Page 31 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke

“Why aren’t you?” Emma answered.

“I know we predicted that they would come to meet us the instant they see us at any ball. But I was expecting far more animosity than that. They came as if to begin a courtship with us,” Emma continued.

“A courtship?” Joane said, her tone showing how incredulous she thought Emma sounded.

“Emma you read too much meaning into mere actions, as we predicted these men saw us and came to talk. You left with the Earl of Eusten, lest you have forgotten, and enjoyed yourself so much you only came back after the dance,” Joane countered.

“These are men of class and good conduct. Mr. William has won too many duels to not be aware that in a duel to have a winner, you must have a loser. He was just on the losing side in this case,” Joane told her.

Emma nodded her head to show she was listening to Joane but she didn’t accept everything her friend said.

“You just had to mention my disappearance didn’t you. Let me remind you that you are the one with more to lose here, I am trying to protect you,” Emma said.

“Yes, I can see that. You are doing that by enjoying the conversation of the friend of the man who you want to protect me from,” Joane said, anger apparent in her voice.

“Lord James does make excellent conversation,” Emma answered with a remarkably small voice.

Joane laughed when her friend said this, diffusing the anger she felt.

“The same way you enjoyed Lord James’ conversation is the same way I enjoyed the dance,” Joane said.

Emma nodded her head. Joane could see she had accepted her explanations.

“You do have to know that nothing permanent can come out of your acquaintance with Mr. William Marlow,” Emma commented again after a few seconds.

“Yes, I know. He and my father are mortal enemies. They both inflicted serious injuries on each other during the duel. I don’t think they will come to terms with each other easily,” Joane replied.

“Your father would never accept it. He doesn’t like your father. I can see you have already taken a liking to the young man, please let him remain just an acquaintance,” Emma said.

Joane did not reply. She stood up to check the open slot if they were any closer to their home. They were still passing through the brown fields, they were not too close.

“What did you and Lord James talk about for so long?” Joane asked her.

“We spoke about many things. You will find that he and his friend are versed in many subject areas,” Emma said.

When Joane did not reply, she asked.

“Or didn’t you?”

Joane shook her head.

“We didn’t talk so much; a lot of the dancing was done without speaking,” Joane answered.

“And you already like him so much. What if you had discussed? You would already by devising methods to bring him up to scratch,” Emma replied playfully.

Joane turned up her nose, showing disgust at her friend’s comments.

“So he wasn’t put off by your forwardness and strong opinions?” Joane said.

“No, he wasn’t. I told him he isn’t the typical English man,” Emma said.

“Are you sure you have not fallen for the designs of the Earl?” Joane asked, a cheeky grin on her face.

“I am not like you, daughter of the Duke. I like the Earl but that is where it stops,” Emma said.

Joane didn’t say anything in response but she didn’t believe her friend. She knew Emma. If Emma hadn’t taken a special linking to him, she wouldn’t have stayed with him for so long.

Chapter 10