They walked by the other diners, but she was quick to assure him. “Of course I don’t blame her. That she was so excited to attend my school, does make up for it.”
“And the blame is on my shoulders.” He stopped them in front of her parents as he said it.
She nodded. “And partly on mine. In fact, I will call on her tomorrow to reassure her.”
“Thank you.” He disengaged his arm from hers and turned to her parents. “I hope to see you again soon.”
She couldn’t help watching as he strode back toward the entrance of Vauxhall. The Duke of Northwick loved her. And she loved him.
“Joanna, is everything all right?”
She turned toward her mother and smiled. “Everything is wonderful.” She stepped up onto the dais and took her seat. At least, she hoped it was. Then she proceeded to explain what James had discovered.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“I’m so pleasedthat you found the Dresden’s dinner enjoyable. I have heard their daughter perform before and I was quite impressed.”
As Mariel continued to talk about social events with Lady Elsbeth, Joanna searched for some reason to ask after James. Not wanting any secrets between them, she’d wrapped upthe bookand brought it with her on their call to Haven House. It was sitting on the table for calling cards in the entry, and she was anxious to confess her theft. Or would it be unknown borrowing?
“Lady Joanna?”
At Lady Astor’s question, she returned her attention back to her hostess. “Yes?”
“I asked if you would like more tea.”
Lady Elsbeth grinned. “What she would like is more of my cousin.”
“Elsbeth!”
It was the opening she’d hoped for. “No, it’s fine. Do not be cross with her.” She smiled warmly at the younger woman who had gained so much confidence since her ball. “Actually, I do need to speak with His Grace. Is he home?”
Lady Astor gestured toward the door. “Yes. He was wrestling with his ledger.” She cocked her head. “Perhaps you can help him? I can have Harrison show you to the library if you like.”
Surprised that Lady Astor was inviting her to be alone with James, she looked to Mariel. “Will that be acceptable to you?”
Her sister and chaperone for this visit knew exactly why she needed to see James alone. When Mariel had understood she was returning the book, she’d been relieved.
Mariel waved her hand. “Go, but don’t be too long or I’ll come looking for you.”
Grateful to both her sister and Lady Astor, she ignored the knowing look the older woman threw her way and made haste to exit the room. Finding no one about, she quickly grabbed upthe bookwrapped in brown paper and headed for the library. She paused just outside the doors. Had he not known they’d arrived and so had not joined them, or had he known and not wanted to.
Either way, it didn’t matter. It was time to confess. Straightening her shoulders, she knocked on the door.
A growl came from within. “I told you, I do not want to be disturbed until I can get these devil-made columns to add up.”
She smirked. Well, that explained why he hadn’t joined them. She opened the door and stepped inside. “Perhaps I can help.”
James, whose head had been bowed over his desk, looked up. He was in his shirtsleeves, and his hair was a mess as if he’d run his hand through it multiple times, a habit of Teddy’s that she hadn’t seen James ever perform. He stood, a slow smile forming on his face. “Joanna. I didn’t know you had arrived.”
She sauntered forward. “Or you would have hauled me in here sooner to help your columns balance?”
He grimaced. “Heard that, did you? I apologize. But now that you’re here?”
She stopped in front of his desk and set the package down on it before dipping a quick curtsey, keeping her gaze away from the open neck of his shirt. “I’ve brought your book back.”
His brows raised, but before he could say anything, she continued. “I know you deduced that I borrowed it. I need you to know that I had no idea what was inside.”
“You are correct, I did know you took it.” He walked around his desk like a tiger hunting its prey, his movements calculated and his gaze never leaving her.
