirit, and a biddable partner is what they want. I’m sure your school will be no less…interesting without Eleanor there.” The woman patted her shoulder like she’d pat a lap dog. “Now, I really must make my salutations to your mother. Enjoy your evening.”
Joanna frowned at Lady Dulac’s back as she made her way to the other side of the room. Of all the closed-minded, fickle, ignorant, demeaning decisions. No, that was wrong. It had been a closed-minded, demeaning, fickle, and ignorant decision on Lady Dulac’s part to remove Eleanor from the school.
