Deborah’s smile faded at the mention of Joanna. “I am not sure if Lord Jonathan will be too happy about not being included,” she replied.
“Oh, we can flip a coin to see what team he will join.” Emma chuckled, oblivious to the sudden dip in Deborah’s mood.
Deborah hadn’t gotten a chance to speak to the Duke alone ever since she had encountered him in the library. She thought that was a good thing, as she was painfully aware of the fact that he was walking right behind them with Joanna as they spoke.
Deborah tried to keep herself occupied, not wanting to eavesdrop on their conversation. She knew that it was for the better that they limit their interactions with each other. But butterflies still fluttered in her stomach whenever he was mentioned.
“Perhaps you can join our team,” Peter suggested. “And Deborah can be with Joanna and His Grace.”
Deborah’s eyes widened in horror at the suggestion, and she suddenly imagined herself being caught in the middle of the two of them.
“I’m sure that would be very awkward for Joanna,” Nicholas added cheekily, giving his sister a teasing nudge.
“Look at that!” Deborah blurted out, pointing at the nearest shop in front of her. She seemed eager to change the topic, for her cheeks were so flushed.
“Oh, how lovely.” Emma took the bait. “They have some very nice dresses on display.”
“We should go in,” Deborah suggested in a hurry. “Perhaps you can look at some dresses for the wedding festivities.”
Emma nodded excitedly. “Oh, that would be wonderful.”
The three of them walked into the store, and Deborah breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, they could engage in an activity that had nothing to do with the Duke. But her relief was short-lived, as the doors of the shop opened again, and the Duke walked in with Joanna.
“We weren’t expecting this little detour,” he said as he came in.
“It was Deborah’s idea,” Peter remarked. “She suggested that Emma look at some dresses.”
“It’s good that you followed us here,” Emma said. “Joanna can look at some dresses as well. After all, we both have a wedding to prepare for.”
Deborah’s heart sank at the mention of the wordwedding. With the Duke so close in proximity now, she decided to just keep her head low and assist Emma with her choices. The last thing she wanted to do was to interact with the Duke and Joanna together. The mere thought of it made her stomach churn.
However, from the corner of her eye, she observed Joanna, who stood right beside her now, carefully browsing through the selection, her eyes searching for the perfect dress.
“Oh, this feels like a dream,” Joanna said in a girly voice. “I have always wished my closet to be large and full of flowy dresses like this.”
“You should learn a thing or two from Joanna, Deborah,” Nicholas teased, coming up behind them. “My sister has never taken much of an interest in dressing up.”
Deborah glared at him, not appreciating the comparison between the two. “It was my idea to come in here in the first place,” she said defensively.
“Yes, but we both know your interest has always been more in buying riding outfits, rather than floral dresses,” Nicholas replied.
Before Deborah could respond, Joanna gasped loudly, having found a dress that she liked. “Oh, look at this,” she gushed, holding up a dress with large puffs attached to its sleeves. “This is perfect.”
Nicholas raised an eyebrow, stifling a chuckle.
“What?” Joanna replied, staring back at him with a curious expression. “You don’t seem to think so?”
Nicholas shrugged innocently. “Oh, it definitely seems to have a…” He paused, the corners of his mouth curling into a sly smile. “Vintage appeal to it.”
“Vintage?” Joanna repeated, aghast. “Are you saying that it is outdated?”
“Not at all,” Nicholas said. “I am just saying if you were to wear that to a ball, you may seem as if you stepped straight out of some bygone era.”
“But I quite like it.” Joanna held her ground. “I believe it matches my tastes perfectly.”
“Then there is no shame in admitting that your tastes are also a bit old-fashioned,” Nicholas replied, seeming amused by her choices.
“My tastes are traditional,” Joanna argued. “But I would not consider them old-fashioned. Timeless would be more of an apt description.”
