Judith looked from one sister to the other. “I think you both know exactly what I am referring to.” She lowered her voice a little. “My father?”
Joanna’s mind raced. Was this woman looking to cause a scandal to ruin her courtship?
“I was under the impression that nobody knows about the arrangement apart from our families,” she said quietly.
“Few do, but there is always talk. My father was rather excited about the match,” Judith replied in an accusatory tone.
“It was never my intention to hurt him,” Joanna murmured and met Judith’s eyes again.
“I do not doubt it. we have not seen one another in a long time, but for the sake of our old friendship, I wanted to come here and tell you that I do not blame you.”
“You do not?” Joanna asked, utterly shocked.
“Lady Joanna, it surely is such a shame for my father, but one must follow one’s heart, wouldn’t you agree?” Judith’s voice held a sincerity that caught Joanna off guard. “Let us not dwell on the past. Hearts are complicated matters, and I can see that you are quite taken with the Duke of Wells. It’s commendable to follow your own path, don’t you think? Now, tell me, have you seen anyone else from Lady Masters’ School for Young Ladies here?”
Sally smiled and nodded her chin to the left. “Miss Liza Farnsworth is here. She has been keeping a certain officer company.”
Judith giggled. “She has always been one to do what she pleases. Although her mother will have an apoplexy if she finds out.”
“Oh,” Joanna chimed in, feeling relieved, “but her mother is in France with her second husband.”
“France? At these uncertain times? She must be moon-eyed, indeed,” Judith replied, and the three sat closer together.
“She must be. Oh, did you hear about Madelaine St. Charles?” Sally said then, and soon, they were engaged in a lively conversation about their finishing school friends and their latest exploits.
It felt oddly natural, and Joanna had to admit that she liked Judith more than she’d remembered. Judith had been a bit vain when they were younger, but these days, she appeared humble and kind—just the sort of woman Joanna could see herself becoming friends with. That is if she were not the daughter of the man Joanna rejected…
“Ah, finishing school, where propriety is drilled into us alongside dancing and etiquette. I must admit, the escapades at finishing school are tales worth sharing. “
“They are.” Joanna nodded. “Although my mother feels we spent far too much time enjoying ourselves rather than learning.”
Judith waved a dismissive hand. “I dare say that we deserved every moment of levity.” Her eyes twinkled then, and she leanedforward. “Pray, I think we need a treat now. It has been a stressful few weeks for us all. Do you not think so?”
Joanna grimaced. “I am afraid you have forgotten the dreadful quality of the refreshments here. I, for one, am not in the mood to have dry cake soak up any moisture remaining in my mouth.”
“I am not hungry. I meant something a bit easier to swallow,” Judith said with a chuckle. “I am well aware that it would be easier to eat bricks than what they have here.”
Sally let out a light-hearted laugh. “Oh, and the only refreshment they have here is lemonade—and it’s barely better than bathwater,” she remarked with a playful grin.
Judith winked at her newfound companions. “Fear not, my dears, I have something much more special in mind.”
Joanna and Sally exchanged a glance. Then, Joanna shrugged and got up, followed by her sister.
“I say, lead the way, Judith,” she intoned.
Whatever Judith had in mind had to be more palatable than anything Almack could offer. Besides, Joanna was in the mood for an adventure. If for no other reason than to forget about Kenneth and their entanglement for a little while.
Thus, they made their way across the ballroom and toward the orchestra, which was set up on a stage at the far end of theballroom. Beyond the orchestra, doors led into rooms where card games were being played and other rooms where ladies could rest after rounds of vigorous dancing.
Judith guided them toward an alcove near the stage. Gathered nearby, along a row of windows adorned with heavy velvet curtains, was a gaggle of young ladies and gentlemen, merrier than Joanna would have expected for an ordinary night of dancing.
She frowned when she saw that some of the attendees had shimmering eyes and red cheeks—telltale signs of having ingested something stronger than lemonade.
Lingering nearby was a man Joanna hadn’t seen before. Tall and with wavy blonde hair, he looked at Judith with a smile that betrayed their familiarity with one another.
Joanna couldn’t help but feel a twinge of curiosity mixed with hesitation as Judith engaged in a brief conversation with the man. He then turned around and disappeared, with Judith right behind him.
“I am not sure if this is a good idea,” Sally whispered.