Page 51 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke

Probably because of the rain. The street would have been teeming with people.

The gate was wide open, its thick silver bars poking out of it in a menacing fashion. There was no garden in front of the house.

No wonder the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos never hosted balls. Gardens are the first thing that attracts people.

William slowed his horse down till it trotted to a stop in front of the rain-washed steps. William looked up to the top of the house. He could see light shining from many windows. It was already evening and the rain had made everywhere darker than normal. He dismounted and helped Joane down the horse. She was dripping wet. William saw that her eyes were red and wet but he couldn’t tell whether it was the rain water or tears.

“Thank you Mr. William,” she said.

William bowed to her and saw the door to the house open. Out came Emma, she glared at William with eyes that only showed suspicion. He doubted she would hear him if he called out so he waved. She waved back, raising her hand in a stiff short wave. Joane ran up the stairs to her friend. She turned back to William just before she entered and mouthed another “Thank you”.

William nodded and mounted his horse. Night was coming and he had to get home.

What a day.

Chapter 13

Unspoken Fears

Joane walked to the window sill immediately she entered the sitting room. She watched William ride out of their compound and away into the rain. Joane raised her hand to touch her lips, the tingling of her lips had refused to leave since the kiss. Joane smiled when she thought about how William had responded to her.

He wants me.

Someone tapped her from behind. She turned to see a towel being offered by one of their stewards. Emma stood afar off, staring at her.

“What is it?” Joane asked her friend who was standing hands akimbo with accusing eyes.

“I should be asking you. Why did you spend so long?” Emma asked.

“The rain, can’t you see the rain was heavy? I was caught up in it. Thank God for William,” Joane lied.

“Mr. William, you mean?” Emma said.

“Mr. William,” Joane corrected.

“The rain? You’ve got to have something better than that for your father’s inquest,” Emma replied.

Joane did not reply. She noticed Emma was angry at her.

Let me leave her a bit to cool. I can talk to her after that.

“Where did you go in the first place?” Emma asked.

She had walked closer to Joane and Joane felt her behind her. Joane kept her gaze in the window, her heart went with William.

I’m with you till you get home.

Joane turned back to face her.

“You didn’t come this morning as planned. I was bored so I decided to go watch some fights at Wellington Fencing School, just like you did. I didn’t actually plan to spend so long,” Joane replied.

Emma nodded her head. Joane saw her short shaggy hair glistening in the lamp light. Joane could make out tiny twinkles on the strands of hair that had water. Joane looked outside and saw that it was almost dark.

I hope he gets home safe in this rain.

“So is that where you met Mr. Handsome?” Emma asked.

Joane turned to her friend.