Or at least, that’s what she liked to tell herself.
“I think I want to excuse myself,” Deborah said. “I need to rest a little before the ball tonight. I am suddenly not feeling so well.”
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
The hall in Hopestyn Estate had been transformed into a ballroom for the night. Adorned with shimmering chandeliers and elaborate decorations, the atmosphere was one of celebration. The guests had already begun filling up the room as couples twirled gracefully across the dance floor.
The Duke moved through the crowd gracefully.
Deborah, where are you?
Immediately, he realized that he was in need of a correction. It was not Deborah whom he had to be looking out for, but Joanna. He was expected to dance with her tonight, upon the insistence of his mother.
Finally, he found her standing alone and approached her with a polite bow, extending his hand out for a dance.
“Lady Joanna, would you do me the honor of this dance?”
Joanna nodded, blushing as she placed her hand in his. Together, they stepped into the dance floor, joining the rest of the couples.
They began swaying to the music, and once again, the Duke found himself wondering what topic they should talk about.
“Your Grace…” Joanna smiled meekly. “Is something the matter? You appear a bit distracted.”
The Duke shook his head. “My Lady, forgive my inattentiveness. I was just momentarily lost in my train of thought.”
A flash of disappointment flickered across Joanna’s face, but she quickly concealed it with an understanding nod.
“How are you liking your time at Hopestyn Estate thus far?” He realized he had already asked her this question once before, but he was in dire straits, not knowing what else to discuss with this woman who was practically a stranger to him, and yet he was expected to marry her soon.
“Her Grace has made sure I feel welcome at every turn.” Joanna nodded.
“Yes, that is very good, indeed,” the Duke said appreciatively. “Have you gotten a chance to speak to Lady Emma as of yet?”
Joanna shook her head. “Unfortunately, we have only gotten the time to exchange a few words at most. She is mostly busy, as expected, since her wedding is soon and the preparations must be overwhelming.”
The Duke found himself getting flushed when the topic of marriage was brought up again. He wished that his mother would come and whisk Joanna away from him.
“I see.”
His gaze wandered yet again. This time, it landed on Deborah, who stood at a distance from him with her brothers and Emma. She seemed to be chatting away, animatedly, laughing at something.
The Duke wondered what was so funny, and a part of him wished to be a part of that conversation.
“Your Grace.” Joanna’s voice brought his attention back to the present moment. “Did you hear what I just told you?”
“I am sorry.” The Duke’s gaze snapped back to Joanna, a flush of embarrassment coloring his cheeks as he realized he had been distracted by Deborah, once again. “If you can please repeat yourself, I would be grateful.”
Joanna pursed her lips. “Perhaps we can save the conversations for later and focus only on dancing for now.”
The disappointment was evident in her tone. After a few more moments of dancing together awkwardly, the dance finally came to a close, and a rush of relief passed over the Duke.
“My Lady,” he said, “I believe Mother said she had something to discuss with you. It is best if you go find her.”
Joanna stared at him in a confused manner. “But I was with her just now before the dancing began.”
“Yes, well, you know my mother. She loves to talk, and she is quite fascinated with you. You must not keep her waiting,” he urged.
“All right,” Joanna said, still looking at him strangely, “I suppose I can go see what she has to say.”
