“Yes, but only because I have the ring.”
“Perhaps for another reason also.” Miss Simmons smiled as Joy blushed furiously, looking away again. “I know that you think well of him. Perhaps there is a desire for more within you? You seek to further your acquaintance with him and therefore, you are a little concerned when I suggest such a thing given your feelings at present – but you need not be. I think it would be good for you to go and call upon him. It would remind him of you.” Joy dropped her head, aware of just how hot her face had flushed. How had Miss Simmons known of her interest in Lord Yarmouth? She had never spoken of it but yet, her friend had clearly become aware of it. “If you wish to go and find him now, however, I will go with you.” With a warm smile, Miss Simmons tilted her head and studied Joy. “Do not be embarrassed, my dear friend. It is quite reasonable for a young lady such as yourself to have an interest in a gentleman like Lord Yarmouth.”
“Except I am a wallflower.”
Miss Simmons lifted her shoulders and let them fall.
“That may not matter. After all, he has shown himself to be interested in your company already, has he not? Come, do not be disheartened. Go to call on him and see what happens thereafter.”
With a quiet huff of breath, Joy built up her courage and nodded fervently, looking back to her friend with a smile.
“Very well. You have convinced me.”
“I have?” With a laugh, Miss Simmons wrapped one arm around Joy’s shoulders and hugged her tight. “Wonderful! I am sure that your visit will go very well indeed, for he will certainly be incredibly grateful to you. After all, this will be the second time that you will have not only found but returned his ring to him.”
“Let us hope so.” With a smile, Joy set the ring in her reticule, pulled the reticule strings tightly closed, and then patted itgently. “And if all goes poorly, then I know exactly who to blame.”
Laughing, the two ladies fell into step together and continued with another walk around the ballroom, walking arm in arm. For the first time since she had come to London, Joy felt herself excited, anticipating what was to come, and wondering what it was that could happen once she returned the ring – for the second time – to Lord Yarmouth.
“Good afternoon.”
Joy cleared her throat and looked up at the butler.
“Good afternoon. I am come to call upon Lord Yarmouth. Is he at home?”
“He is.”
Seeing the butler glance behind Joy, clearly looking for a chaperone or someone similar, Joy stiffened as she stepped inside, relieved that the butler had not pushed her out of the house directly given that she only had a maid.
“I must speak to him at once,” she said, a little stiffly. “It is a matter of urgency.”
The butler nodded and much to her relief, took her bonnet and gloves from her without a word of protest.
“Of course, my Lady. Might I ask who is calling?”
“Miss Bosworth.”
With another nod, the butler gestured for her to follow him, and with a breath of relief, she did so. Walking with her head held high and ignoring the swirls of nervousness that ran through her continually, she clasped the ring tight in her hand and followed the butler.
“Lord Yarmouth and Mr. Brackwell are together in the drawing room,” he said, gesturing to the door. “Please, permit me a moment to announce you.”
Glancing at her lady’s maid and nodding that she should follow her, Joy waited as the door was opened and then, closing her eyes against the swell of anxiety in her stomach, followed in after the butler.
“Miss Bosworth has come to call, my Lord.” The butler cleared his throat, gesturing to Joy. “It is a matter of urgency.”
“Urgency?” In a moment, Lord Yarmouth had crossed the room and, much to Joy’s surprise, caught her hand in his, his eyes searching her face. “Whatever has happened?”
“It is nothing terrible, Lord Yarmouth, though I thank you for your concern.” Joy did not remove her hand from his but smiled instead, seeing the relief that flooded into his face, light washing over his expression as he let out a breath of relief and then smiled. “And do excuse me for interrupting your conversation with Mr. Brackwell.” So saying, she smiled and inclined her head to Mr. Brackwell, who had also removed himself from his chair though he had not rushed over as Lord Yarmouth had done. “How nice to see you again.”
“And you. If you desire to have a conversation with Lord Yarmouth alone then I can easily take my leave.”
A sudden flurry of excitement rushed through Joy, but she quickly shook her head, knowing it would not be wise to sit alone with Lord Yarmouth, even with her maid.
“I thank you for your concern but there is no need. Please, do feel free to linger.” Her eyes went back to Lord Yarmouth. “It has to do with the ball last evening.”
Lord Yarmouth squeezed her hand.
“I am sorry.”
