“And what were you speaking of?”
Letting out a quiet laugh, Joy tossed her head.
“I hardly think that is your business, especially given that we are not friends – and not even acquainted either.”
The young lady closed her eyes tightly, her hands curling.
“I am Lady Judith. You see?Nowwe are acquainted.” Opening her eyes, she pointed to Joy. “Now, tell me what you were speaking of with Lord Yarmouth. He is my cousin and I have every right to know what you were speaking of. You were the one he danced the waltz with even thoughIought to have been the one standing up with him and yet you–”
“I am not simply going to agree to tell you everything that was shared between Lord Yarmouth and I, Lady Judith, regardless of whether or not you are related.” Speaking more firmly now, Joy lifted her chin a little but held the lady’s gaze steadily. “It is a somewhat rude question, I must say, especially for you to demand it of me.”
What the lady had said about Lord Yarmouth dancing the waltz with Joy had reminded her of that moment. It had been the first moment that they had met, the time when Lord Yarmouth had been doing his utmost to escape from Lady Judith, and Joy had aided him in that.
I almost ought to be grateful to Lady Judith for pushing him away from her and towards me instead.
“Why are you smiling? You ought to be doing as I ask! I–”
“Shall we continue our walk through the house, Miss Bosworth?”
Joy smiled and took Miss Fairley’s arm, ignoring the exclamation of frustration that came from Lady Judith.
“I should be glad to.” Turning her eyes back to Lady Judith, she kept her smile in place. “And good evening, Lady Judith.”
Without another word – and ignoring Lady Judith’s protests - Joy walked away from her company, arm in arm with Miss Fairley. It was not until they stood in the hallway between the drawing room and the parlor that they both let out a loud exclamation, talking together about the irritated, demanding young lady.
“It seems she has been watching Lord Yarmouth!” Miss Fairley’s eyes rounded a little. “Do you think he is at all interested in her company?”
Joy shook her head.
“Given that he came to waltz with me instead of with her, I should say no. That was how we were first introduced; he begged me to waltz with him so that he would not have to stand up with two young ladies who were both in eager pursuit – and one was Lady Judith.”
“I see. So he waltzed with a wallflower and since then, has sought out your company more and more.” Miss Fairley’s eyes twinkled as Joy blushed. “I have great hopes for you, my dear friend. Let us pray that your walk with Lord Yarmouth will bring you even a hint of what is to come between you. I am certain it will be quite wonderful.”
“I can only hope that you are right.”
Aware of the heat in her face, Joy dropped her gaze, but her lips curved into a smile nonetheless, despite Lady Judith’s strange and forceful interruption. Her walk with Lord Yarmouth was only one more night’s sleep away, and Joy could hardly wait for that moment to arrive.
Chapter Fourteen
She is quite beautiful.
Henry smiled back at Miss Bosworth, taking her in and permitting his heart to feel all that it wished as he did so. Curls of her auburn hair were peeking out from under her bonnet and in the sunshine, the green of her eyes was all the more intense. Her lips seemed to be pulled into an ever-present smile and, as he continued to gaze at her, a gentle flush came into her cheeks.
“Forgive me.” A little embarrassed, Henry lowered his gaze. “I was simply thinking to myself how fine a day it is – and how lovely you look, Miss Bosworth.”
“Truly?”
The surprise in her voice had his eyes shooting back to hers as he nodded fervently.
“Yes, of course. I would not lie or pretend otherwise, I can assure you.”
“Oh.” It took a few moments but eventually, Miss Bosworth smiled. “That is very kind of you, Lord Yarmouth. Thank you for such a generous compliment.”
“It was not generous at all. You deserve many more compliments, I think.” With a smile, he offered her his arm andfelt his heart leap when she took it without hesitation, and they set off, her lady’s maid behind them, a few steps away. “I am very glad to be walking with you, Miss Bosworth.”
“As I am also.” Her head tilted towards his, her eyes searching his face as they began to walk through St James’ Park. “Your cousin also wrote to me. We are to walk tomorrow.”
Henry’s heart fell back into place.
