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“I’m so pleased you could join us.”
“Thank you for the invitation.” Joseph shook the Earl of Bolton’s hand then bowed to his new wife, Lady Phoebe Bolton, in the entrance hall of their London home. “May I also offer congratulations on your marriage?”
“Thank you.” Lady Bolton shared a look with her husband, love shining in her eyes.
Joseph expected to feel uncomfortable at that look since he didn’t believe in love. Not when his father had used the term to try to manipulate his family and bend them to his will, including Joseph.
Instead, a pang of envy struck him square in the chest.
That Bolton appeared to be as besotted with his wife as she was with him was surprising. Joseph had seen hints of it before they’d married, and now they appeared to be even more in love.
Bolton had always been a practical sort with an eye firmly on the future. He’d watched over his younger siblings like a hawk and been intent on seeing them make happy matches unlike that of his parents who’d had a marriage of convenience.
The news of Bolton saying his vows had been surprising. To think a man of his intelligence had been struck by love made Joseph reconsider his own view of the emotion, as well as what he wanted for his future. In truth, his feelings for Harriet were what made him crave a life he’d never expected.
The couple’s happiness was impossible to deny. It would be a lie to say that he didn’t want what they had for himself.
Joseph had come upon the earl at the club two days earlier and mentioned his investment idea. While he wasn’t certain if Bolton would be interested since his country estate wasn’t near Joseph’s or Melbourne’s which made the regional bank less impactful to him, it still seemed worth the chance. To his pleasure, Bolton had been intrigued.
Bolton had mentioned at the club that they were having a few friends over and asked if Joseph would like to join them. Joseph had immediately agreed, telling himself that the more connections he made the better.
But it was the memory of Harriet telling him that Bolton was one of the reasons she knew him—and that he should’ve known her. He held hope that she might be in attendance this evening. If not, the time had come to call on her. Keeping his distance wasn’t helping anything.
“Thank you, Garland,” Bolton added as he placed an arm around his wife’s waist.
Their affection for one another sent longing straight through Joseph—all for Harriet. How he missed her.
He followed them up the stairs to the drawing room to see several other guests already present.
Unfortunately, not Harriet. His spirits sank at the realization even as he greeted Bolton’s brother, Robert Stanhope, followed by Captain Michael Shaw and his new wife, Lady Tabitha Shaw.
“Congratulations.” Joseph shook Shaw’s hand. “It’s not often that I can say that twice in one evening. Makes one wonder if there’s something in the air of late.”
The two ladies smiled at one another as if they shared a secret as Shaw thanked him.
Philip Carstairs, the Duke of Trentworth, arrived before he could say anything more. Joseph hadn’t seen him since he inherited the previous year.
“It’s been some time, Garland,” the duke said.
“It has, Your Grace. I hope you’ve been well.”
He and the duke had been at university together, though Trentworth was two years his senior. As the spare heir, he hadn’t expected to inherit. A tragic accident had taken the life of his elder brother, and his father had died soon after.
The last Joseph had heard, Trentworth was spending the majority of his time at his country estate, implementing changes his father had started before his death.
If only Joseph’s father took an interest in their estate.
“I have,” Trentworth replied. “And you?”
Before Joseph could answer, a sudden awareness swept over him. He stilled before slowly turning to see Harriet enter the room. All else fell away as he watched her greet Lady Bolton.
“Garland?” The duke’s voice sounded as if it came from next door rather than his side.
Joseph pulled his attention away from Harriet to look at the duke, reminding himself that he was there to make connections. “My apologies for my distraction, Your Grace.”
However, another glance at Harriet had him saying, “Please excuse me for a moment.”
He was drawn to Harriet’s side like a compass needle to true north. It didn’t matter that she was speaking to Lord and Lady Bolton. It wouldn’t have mattered if she’d been speaking to the Queen herself. He simply had to be closer.
“Harriet.”
“Joseph.” Her eyes lit with what he hoped was pleasure despite a hint of caution in their blue depths. “How nice to see you again.”
He knew Lord and Lady Bolton watched them with avid interest but couldn’t bring himself to care.
“Harriet, I didn’t realize you were so well acquainted with Viscount Garland,” Lady Bolton said, her eyes wide with interest.
“We both had the pleasure of attending the Melbourne’s house party last week,” Harriet said as color rose in her cheeks.
He’d missed her so much. It was all he could do not to take her hand. Thank goodness she’d provided an explanation to their hosts as he wasn’t certain he could’ve.
She looked lovely in a blue gown with embroidered flowers along the bodice. The vivid color complemented her complexion and blonde hair.
He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Only now did he realize how empty his world had been without her.
There was so much he wanted to say but couldn’t. Somehow, he had to find a moment alone with her before the evening ended.
“We’re sorry we weren’t able to attend,” Lady Bolton was saying. “I’ve heard wonderful things about Melbourne House.”
“It has not one but two libraries.” The amazement in Harriet’s tone was sweet, a reminder of how much she enjoyed reading.
But when she looked at him, he knew immediately she was thinking of the kiss they’d shared in the library.
So was he.
“Two?” Lady Bolton was clearly impressed and touched her husband’s arm. “Perhaps we should consider adding one.”
Harriet smiled as she held Joseph’s gaze. “Joseph can attest to how wonderful they were.”
“They were indeed.” He would’ve agreed with her no matter what she said. “Especially the smaller one. That was my favorite.”
Harriet’s eyes widened at his comment, and color stained her cheeks even deeper. “It boasted a spiral staircase and a library ladder. It was perfect.” Her focus remained on Joseph, warming his entire body.
Lady Bolton’s mouth dropped open. “How wonderful.”
“I can see we’ll soon be adding a library and a ladder.” Bolton heaved a resigned sigh even as he smiled at Lady Bolton.
“I hope you do,” Harriet said. “But be warned that the league members will be frequent visitors.”
“We wouldn’t have it any other way.” Bolton grinned. “Especially since Phoebe and I owe our union to the league.” He paused and studied his wife. “Though I like to think I would’ve eventually realized the gem beneath my nose.”
Lady Bolton laughed. “I had grown weary of waiting for you to notice me. The time had come to take matters into my own hands.”
“Thank goodness.” The earl took her hand in his.
Once again, Joseph was struck by their obvious affection for one another. His gaze shifted to Harriet, wondering what she thought when she watched the couple.
The naked longing on her face was so poignant that it made him ache. But the look was gone as quickly as it had come, masked by a polite smile, leaving him wondering if he’d imagined it.
She pressed a finger on her chest, rubbing back and forth along the fabric, a frequent habit of hers.
Then she noticed him watching her and quickly dropped her hand, her expression almost guilty. How puzzling. He couldn’t imagine why she would feel that way.
They moved to where the other guests stood, though Joseph wanted to draw Harriet to a quiet corner and ask how she truly was and why she’d left without saying goodbye.
But that conversation had to wait.
With a deep breath, he collected his thoughts and tried to focus on the discussions around him. He needed to keep his goal of finding potential investors for the bank in mind.
But Harriet’s presence at his side made that much less important. The realization shocked him, and he wasn’t certain what to do about it.
He did his best to tuck away the thought and turned toward the duke.
“My apologies again, Your Grace,” he murmured.
The duke raised a brow. “Far be it from me to take your attention from a lady, especially one as lovely as Lady Harriet.”
Luckily, Harriet was involved in a conversation with Lady Tabitha and Lady Bolton and hadn’t heard the compliment. Joseph had no desire to compete with a duke for Harriet’s attention.
“She is that,” he agreed quietly. “I understand you have been busy at your country estate.” He had to shift the conversation to something else before he reached for Harriet’s arm.
“I have. But my aunt continually reminds me that I also have obligations in the city.” Trentworth leaned closer. “And that I should begin the search for a wife.”
“A necessity when one is a duke.” Joseph was relieved not to have the pressure of selecting a lady with all of Society watching.
With his handsomeness and charm, Trentworth had always drawn attention everywhere he went and with everything he did. Now that he’d inherited the title, it was even more so. Surely, he grew weary of the watching eyes. If he did, he hid it well.
“Don’t tell me I’m in this alone,” the duke said with a wry smile. “Isn’t it time for you to do the same?”
“Eventually.” Yet he couldn’t help but look at Harriet. Perhaps it would be sooner than he expected.
~*~
HARRIET HAD HALF-HOPED Joseph might be at Phoebe’s dinner party. But finding him there was bittersweet. She’d thought more time apart would provide objectivity and allow her to remember the reasons a future with him was impossible. She’d meant to treat him as an acquaintance and nothing more.
Yet Phoebe’s words at the lending library made her reconsider her decision.
Then their eyes had met across the drawing room, and she’d realized how much she wanted Joseph in her life. As she watched him speak with the Duke of Trentworth, her heart continued to hammer.
When he’d mentioned the smaller library with such an intent look in his hazel eyes, her knees had weakened. Those moments were forever emblazoned on her mind, a passionate and tender interlude she would always cherish.
“Is all well?” Tibby asked from her elbow.
Harriet closed her eyes briefly. “I’m not certain.” Though she hadn’t intended to tell anyone other than the little she’d shared with Phoebe, she found the words spilling out. “Frances and I share a tendre for Viscount Garland.”
Tibby’s eyes widened in alarm. “Oh, dear.”
“Yes.” Harriet glanced at Joseph, her heart squeezing. “She didn’t tell me who it was until we were at the house party, and I didn’t intend to see him again afterward. At least, not so soon. I wish Phoebe had invited Frances rather than me.”
“I believe she invited you both, but Frances and her parents have not yet returned to London.”
“How unfortunate.”
“Is it?” Tibby asked with a raised brow. “I mean, where is it written that you should step aside for anyone? Nor should Frances step aside for you. Why not allow Viscount Garland to decide for whom he cares? You both deserve an equal chance, do you not?”
“Frances volunteered—”
“That doesn’t matter. I have no doubt that Phoebe would agree.” She looked toward their friend who was conversing with her guests. “I would be happy to ask if that would help.”
Doubt filled Harriet. “It seems disloyal.” In truth, Frances had been her excuse for not pursuing Joseph. It was easier for her to think of her friend than consider her past.
“For all you know, he might not be attracted to either of you.”
Harriet nearly shook her head. She couldn’t deny how he’d acted during their time alone together, let alone those kisses.
“What?” Tibby stepped even closer. “Something happened. You had a moment with him, didn’t you?” Excitement lit her brown eyes. “A kiss, perhaps?”
A smile curved Harriet’s lips before she could halt it. “Perhaps.”
“Oh, Harriet.” Tibby glanced around the room, her gaze lingering on Joseph. “I am here to tell you that you should follow any attraction you feel to see where it leads. Don’t turn it away. You must give whatever is between you a chance to grow.”
“You sound like Phoebe.” Harriet pressed a hand on her chest, wishing things were different. If only her past didn’t cast such a long, dark shadow. She hated to think her stepfather was still affecting her life to the extent he was after what she and her mother had already endured.
Curse him.
Yet she didn’t regret that he was gone, or that they had their freedom and the chance for happiness, something that wasn’t possible when he’d lived.
“I don’t know,” Harriet began, her eyes meeting Tibby’s. “In all honesty, I’m not certain marriage is possible for me.”
“Why?” Then a look of understanding came over Tibby’s face. “Is it because you don’t feel you can leave your mother alone if you marry?”
Sympathy swept through Harriet for she knew how difficult Tibby’s life had been with her own mother. Lady Dunford had seemed bent on being unhappy with life after the death of her husband.
Unfortunately, Tibby had borne the brunt of it. Out of desperation, she’d suggested a pretend betrothal to Captain Shaw, who had been a childhood friend, in an effort to loosen her mother’s grip.
But she’d also proposed the ruse to help Captain Shaw see her differently as part of the For Better or Worse agenda.
“No, though that is a concern.” Harriet shook her head. This wasn’t the time or place to share the reason she hesitated. She wasn’t sure she ever wanted to tell anyone.
Tibby touched her arm. “You have been so helpful to me over the past few months, a true friend. Know that I would be pleased to return the favor. You are deserving of happiness, too.”
“Thank you.” Harriet was touched by her words and support. What was the right way to proceed? “Frances does, as well,” Harriet felt compelled to add. The conversation made her realize she’d been using Frances’ feelings for Joseph as a shield so she didn’t have to risk exposing her past.
“Of course, she does. But the decision isn’t hers alone to make.”
Lord Bolton interrupted their conversation to offer glasses of sherry, and the others joined them, ending the discussion for now.
Harriet’s thoughts whirled as the guests mingled, and she found herself alone for a moment.
“I’m so pleased to see you, Harriet.” The deep timbre of Joseph’s voice nearly made her shiver with the longing it brought.
She turned to face him, pleased to have the glass of sherry to occupy her hands as it kept her from touching him. “I’m happy to see you, too. You’ve been well?”
“Yes and no.”
She frowned at the odd answer. “How do you mean?”
“I’ve been well enough, but my thoughts are not.” He leaned close, a warm, teasing glint in his eyes. “They are too taken with you.”
Her breath caught. How was she supposed to react when he said such sweet things? “Joseph—”
He shook his head. “I don’t know what you intend to say, but I ask you not to because I can see from your expression that I won’t like it. Allow me to hold on to my dream a while longer.”
Dream? What could he possibly mean by that? “It’s just that Frances cares for you, too, and I don’t want to interfere.”
“Too?” His gaze held steadily on her until her entire body heated. “Be still my heart.”
She was mortified by the slip. “I meant—”
“You cannot take it back.” His smile sent her heart pounding.
“Garland, you aren’t keeping Lady Harriet to yourself, are you? I never took you for a selfish fellow.” The Duke of Trentworth approached them, his smile engaging.
Harriet felt her face flush once more. To have both men even pretending to flirt with her was inconceivable. The duke was handsome, but her body didn’t react to him the same way it did to Joseph.
That was proof of what Tibby had said.
She watched as Joseph spoke with the duke, comfortable with His Grace despite his intimidating title. He also included Harriet in the conversation.
Joseph was such a good man. But did that mean he’d understand her past? Or would he turn away if he saw her scars and heard her story?
Was it worth the risk?
Dinner was wonderful because she was seated beside Joseph. Both Tibby and Phoebe sent her encouraging looks and soon, she allowed herself to relax and simply enjoy the evening. The future would take care of itself.
Given the small number of guests, everyone joined in the same conversations, leaving her and Joseph no chance to speak privately. Being at his side was enough. She listened to what he said with interest and could feel him doing the same when she shared something.
After dessert was served, the ladies withdrew to the drawing room.
“Where are your mother-in-law and sisters-in-law?” Tibby asked Phoebe.
“They attended a musical this evening. Lady Bolton said she wanted us to have the chance to entertain without the entire family watching.”
“How lovely that you already had such a good relationship with everyone in the family before you married,” Harriet said. “Liking them all must make living here much easier.”
“It does. Lady Bolton has been so kind,” Phoebe said. “And you know I adore Violet.”
“I’m so pleased.” Tibby reached out to squeeze Phoebe’s hand. “We wouldn’t have believed it if someone had told us a year ago that we would be happily married now.”
“It’s true.” Phoebe grinned.
Harriet sighed with envy at her friends’ happiness. Watching the two of them made it seem possible for herself. Dare she hope it might be?
The gentlemen joined them a short time later. Bolton’s brother shared several amusing stories about their childhood which had them all laughing.
Joseph continued to be in fine spirits and drew her eye time and time again. Harriet feared the other guests would guess how she felt about him as many times as they shared glances.
Eventually, the guests started leaving, including Tibby and Captain Shaw. Harriet said her goodbyes and was pleased when Joseph offered to see her to her carriage.
They walked down to the entrance hall, and the butler went to the kitchen to alert her maid that she was ready to depart.
Joseph glanced around the hall and took Harriet’s hand, drawing her into the nearby empty reception room.
“Thank goodness,” he whispered in the dim light that spilled in from the hall.
“For what?” Harriet asked, breathless at being alone with him.
“To have a moment with you for this.” He drew her into his arms and kissed her.
Harriet’s heart surged, and she placed her gloved hands on his chest both to steady herself and to touch him. His broad shoulders and strong physique never failed to stir her. But when his tongue swirled against hers, she needed to brace herself to keep from swaying.
She had underestimated the passion she felt in his arms. Apparently, her mind had blurred the memory in an attempt to convince her she wasn’t falling for the handsome viscount. The desire that pulsed through her insisted that what was between them was even bigger than she’d believed.
“Please permit me to call on you,” he whispered then pressed a kiss to her cheek, his hands squeezing her waist.
Harriet hesitated, torn as to how to answer. Phoebe and Tibby’s encouragement made her long to say yes. But Frances and her past insisted she say no.
Voices drifted from the upper landing, suggesting they’d be interrupted at any moment.
“Please, Harriet. I want to see you again. Soon.” The pad of his thumb moved along her cheek, the gentle touch tipping the scales of the battle waging within her.
“I would like that as well.”
His smile lit her heart, making her certain she’d given the right answer. “Excellent. I will see you soon.”
With that, he released her and gestured toward the hall. They both moved forward as Bolton and Phoebe came down the stairs.
Harriet’s excitement bloomed as she said goodbye and departed with her maid. One last look at Joseph before she was handed into her carriage only heightened the flutters in her middle.
For the first time, she found herself wondering if a future with him was possible.
