She felt the heat rise in her cheeks. “Hardly. I am observant and logical, no more and no less.”
Joanna laughed. “Not to mention humble, gracious, kind, and oh, so proper. Perfect qualities in a wife.”
Before she could object, her sister winked. “Do not worry, dear sister. I would much rather you breed horses.”
At Joanna’s full laughter, she relaxed. Her sister’s teasing meant she’d not pursue either avenue.
A gleeful look filled Joanna’s gaze. “Of course, you could stay here and take classes.”
“Classes? I thought The Belinda School for Curious Ladies is closed.”
“It is, but I have two instructors who are spending their summer here. One teaches physical defense and the other has expertise in managing estates.”
“Physical defense? Truly?” Joanna had talked about teaching her girls how to physically defend themselves last year when they were in a coach with the duke and were set upon by drunken bullies.
Her sister nodded. “Yes, physical defense. These young ladies never know when they may find themselves at the mercy of a highway man. As Francis Bacon wrote, knowledge itself is power.”
“I don’t see myself having a physical altercation with anyone, but perhaps I could come back when your school is open again and learn a bit about estate management. I do not fancy being a sole pupil.” She shivered. “As the oldest, I experienced enough of that before you were old enough to attend the tutoring sessions.”
“If I recall, you always made me answer the questions.”
A fond memory whispered through her mind at the young Joanna fairly standing up with excitement when she had the answers. “It was far less me making you and far more you being eager to show what you learned.”
Joanna blushed, a rare occurrence. “I admit, I never could keep my knowledge to myself.” She held her hand out to indicate the entire former ballroom. “And now I get to share it with so many young female minds.”
“Aunt Mabry would be quite pleased, I think. Not only are you married, but you have made her home a haven for learning. But for me, I will retire to Thornwood this season. Have you decided when you will journey to Town? As I will need to make my own arrangements to return to Thornwood.”
“I could not bear the thought of you back at Thornwood without any of us in residence. Whatever would you do?”
“I would do what I do anywhere else. I would ride, sew, and perhaps even design a new look for my rooms. It has been near on ten years since mother allowed me those dark green colors.”
Joanna tucked the large leather volume under her arm. “That is all very nice, but you can do that after the season. I can’t imagine attending any event without you.”
“Please do not jest. You’ve attended many a lecture, recital, and play without me. And you have your gatherings to orchestrate with your students. You will be far too busy to notice my absence. I believe—” She halted as Joanna squeezed her arm and looked beyond her.
“Yes, Harrison.”
“Your grace. Lady Beaumont has a caller.”
Joanna nodded regally. “Thank you, we will be right in.” As soon as the butler left Joanna frowned. “I did not realize it was that time of day already. Who do you think it is?”
Though her stomach flopped over like a fish out of water, Mariel shrugged. “Maybe it is Lady Burchall. She does like to spread the latest gossip.”
“Oh, that could be.” Excited to hear the latest rumor, Joanna quickly set her book on the closest table then linked their arms. “Shall we see what she knows?”
“You mean, what she thinks she knows?” Mariel smiled at her sister, loathe to remind her that they really had no idea if it was Lady Burchall.
As they made their way to the parlor, her instincts rose. Lady Burchall would not call on her specifically. This was Joanna’s school. Her step slowed. The only person who would call on her here was the one person she never wished to see again.
“Mariel, what is it? Are you feeling quite yourself?”
She shook her head. “Perhaps I should go upstairs and lie down.”
Joanna stopped. “Of course. I will tell your caller…oh.”
Even as Joanna surmised what she had, a figure stepped into the entryway from the parlor, a figure in black pantaloons and gray tailcoat. “Lady Beaumont.”
Her breath caught at the sight of Marcus. Part of her wanted to run, but a stronger part of her wanted to rail at him. It was that new, strange part that had her lifting her chin and meeting his gaze. “Lord Blackmore.”
