Would he have the chance to see her in London? Few events were held in the autumn, but one never knew.
Though tempted to call on her, he hesitated. Perhaps some distance would be wise. He shouldn’t allow his attraction to her to change his plans. Besides, he still didn’t believe in love, though he’d be the first to admit his attraction to her.
However, the time had not yet come to consider marriage, and Harriet deserved nothing less.
Never mind that he hadn’t been able to remember any of that when she was near. The coming days would help him focus on what was important. He had much work to do if he wanted to convince Melbourne and other investors to open a regional bank. His time would be better spent doing that than worrying about Harriet.
Yet as he stared out the window at the passing scenery, her face was all he saw.
~*~
“HOW HAVE YOU BEEN?”Phoebe asked as she sat in Harriet’s drawing room several days later.
“Well, and you?” Harriet waved a hand. “Never mind. I can see with one glance how happy you are.”
Phoebe laughed. “It’s true. I am.” She shook her head. “I never dreamed I’d feel this way. I still have to pinch myself to know for certain my life is real.”
Harriet grinned despite the longing that left her aching. “I’m so pleased for you.”
“Thank you. At times, it seemed as if Anthony and I would never be together. Now I can’t imagine life without him.”
“How marvelous.” It made Harriet want to weep for what she’d never have.
“The joy we’ve found only makes me more determined for all of the league members to make their bold moves. I know Frances is working on hers, but I hope you’ve given some thought to doing the same.”
“In truth, I’m having second thoughts.”
“That’s perfectly normal. I did as well.” Phoebe shifted to the edge of the chair, her gaze holding Harriet’s with intensity. “But the feeling passes, and you’ll find the courage you need again.”
“I don’t think that’s possible.” Harriet had given it much thought since her return home. It wasn’t just that Frances also liked Joseph—it was that Harriet’s secrets were impossible to overcome.
“Harriet, take heart. I have no doubt you will discover a way and enjoy the same happiness Tibby and I have found.”
She forced a smile, something she’d been doing often of late. “You are both a wonderful example of what’s possible.”
“We are.” Phoebe’s grin was almost contagious. But not quite.
“You knew your earl for some time, just as Tibby knew Captain Shaw since childhood. I’ve only known the man who caught my interest for a short time.” The excuse sounded hollow even to her own ears, but she hoped Phoebe would accept it.
“What difference does that make?”
Harriet sighed, realizing she had to talk to someone about it. “Well, for one, Frances cares for the same man that I do.”
The shock on her friend’s face followed quickly by dismay had Harriet nodding her head.
“Exactly,” Harriet said. “So you can see why any action on my part is impossible.”
“I must assume he was at the house party.” Harriet nodded. “Did you know she admired him before then?”
“No.” She rubbed a finger on her temple, feeling a headache brewing. In truth, she was tired of thinking about the situation when there wasn’t a solution.
Unfortunately, she had yet to find a way to remove Joseph from her thoughts. The truth was that she was thoroughly taken with him.
“To further complicate matters, Frances asked for my help to attract his notice.”
“Oh, Harriet. How terrible for you.”
“Terrible for us both. Of course, it all came out. I’m grateful Frances has forgiven me for not being honest with her.”