Harriet gave in. “Of course.”
They went together and found the room empty. Harriet stood guard outside the door while Frances put the message in the box.
To Harriet’s relief, no one walked by. She couldn’t imagine what she’d say if Joseph had wanted in the library. With luck, Frances would ask one of the servants to help her next time and leave Harriet out of it.
~*~
JOSEPH WAS ON HIS WAYback to the house from the stables after enjoying another ride when he heard his name. He turned, pleased to see Melbourne striding toward him.
“How was your ride, Garland?” he asked with a smile. Despite his stout frame which was much like his son’s, he walked with purpose.
Joseph envied his confidence as if he knew his place in the world and was comfortable with it.
“Excellent. Your estate is a pleasure to view.”
“I’m pleased to hear it. Your country estate isn’t far, is it?”
Joseph realized this might be the opening he needed. “To the north in Gloucestershire. I plan to be there next month for a week or two.” At least, he intended to visit, assuming his father remained in London.
“I hope we can continue our conversation about raising crops before the week’s end.”
“I would like that.” Joseph was pleased by his host’s words. This was the opportunity he’d been hoping for. “I’d also like to speak with you about an investment idea I’ve been developing.”
Melbourne clapped him on the shoulder. “I look forward to it. Perhaps tomorrow’s schedule will provide time to talk. For now, I must assist Mrs. Melbourne with a few things.”
Joseph’s spirits fell. Tomorrow seemed a long way off. Postponing it meant risking that it wouldn’t happen at all. But he was grateful for the possibility all the same. “Of course.”
Melbourne left him in the foyer when they entered the house.
Joseph went up to his room to freshen up, certain he smelled like horses. It was nearly time for luncheon, but he couldn’t resist stopping by the library to see if another message awaited him.
Sure enough, a folded piece of paper was nestled in the box. He enjoyed the sense of anticipation that filled him as he opened it. But the reason for the feeling was that he believed Harriet was behind the messages. Perhaps this was her way of being flirtatious.
He read the missive, trying to read between the lines and look for clues. It seemed unfair that the author knew his identity, but he didn’t know hers.
Still, he would enjoy the interaction with the hope it led to a deepening relationship with Harriet. Surely it had to be her who had written the messages. He couldn't imagine any of the other ladies doing so.
The location of where the messages were hidden also seemed to confirm Harriet had written them since they had spent a pleasurable hour visiting in this very room. Though he would rather speak with her again instead of exchanging brief messages, perhaps these would help her open up to him more than when they talked.
He entered the dining room where many of the other guests were already eating. Luncheon was a casual meal with a selection of bread, cold meats, and cheeses, along with fruits and nuts. The light repast was perfect and more than enough to hold him over until dinner. Ale was offered as well, and he helped himself to a glass.
Joseph sat beside Peter Connolly, the shipbuilding heir, and asked a few questions, wondering if he might be interested in investing. But Connolly seemed more interested in enjoying himself than talking about business.
“Did you hear that our presence has been requested in the drawing room after luncheon?” Connolly asked.
“Oh, yes. We’re to play another game, aren’t we?” To his surprise, Joseph was looking forward to it. Or rather, to the chance to see Harriet again.
A few of the ladies were also dining but not Harriet. After finishing the meal, he went up to the drawing room though he was early.
He hoped to see Harriet, but the room stood empty. He turned to leave only to nearly run into Reverend Henderson.
“Excuse me.” Joseph started to move around his stocky frame, having no wish to talk to him.
“I was hoping for a word with you, Garland.” The reverend didn’t budge.
“Oh? Regarding what?” Joseph didn’t bother pretending to be friendly. He had no respect for the man.
“Don’t think I haven’t seen you whispering to the other guests behind my back.” The man’s dark eyes narrowed with his accusation. “If you have something to say, tell me directly.”