Page 94 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke

“I am angry at you allowing him near you,” Emma said.

“Yes, I agree but that is not the reason for all this ire. I first noticed your displeasure when I and Lord James took the first dance. Is there something you are not telling me?” Joane asked her.

Emma looked at her and smiled for a few milliseconds, then just as quickly, the frown was back.

“Did he tell you or you guessed?”

“Tell me what? If you mean Lord James he didn’t tell me anything,” Joane said.

“But that means there is something going on, why haven’t you told me all this while? Is there a budding romance between you and the fine man? Because he is one handsome specimen,” Joane said, teasing her friend.

Emma blushed and playfully tapped Joane on her shoulder.

“Calling it a budding romance is a stretch Joane.”

“You do admit that there’s something there. Damn, you really have been busy,” Joane said.

Emma collected the fan from her and used it to playfully beat her many times on her shoulders. Joane smiled, happy to see her friend cheerful again.

“I didn’t want to disturb you Joane especially as you have something really serious taking your attention,” Emma said.

“Anything that concerns you is just as important to me, Emma,” Joane said.

Emma looked at her, meeting her gaze with level eyes.

“Yes, I know that.”

“So tell me about it,” Joane said.

“I have been to Eusten to see James many times. The few days you didn’t see me around, I was with him. He came to my house the day after the ball met them both in. We discussed at length that day.”

“Just discussed?” Joane asked, ready to provide mischief.

Emma banged the fan again on her shoulder.

“Okay not only talking”

Joane cleared her throat cheekily drawing a blush and giggling from Esther.

“My point is,” Emma said loudly, eager to halt Joane’s mischievous behaviour. “The point is we became rather fond of each other. I cannot say what we have is as strong as you and Mr. William because you two really have something serious. But I like him and I think he likes me back. And unlike your dear William, he has no reputation.”

Joane nodded her head.

“Well said. So what was the source of anger this afternoon?” Joane asked her.

Emma took a deep breath.

“I fear that you would find what I am about to say extremely ridiculous but as asinine as it sounds, it did hurt me. And that was just the first thing,” Emma said.

Joane said nothing; she nodded to tell her friend she was listening.

“You were the only one who noticed how nice I was looking this afternoon Joane, only you noticed the gown. And you noticed rather late to be fair.”

Joane didn’t understand how that had angered her friend.

Except if

“You wore it to impress Lord James,” Joane said, finally comprehending her friend’s disappointment and hence frustration.