Page 86 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke

Joane felt hot. She felt like walking to him and slobbering him with wet kisses. Then allowing him to put his hands through her hair and hold her head in place as kissed her and sucked at her lip.

If wishes were horses?

He was standing with his friend, Lord James and another damsel. They were holding hands and talking.

Is that the chit to which he is engaged?

Joane felt anger and pain begin to build in her again. Her throat sealed up and her eyes started to water. Joane used the ‘kerchief to clean her eyes gently, soaking up the salty water before it began its descent down. She flicked the fan back and forth, allowing a small current of air to blow through her. The feel of a small breeze on her cheek eased her, making her feel much better. Joane lifted her gaze to look at William once again and caught his gaze.

He didn’t drop his gaze when Joane saw him. He kept looking at her, holding her spellbound. She felt hot despite the air current from the fan. He wasn’t smiling and had stopped talking with the damsel by his side. He moved his mouth, mouthing a message to her.

“Do you see this Emma?” Joane said, still keeping her gaze on William.

“Yes”

“What did he say?”

“I am sorry. That’s what he said. Well it’s already too late for that. The nerve of him to bring her here,” Emma said with anger evident in her voice.

“Emma,” Joane called out.

The young lady left William and Mr. James; she started walking in their direction.

“What is she doing?” Emma asked even though it was obvious the young lady was walking towards them.

“Is she coming here?” Emma asked.

Joane didn’t speak.

The chit is coming here.

Lord James had left William’s side and was just behind the young lady. Joane looked away. She didn’t understand what was going on. Emma still faced them, a stern, stoic look on her face.

“Good day.”

Joane turned back to face the damsel. She was slightly shorter than Joane and had eyes that transmitted gentleness. Her skin was smooth and her face was the sort without any angle or sharp feature. She did look beautiful, just not in an enrapturing way. Emma answered her, bringing Joane back from her musings.

“Good afternoon Miss Esther, you came with Mr. William and Lord James.”

Emma looked at Lord James who had gotten to them as she said his name. He smiled and weirdly. Emma smiled back.

“Yes,” Esther responded.

“Can I have a moment with you, Miss Joane?” Esther said, looking directly at Joane.

Joane was surprised.

Why does William’s fiancée want to have a word with me?

Emma answered before Joane could even open her mouth.

“I know you didn’t direct that to me Miss Esther but I think I can answer for my friend. No, you can’t.”

Esther looked to speak again but Joane spoke before her.

“Don’t worry Emma, I’ll speak with her.”

Emma looked back sharply at Joane. Her eyes shone with worry.