Page 83 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke

“What did you say?” William asked.

“I said love is sweetest when it is forbidden. I remember that her father is the man who cheated you at a duel not too long ago, isn’t he?” Esther said.

William shrugged.

“Do not worry about that Esther that is my problem.”

“I’m not worried Will. I just want you to tell me how you hope to overcome the opposition that is sure to come from her father,” she said.

“And your mother, I heard it was your mother who saved you at the edge of death. I do not think your mother would willingly allow her son marry the child of the man who almost took him away, much less the only heir,” Esther said.

William sighed. Esther had just done what he had refused to do for the past few days; she had laid out all his problems thereby letting him see how big they were.

I need to talk to Joane. I need to know what she thinks. She has to forgive me first, and then we move on from there.

“But all that doesn’t matter for now. You need her to take you back first. I’ll help you do that but you owe me even more now Will, although I hope you never have to pay back,” Esther said.

William smiled and drew Esther into a tight embrace. He squeezed his arms and dug his face into her shoulders. The scent of lavender on her took him back to the constant sweet aura of roses that was around Joane.

“Thank you very much,” he said.

“Where am I to meet her to tell her all this?” Esther asked William.

“The Bedford ball is holding the day after tomorrow. Joane is going to be there.”

“I am also going to be there, so are you,” Esther said.

“She wouldn’t listen to me if I went at first. Even if she means to, Emma would never allow me near her friend,” William said.

“I’ll go talk to her before the first dance. So we have to get there early,” Esther said.

“We?” William said.

“Yes, we,” Esther answered.

“Our relationship still continues to the public and to my parents. I take it your parents know about your situation with Joane now,” Esther continued.

“They do.”

“Will they do well to keep it secret?”

“They will.”

“I want us to get to ball together. That will make a big statement to my father and his gossip sources.” Esther said.

“I’ll be here before noon that day, the ball starts in the afternoon. We’ll get there before it starts,” William replied.

“Good, it should all go well. There is no reason for Joane to decline me an audience. If there is any person she should want to listen to it’s me,” Esther said.

William nodded his head. Esther had proven herself to be a very reasonable lady.

Mother has excellent eyes for detecting a great wife. Under different circumstances, Esther would be the perfect bride.

William squeezed Esther’s hands again.

“Thank you Esther, thank you very much.”

Chapter 18