“Dancing is another thing that I cherish just as much as playing music,” Joanna stated. “I have always enjoyed dancing. My mother taught me the importance of learning the waltz as a young girl, and I fell in love with the art form.”
“I see that your mother is quite the influence in your life,” the Duke noted.
“Of course, she is,” Joanna replied at once. “She has been the most important figure in my life, teaching me what it means to be a proper lady.”
“Do you see yourself becoming like her in the future?” The Duke’s curiosity was piqued genuinely for once in their conversation.
In his life, he had seen plenty of women who became just like their mothers. While some found the trait admirable, it had always irked him a little. He felt that a person should have their own personality, not something that was merely passed down to them.
“Oh, I hold my mother in the highest regard.” She smiled in return. “And I try to emulate her in my daily life. She has always been the epitome of grace.”
The Duke smiled back, but it did not reach his eyes. The harder he tried to get to know Joanna, the blander he found her to be. There was an undeniable absence of a spark between them, and the situation was made much worse by the contrast of the happy couple that walked ahead of them.
To make matters worse for the Duke, Emma and Peter were now joined by Nicholas and Deborah, who had caught up with them on their walk.
Deborah could be heard cracking a joke, and laughing loudly, as she usually does. Once again, the Duke began making comparisons between the two in his head. It occurred to him that he had never actually heard Joanna laugh till now, and he started wondering if it was because she had a serious personality, or if he had not been humorous enough.
The two continued walking in silence, and the Duke realized that it must be painful to witness such an awkward scene, even as a bystander.
“Perhaps we can spend some time talking about your interests, Your Grace,” Joanna chimed in after a moment. “It would allow us to gain a deeper understanding of one another.”
From her expression, the Duke could tell that this was just as awkward for her as it was for him.
“I must admit that I prefer activities in nature more so than any that can be done indoors,” the Duke replied earnestly. “Particularly, I am a fan of hunting. It allows me to challenge myself.”
“Oh,” Joanna hummed. “Hunting sounds quite… lovely.”
“I understand if that is not something you are interested in,” the Duke said immediately, noticing her hesitation.
“I have never tried it,” she admitted. “After all, a lady has no place in a hunting ground. She is much better suited at home, entertaining more domestic hobbies. Just the thought of getting mud all over my clothes alone horrifies me.”
A few weeks ago, her answer would have been perfectly acceptable to him. But after his hunting experience with Deborah, his mind had been opened to new possibilities. As frustrating as the experience had been in the moment, owing to their constant disagreements, the Duke had to admit to himself that he had had a good time with Deborah in retrospect. She had proven to be a worthy hunting partner and not a damsel in distress that he constantly had to worry about.
“Surely you must try it someday,” he suggested. “Perhaps you will enjoy the thrill of the chase as much as I do.”
Joanna shrugged, not seeming the slightest bit convinced. “A lady does not chase. What thrill would I possibly get from trying to kill an animal?”
“The thrill of conquest, perhaps?” the Duke offered. “Or competition, if we were to hunt together.”
“Your Grace…” Joanna smiled sweetly. “I would never want to compete with you.”
The Duke’s gaze became distant, and he had a sudden realization. His mother had made a wise choice in picking Joanna to be his wife. Her answers were the standard definition of what he expected from a proper lady. The only problem was that they bored him to tears.
* * *
“I admit, this morning I was not feeling quite ready to go on such a long walk in the town.” Deborah smiled as she walked along with her two brothers and Emma. “But now, I feel quite relaxed.”
“I am glad that you joined us.” Emma eyes sparkled as she spoke to Deborah. “After all, I know it must be difficult because of your injury from falling off the horse the other day.”
Deborah glanced at her arm, whose side was still covered in a small bandage. “It was just a scrape. It has mostly healed. You should not worry about it at all.”
“Oh, do not underestimate our sister,” Peter put in. “If anything, I am sure she wears the scar she received proudly.”
“Like a mark of a true huntress,” Nicholas added.
“Oh, Emma, you must join us the next time we go hunting,” Deborah said excitedly. “It could be a great bonding experience for us all.”
Emma nodded furiously. “We can divide ourselves into two teams. The three of you, and Henry, Joanna and I.”
