“I know. But maybe this is a sign that I should think further on the matter.” Indecision filled Harriet, stealing her earlier courage.
“Don’t think too long,” Tibby advised. “Remember, we don’t want to live with regret.”
Harriet nodded even as she worried her lip. “True. But this is probably for the best. I don’t even have a plan yet.”
“You will soon. Be prepared to take a leap of faith when the opportunity presents itself.”
Harriet pondered her words as the conversation continued around her. No matter how she’d considered the possibilities, she couldn’t think of how such an opportunity would occur. She didn’t see Viscount Garland often, other than at an occasional ball.
Her gaze rested on Frances again, who seemed to have gained enthusiasm from her announcement. Her normally shy demeanor had changed to one more animated as she spoke to the other ladies.
Harriet smiled. If this endeavor brought Frances happiness, all the better. Harriet was pleased for her.
She hoped her own day would come. For now, she would support her friend as she moved forward and learn from Frances’ experience.
Never mind the deep pang of regret that felt like a splinter in her heart.
Chapter One
Six Weeks Later...
Joseph Harris, Viscount Garland, entered the small shop on Bond Street and paused to study his mother as she perused the glass case where a selection of ribbons, parasols, and embroideries was displayed.
He was well aware that he was the only man in the place, mainly because of the glances the other ladies shopping cast his way. They clearly wished he would leave. How ridiculous that he’d had to resort to paying his parents’ footman to send word when his mother stepped out for an afternoon of shopping just so he’d have the chance to speak with her alone.
His father left him no choice. The Earl of Caldwell’s religious fervor meant any conversation with him was fraught with strife. Joseph refused to speak with him unless necessary.
If possible, Joseph would’ve cut off all ties with him. For the most part, his younger siblings had already done so. His sister had married the first man who’d showed interest, now lived in the country, and was expecting her first child. One of his brothers had also married and the youngest was studying to become a solicitor. That was a particular sore spot with their father, who’d wanted Isaac to become a clergyman. All of them, including Joseph, had left home as soon as they were of age and had the means to do so.
But his mother remained.
Joseph knew there was little he could do to protect her, especially when she refused to leave her husband. That meant Joseph did what he could to see her. If his father went out, which was rare, Joseph stopped by. If his mother went shopping, Joseph tried to join her.
Thank goodness the footman was willing to alert him with a message when either of those occasions occurred.
“Good afternoon, Mother,” he said quietly as he joined her at the counter.