Page 88 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke

“Yes,” Esther responded.

Joane felt like jumping on Esther, squeezing all the strength out of her but she didn’t.

It’s bad to look so easily convinced.

Joane wore a stern look.

“Why didn’t he say all this?” Joane asked.

“If he had said so, would you believe him?” Esther replied.

Joane shook her head.

No, I wouldn’t.

“He is distraught, Miss Joane. Would you give him another chance?” Esther asked.

“I will listen to him. I will try to see things from his side,” Joane replied, keeping her voice cool.

Esther held her hand.

“Thank you, thank you very much,” she said.

Joane nodded her head and turned, eager to return back to the hall.

Back to William.

Her heart felt lighter; the pain had melted away as Esther spoke. She walked in front, leading the way back to the hall. They went through the walkway and entered the hall again. Joane was about going to Emma when Esther touched her shoulder.

“I need something else from you,” she said.

Joane raised a brow.

“What is it?” Joane asked.

“I need to have the first dance with Mr. William, for appearances sakes. I hope you understand,” Esther said.

Joane understood.

“Just the first dance,” she said, grinning as she spoke.

Esther smiled back. Joane saw the small shapes of her teeth, her dentition was lovely.

“Of course, just the first dance,” Esther replied.

Esther walked back to William who still had his eyes on Joane. Joane watched him shift his gaze to Esther, engaging her in a discussion immediately she got to him. Joane turned to where she had left Emma. Emma was standing stupendously close to Lord James; they were holding hands and were locked in friendly discussion. Emma laughed at something he said and Lord James said something else which made Emma burst into more laughter.

I didn’t know Emma was this cosy with Mr. James. Emma is never this cosy with anyone. What is happening here?

The violin’s drawn out tune sounded first, drawing Joane into a lull before the other instruments joined.

The dance is open.

The Duke of Bedford and the Duchess took center floor. Joane walked closer to her friend, noting the shimmer of disappointment in her friend’s smile as she budged into their discussion.

“Miss Joane, I was just speaking about you,” Lord James said.

He held her gloved hand and looked into her eyes.