The two ladies smiled at one another as if they shared a secret as Shaw thanked him.
Philip Carstairs, the Duke of Trentworth, arrived before he could say anything more. Joseph hadn’t seen him since he inherited the previous year.
“It’s been some time, Garland,” the duke said.
“It has, Your Grace. I hope you’ve been well.”
He and the duke had been at university together, though Trentworth was two years his senior. As the spare heir, he hadn’t expected to inherit. A tragic accident had taken the life of his elder brother, and his father had died soon after.
The last Joseph had heard, Trentworth was spending the majority of his time at his country estate, implementing changes his father had started before his death.
If only Joseph’s father took an interest in their estate.
“I have,” Trentworth replied. “And you?”
Before Joseph could answer, a sudden awareness swept over him. He stilled before slowly turning to see Harriet enter the room. All else fell away as he watched her greet Lady Bolton.
“Garland?” The duke’s voice sounded as if it came from next door rather than his side.
Joseph pulled his attention away from Harriet to look at the duke, reminding himself that he was there to make connections. “My apologies for my distraction, Your Grace.”
However, another glance at Harriet had him saying, “Please excuse me for a moment.”
He was drawn to Harriet’s side like a compass needle to true north. It didn’t matter that she was speaking to Lord and Lady Bolton. It wouldn’t have mattered if she’d been speaking to the Queen herself. He simply had to be closer.
“Harriet.”
“Joseph.” Her eyes lit with what he hoped was pleasure despite a hint of caution in their blue depths. “How nice to see you again.”
He knew Lord and Lady Bolton watched them with avid interest but couldn’t bring himself to care.
“Harriet, I didn’t realize you were so well acquainted with Viscount Garland,” Lady Bolton said, her eyes wide with interest.
“We both had the pleasure of attending the Melbourne’s house party last week,” Harriet said as color rose in her cheeks.
He’d missed her so much. It was all he could do not to take her hand. Thank goodness she’d provided an explanation to their hosts as he wasn’t certain he could’ve.
She looked lovely in a blue gown with embroidered flowers along the bodice. The vivid color complemented her complexion and blonde hair.
He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Only now did he realize how empty his world had been without her.
There was so much he wanted to say but couldn’t. Somehow, he had to find a moment alone with her before the evening ended.
“We’re sorry we weren’t able to attend,” Lady Bolton was saying. “I’ve heard wonderful things about Melbourne House.”
“It has not one but two libraries.” The amazement in Harriet’s tone was sweet, a reminder of how much she enjoyed reading.
But when she looked at him, he knew immediately she was thinking of the kiss they’d shared in the library.
So was he.
“Two?” Lady Bolton was clearly impressed and touched her husband’s arm. “Perhaps we should consider adding one.”
Harriet smiled as she held Joseph’s gaze. “Joseph can attest to how wonderful they were.”
“They were indeed.” He would’ve agreed with her no matter what she said. “Especially the smaller one. That was my favorite.”
Harriet’s eyes widened at his comment, and color stained her cheeks even deeper. “It boasted a spiral staircase and a library ladder. It was perfect.” Her focus remained on Joseph, warming his entire body.