“Can you do that on short notice? What would you lecture on? And more to the issue at hand, if she knows you’re the lecturer, wouldn’t she avoid it?”
“Valid point.” There had to be some way to draw her out. The Paris panorama was due to remain for the entire month. He didn’t want to wait another fortnight to see her. Though she might visit another museum, there was no way of knowing which one. “I could ask Lord Mabry about their next outing.”
She perked up at that idea, then her shoulders slumped. “No, that won’t be of use. He’s the only one attending events. From what Lady Joanna said, her younger sister is preparing for an exhibit and her older sister is visiting a friend in Bedford. Lord Mabry is attending every event Elsbeth attends, so that won’t help you.”
He rose again and moved toward the window. “There must be something I can do to see her.” The first time he had arranged to see her, he’d gone to Vauxhall because Lord Mabry had mentioned they would be there, but even Joanna said she only ventured into the Pleasure Gardens when Monsieur Armand served his mascarpone ice cream. He stilled. “That’s it!”
“What’s it?”
He scanned the parlor, looking for his papers. His aunt and cousin often skimmed them when he’d finished with them. “Is today’sChroniclein here?”
She shook her head. “No. I didn’t see anything of interest and had Harrison take it below stairs. Why?”
“I need it and any other we may still have.”
“But James, there will be a new paper tomorrow. Whatever would you want with old news?”
“You’re right. Why wait for a paper? I can go straight to the source.” He strode to the door.
“Wait, where are you going?”
“I need to go to a confectioner.”
Chapter Twenty-One
“Joanna, he’s nothere.”
At her mother’s voice, she returned her attention to her parents. They had just settled in at a table at Vauxhall. “I’m sorry.”
Her mother patted her hand. “It’s fine. With how much you feel for him, I can understand not wanting to see him.”
When her mother phrased it in such a way, it made her sound foolish. “I’m just confused. Why would he tell my students’ mothers that he wouldn’t recommend them for marriage if they went to my school, and then call on all of them to endorse it?”
“I don’t know dear.”
“I do.”
At her father’s words, she looked to him. “Please, enlighten me. I find the male mind unfathomable.”
He laughed. “That is what we men think of you women. But I can shed a little light on this particular puzzle. The duke is an idiot who played with your feelings.”
Her father’s words were like a warm hug. “Thank you.”
“Maybe that was all he wanted was something for his own entertainment. You didn’t deserve to be treated so.” Her mother’s gaze remained sympathetic.
He might have convinced her students’ mothers to let their daughters attend her school again, but he could never undo the damage he’d done to her heart. She’d realized she loved him, and that he was not worthy of love, all in one night. It had been too much. Her appetite was gone, and she could no longer sleep through the night.
“Ah, Lord and Lady Wakefield, and the lovely Lady Joanna, I am so pleased you have come.” Monsieur Armand smiled at her. “I can depend on you to see my advertisement, can I not?”
She welcomed the distraction, happy to drop the subject of James. “You can.” She made herself smile.
“Tsk, tsk, what is this? You are not your usual happy self.”
“Monsieur Armand, you are very observant.” Her mother silently squeezed her hand. “Our daughter has been unwell, but she would not miss your exquisite ice cream.”
“You flatter me, my lady.” Monsieur Armand studied her. “Oui, I see sadness in your eyes. Let me bring you happiness.” He clapped his hands and a waiter appeared. “We must bring mademoiselle Joanna a dish of mascarpone ice creamtoute suite.”
As her parents ordered their own desserts, she took the opportunity to scan the crowd again. She hadn’t seen Teddy since their argument, so she couldn’t ask him where he would be dancing attendance on Elsbeth. James would be there. So seeing Teddy would give her fair warning. It didn’t take long to check everyone as the crowd was sparse. The cool weather had turned even colder at sundown, and only those dressed warmly had braved the chill.
