“I’m surprised the reverend requests donations since he doesn’t believe in assisting the poor.” Harriet knew none of this was her business, but she couldn’t resist throwing more kindling on the fire if it meant discrediting the man.
She hadn’t cared for him before Joseph told her those details about him. The information Joseph had shared made her like him even less.
Then there was the disrespectful way he’d spoken to Joseph the previous evening. He’d been horrible. How could someone who considered themselves a true Christian act that way?
“He doesn’t?” Mrs. Melbourne frowned at Harriet then looked at her husband. “Is that true?”
“He believes giving money to those less fortunate interferes with allowing the fittest to succeed,” Martin said when his father hesitated. “I heard far too much about it when I happened to ride alongside him the other morning. Since then, I’ve done my best to avoid him.”
“I hope you haven’t given him any money, dear,” Mrs. Melbourne said with a pointed look at her husband.
“I haven’t as of yet. Odd, but he didn’t mention that belief to me.” He looked disgusted. “He probably realizes it wouldn’t please me. Philanthropy is a responsibility of those blessed with wealth in my opinion.”
Harriet managed to keep from smiling. Anything she could do to help Joseph, even indirectly, was welcome.
“Enough of this talk,” Mrs. Melbourne declared and lifted her glass. “Let us finish our drinks and prepare to receive our guests.”
After they did as she bid, the family formed a receiving line just outside the ballroom.
Mrs. Melbourne touched Harriet’s arm. “Harriet, dear, will you check the ballroom one more time to make certain all is in order? If anything needs adjusting, feel free to take care of it or alert one of the staff.”
“Of course.” Harriet continued into the ballroom, pleased that Mrs. Melbourne trusted her enough to ask.
Several of the other house party guests were already visiting inside, but she didn’t see Joseph. Wanting to take Mrs. Melbourne’s request seriously, Harriet walked slowly around the perimeter of the room. Other than adjusting a flower vase or two, everything looked perfect.
The musicians had completed their warmup and awaited the time to begin playing in earnest. The refreshment room looked inviting with bottles of both champagne and pitchers of lemonade ready to be served. Platters of pale pink iced cakes were displayed, though the cold meats and cheeses would be brought in later.
She walked to the ballroom entrance and waited to catch Mrs. Melbourne’s attention then nodded to advise her all was well.
“Thank you,” Mrs. Melbourne mouthed.
The sound of voices coming from the entrance hall suggested guests were arriving.
Nerves danced in Harriet’s stomach as she returned to the ballroom, undecided whether to join some of the other guests to visit or take a few minutes to herself while she could.
“Good evening, Harriet.”
She turned to see Joseph walking toward her, looking especially handsome in his black evening attire. “Joseph. Don’t you look wonderful this evening?”
He grinned. “I couldn’t possibly look as wonderful as you. That color is lovely on you.”
“Thank you.” She waited for his gaze to take in her neckline, so different than what all the other ladies would be wearing this evening. How unfortunate that the current fashion was a low décolletage. It only made her feel more out of place.
To her pleasure, his attention held on her face rather than her gown. “I do hope you’ll save a dance.” He leaned close. “Or two for me.”
“I should like that very much.” Yet the thought of Frances came to mind. “Is there a chance you might ask Frances for a dance as well? I know she’d appreciate it.”
The tender look in Joseph’s eyes made her heart turn over in her chest. “If it pleases you, I’ll dance with Reverend Henderson.”
Harriet laughed, nearly snorting with amusement. “It wouldn’t, so you may take that off your mind.”
“Thank goodness.” He chuckled. “But yes, I would be pleased to dance with her. I suppose I should attempt to dance with all of the unattached ladies from the house party.”
“You are a good man, Joseph.” Such a good man. That only made her appreciate him more. If only—
But no. She refused to think of such things this evening. Instead, she would focus on enjoying herself. This might be the last time she’d have the chance to spend time with him, even if it was with nearly a hundred guests.
Soon the ballroom filled with all manner of people, from the young to the old to those wearing the height of fashion and those wearing outdated clothes. But everyone seemed excited and ready to enjoy themselves.
