She followed his gaze and pursed her lips. “I grew weary of it.”
Had she? Or had his father made a comment that made her feel guilty for choosing bright colors? He smothered a sigh. That wasn’t his fight.
“Mother, if you ever need anything, anything at all, even a home, I can help you.” He repeated this each time he visited, wanting her to know he would help her if the day ever came when she was ready to leave his father.
“What could I possibly need, Joseph?” She shook her head as if he’d said something ridiculous.
Perhaps he had.
“I have just returned from a house party.” He would think of an amusing story to share with her. One that would make her smile.
“Oh?” Her eyes lit with interest, which tugged at his heart. How small her world had become. “Was it enjoyable?”
The thought of Harriet had him nodding. “Very much so. The kind lady who assisted us the other day on Bond Street was there.”
“Truly?”
“Her name is Lady Harriet.” Surely, the only reason he was talking about her was because he wanted something to share with his mother. It wasn’t because he couldn’t get the lady out of his mind.
“She is pretty, isn’t she?” his mother asked.
“Yes. She is.” Joseph couldn’t agree more. Much to his surprise, he found himself telling her all about Harriet, thinking how much she’d like her. One of his stories made his mother laugh out loud, and that helped to make up for the visit with his father.
~*~
HARRIET ENTERED THElending library the following afternoon with a maid in tow and found Phoebe, Winifred, and Millicent at their customary table.
Phoebe had sent a message suggesting they meet to discuss the questions they wanted to ask prospective members.
“Good afternoon,” she greeted her friends with a smile. In truth, she was grateful for a reason to leave the house. She needed to find more to occupy her time in order to keep from dwelling on Joseph.
“Harriet,” Millicent greeted her with a warm smile. “Winifred was just telling us what a lovely time you both had at the Melbourne’s house party.”
Harriet looked at Winifred as she sat, wondering what, if anything, Frances had told her. Based on her usual pleasant expression, she was unaware of the events that transpired. “We did, indeed.”
“Of course, we missed you both,” Winifred added, looking between Millicent and Phoebe.
“I was sad to miss it,” Millicent said. “But my aunt was feeling poorly, and I didn’t want to leave her.”
“I hope she’s recovered.” Harriet was more than happy to turn the conversation away from the party.
She met Phoebe’s sympathetic gaze and smiled, grateful as always for her support. Yet her friend’s expression made her worry that she wasn’t hiding her sorrow as well as she hoped.
The conversation continued as she glanced around.
The library had tables for those who wished to read as well as for groups like theirs who needed a place to meet. The majority of the patrons were women, but a few men also sat at the tables perusing books.
Clerks stood behind a counter in the center of the room, prepared to retrieve any book requested. The library was a wonderful place to borrow books as they were quite expensive, but it made Harriet think of Frances’ library, which only brought to mind Joseph.
Then again, everything reminded her of him.
After catching up with one another, Phoebe withdrew a sheet of paper from her reticule. “It won’t surprise any of you that I have prepared a list of potential questions for prospective members.”
Harriet couldn’t help but smile. Phoebe was well known for making lists. In fact, she’d presented a list to her husband when she’d proposed a marriage of convenience to him, something they still teased her about.
“I’d appreciate your opinion on these,” Phoebe continued. “I thought we should ask everyone similar questions to make sure they like to read.”
Millicent giggled. “I can’t believe anyone would want to join because they think we can help them find a husband.”