They watched together, calling out encouragement to the other players and sharing looks of amusement. Each time her gaze met Joseph’s, an intense awareness poured through her.
How could she ignore the feeling when it happened so rarely in life? She’d been to numerous events and balls and parties over the past five years. While she’d experienced nerves, embarrassment, and moments of happiness, never had she felt what she did when she looked into Joseph’s eyes.
She jerked her attention away from him yet again, glancing at Frances with the hope her friend hadn’t witnessed the moment.
But based on the coolness in her expression as she looked at Harriet, it seemed she had.
~*~
HARRIET PACED HER BEDROOMsoon after the game had finished. She’d wanted to speak with Frances right away, but Mrs. Melbourne had requested Frances’ help, delaying her in the sitting room.
If only she knew what to say. Would Frances ever forgive her for coming to care for Joseph, too?
She turned to walk to the window again only to hear a knock at the door. Her stomach twisted alarmingly, and she pressed a hand to it, hoping to settle her nerves. She hurried to the door and opened it to find Frances there, just as she’d expected.
“Frances,” she greeted her as she opened the door wider. “Come in.”
One look at her face confirmed her friend was upset. That only made Harriet feel worse.
“I simply cannot believe it.” Frances strode past her then placed a hand on her hip as she turned to face Harriet.
The air left Harriet’s lungs at her obvious distress. “I’m sorry. I can explain.”
Before she could finish the thought Frances waved a hand in the air. “I don’t think you can.”
A terrible ache filled Harriet at her words.
“Lady Caroline was flirting outrageously with Viscount Garland,” Frances continued.
Harriet stared at Frances in disbelief as she tried to understand what she had just said. “Lady Caroline?”
“She was acting far too forward. Did you see the way she placed her hand on his arm?”
Harriet had noticed but hadn’t been concerned by it. They’d been in the middle of the game with everyone enjoying themselves. A certain friendliness at a house party was to be expected, wasn’t it?
Never mind that she was certain what she felt was more than friendliness.
She couldn’t deny her relief that Frances wasn’t upset with her. This was the perfect opportunity to tell her how she felt about Joseph. But she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Besides, it wasn’t as if they had done anything untoward.
The excuse sounded weak even to herself.
“It’s clear that I need to take a bolder step to attract his attention,” Frances continued. “I have been far too reserved up to this point.”
“What do you intend to do?” She couldn’t imagine her shy friend doing anything drastic to gain his notice.
Frances marched to the desk and pulled out a sheet of paper. “I will be more direct in this message.”
“Or you could speak with him this evening and make it clear how you feel.” How terrible that Harriet almost hoped she would refuse.
“No.” Frances shook her head. “I can’t do it. I thought to try this afternoon. But the moment he looked at me, my throat closed, and I couldn’t say a word.” She pressed a hand to her forehead. “I have no idea what is wrong with me, but I just can’t. That is why I appreciate your help so much.”
Harriet sighed. While relieved Frances wasn’t upset with her, she wished Frances would simply speak with him. A smile and a few words would make it clear how she felt and allow Joseph the chance to return her regard if he were so inclined.
“I will tell him how handsome I find him.” Frances stared at the blank paper, her hand holding the pen. Yet she didn’t write anything.
“You could say exactly that,” Harriet said softly.
“That’s not good enough.”