“Martin has agreed to be there, so I will as well.” Garland grinned at Martin as if to make certain he didn’t forget.
“We’re hosting a ball later in the week,” Frances advised, a hint of color coming to her cheeks as she glanced again at the viscount.
Harriet released a quiet sigh as longing filled her. Would she have the chance to dance with Garland? Or should she keep her distance out of loyalty to Frances?
Suddenly, the week stretched out ahead of her, seeming endless. What little hope she’d held when she’d first caught sight of him in the billiard room drained away, leaving her empty. Yet she need only look at Frances’ smile to be reminded how important her friendship was.
How unfortunate that honoring their relationship meant holding back on her own dream. Still, she smiled in encouragement at Frances even as she tried not to look at Viscount Garland, telling her heart to hush.
Chapter Five
Joseph slept fitfully, his dreams filled with visions of him calling all the guests by the wrong name, including Mr. Melbourne. Though the worry was ridiculous, he woke feeling less than ready to join the others.
He could only surmise that he was even more distraught by his mistake about Lady Harriet’s identity than he’d realized. It mattered because she mattered. He couldn’t imagine getting off on the wrong foot any worse, especially with a lady to whom he was attracted.
Charles drew back the curtains, a signal it was time to rise. Joseph sat up, wondering how best to proceed with the day. The week would be over before he knew it, and he worried he wouldn’t accomplish anything.
He had to admit that spending time with Lady Harriet had become a priority as well. She intrigued him as no other lady had. He gave himself a mental shake. Ladies were not part of his plan, but he didn’t think he could resist the lure of her.
“Good morning, my lord,” Charles said as he walked to the wardrobe to select the proper attire for the day. “I’ve brought warm water if you’d care to wash.”
“Thank you.”
“I managed to speak with Reverend Henderson’s servant in the kitchen this morning,” Charles continued.
“Oh?” That perked Joseph’s mood. “Anything of interest?”
“Not yet. The man is an odd sort with a German accent. Seems to prefer to keep to himself but have no fear. I will wear him down until he talks.”
“I have complete faith in your abilities,” Joseph said with a smile.
“I think he’s merely self-conscious about his accent. I told him it was intriguing. We’ll see if that warms him up.”
“Excellent.” He’d already shared his dismal failure to remember Lady Harriet’s name and his mistake of thinking she was Miss Melbourne.
Charles had chuckled. “Perhaps the error will endear you to both ladies. You’ll have your own private jest between you to refer to.”