The memory was enough to have him smiling as he entered the library before dinner.
He’d left a message after luncheon and decided to check before dinner to see if she’d replied, whoever “she” was.
Sure enough, a folded piece of paper was in the box. He sighed as he opened it, realizing he had mixed feelings about the messages.
Yet as he read the words, it was as if Harriet were whispering in his ear. The very idea was enough to make his blood sing.
I find myself thinking of you at the oddest times, even when it’s terribly inconvenient. When we’re surrounded by others. It’s all I can do to keep my gaze from holding on you. From approaching to tell you how I feel.
Though he could easily imagine Harriet saying this, it didn’t quite make sense given what had happened between them that morning.
If only he knew.
Stuffing the paper in his pocket, he walked to the drawing room, pleased he wasn’t the last to arrive. It took only a moment to note that Harriet was not yet there. He hoped nothing was amiss. It wasn’t like her to be late.
He remained by the doorway with the hope of having a chance to speak with her, however briefly.
“Good evening.”
He turned at the feminine tone to find Miss Melbourne at his side. How surprising. “It is indeed. Did you have an enjoyable day?”
She seemed rather breathless based on the way her chest heaved. The low décolletage of her gown made it impossible not to notice. She licked her lips and appeared uncertain of how to respond to his question.
Odd, since it wasn’t a particularly difficult one to answer. While her shyness earned his sympathy, it was wearing thin on his patience. Why had she engaged in conversation with him if she was uncomfortable doing so?
“Yes,” she managed at last. “And you?”
“Very nice.” He hesitated to ask any additional questions when the last one had seemed to cause her such distress.
“I understand you spoke with my father.” Her cheeks turned pink as she spoke, her gaze dropping to the floor.
Joseph stilled, wishing she would look at him so that he could gauge the meaning behind her remark. “Yes, I did.” He nearly held his breath with the hope she’d say something more.
While Melbourne had acted interested in his plan, there was always the chance he had merely been being polite to a guest.
“Did he mention it?” Joseph asked when she said nothing further. Speaking with Miss Melbourne was maddening.
“Yes. He said he was quite impressed by your idea.”
Satisfaction welled inside him. “That’s good to hear.”
“May I ask what it was regarding?” The words came out in a rush so that it took him a moment to understand them.
He couldn’t deny his surprise that she wanted to know. Surely it would’ve been easier to ask her father than him.
“It was regarding the formation of a regional bank with the hope of promoting industry in the area.”
“A bank?” Reverend Henderson appeared out of thin air. Perhaps that was because Joseph had been so intent on ignoring his presence. “What on earth for? There are already numerous successful ones in London.”
Joseph clenched his jaw to keep from telling the man to mind his own business. He felt the weight of several people’s stares from nearby and reminded himself to be civil. “Regional ones are often more willing to promote local industries.”
“There are no industries around here, Garland.” The reverend chuckled. “You should have your facts straight before you suggest such outlandish ventures.”
The reverend’s comment seemed to make Miss Melbourne even more uncomfortable if that were possible.
“That lack is exactly why one should be established in the area,” Joseph protested.
“Not when you don’t have any banking experience.” Henderson shook his head. “Nothing but foolishness and a waste of money.”