“Not at all,” Joseph reassured her then turned to Sinclair “Lady Harriet and I have discovered we are both fond of Charles Dickens. Do you enjoy his books as well?”
“I have only read a couple but yes, I do.”
“What other hobbies do you enjoy?” Lady Harriet asked, looking at them both.
Joseph waited for Sinclair to respond, which gave him the chance to watch her. She truly was pretty with those wide blue eyes that held on whomever she was speaking with as if she were actually interested in what they were saying rather than merely making polite conversation.
Her pale hair was drawn into a loose chignon with several strands left to curl around her face. A hint of color in her cheeks made her eyes look all the brighter. Her high-necked gown was a slate blue that brought to mind a rainy evening.
Did she choose gowns with higher necklines because she was especially modest? He wouldn’t have noticed except several of the other ladies’ evening gowns had daring décolletages in comparison.
“And you, Viscount Garland?” she asked.
“Please, call me Joseph.” He wasn’t certain what possessed him to suggest it, but it felt right. “We are all familiar given the confines of the house party, aren’t we?”
The pink in Lady Harriet’s cheeks deepened, making her even more attractive. Her shy smile tightened his chest. “Very well.”
“And I’m Thomas,” Sinclair quickly added.
She nodded. “You may call me Harriet.” She then looked expectantly at Joseph.
It took him a moment to remember the question when she looked at him that way.
He longed to tell her the truth, that he’d been forming a plan to open a regional bank to offer assistance to new businesses in the area and help support the faltering agricultural economy. But he wasn’t ready to mention any of that in front of Sinclair. Not yet.
First, he wanted a chance to speak with Mr. Melbourne about his idea. Without investors, the bank wouldn’t be possible.
Instead, he spoke of a few other hobbies, including riding and boxing.
Before he could ask her in return, Miss Melbourne arrived. It seemed as if Lady Harriet had been watching for her as she gestured for her to join them.
He had to believe Miss Melbourne wasn’t especially pleased by the invitation based on the look she sent her friend.
Still, she approached with a smile. “Good evening. I’m sorry, but I must have a word with my mother before dinner.” Then with a nod, she departed.
Frustration flashed across Lady Harriet’s expression, which only made Joseph more curious about the unspoken exchange between the ladies.
“Mrs. Melbourne mentioned playing another game after dinner this evening,” Sinclair said.
“Charades again?” Harriet asked with a resigned look.
Sinclair leaned closer. “Worse,” he said with a grin. “Blindman’s wand.”
Joseph smothered a groan. The game consisted of two players who were blindfolded. Each held the end of a long stick and they had to guess the other’s identity.
“Oh dear.” Harriet frowned but still managed to look pretty. “I don’t particularly like being blindfolded.”
“Nor do I,” Joseph agreed. “Perhaps we should come up with an alternative everyone might enjoy more.”
“Music is on the agenda for tomorrow evening,” Harriet said. She glanced in Miss Melbourne’s direction who stood near her mother but seemed to be gesturing that Harriet do something. She gave a small shake of her head.
“Is all well?” Joseph asked.
“Yes, thank you.”
He was rather disappointed that she didn’t say anything further. Had she asked Miss Melbourne about Reverend Henderson’s presence? He dearly wanted to know but would wait to ask until they wouldn’t be overheard. Or was that merely an excuse to speak with her in private?
The bell rang for dinner and Joseph found himself beside Lady Caroline Harris, another of the female guests.