He tucked her hand under his arm, determined to see her to her carriage. He studied her a moment longer, wondering what exactly had caused her to be so distracted that she’d nearly been run over.
With a quiet breath of relief, he attempted a smile at her rescuer. “Thank you for your assistance.”
“I’m pleased I was able to help.” Wide blue eyes the color of a bright summer sky held on him as a hint of blush tinged her cheeks. She was actually quite pretty and definitely looked familiar.
“Have we met?” he asked, still trying to remember if he should know her.
“Yes. Twice.” Her lashes fluttered downward, covering those amazing eyes.
He frowned, having difficulty believing he wouldn’t remember. While he tended to avoid speaking to ladies and their mothers as he had no plans to marry in the near future, he couldn’t imagine that he would’ve forgotten this lovely lady.
She gave a brief shake of her head as if to suggest it didn’t matter. “The Earl and Countess of Bolton are dear friends, and I believe you know Captain Shaw, as well.”
“Of course.” He nodded, his memory slowly returning. They’d been introduced at a ball, though he couldn’t say which one. Why hadn’t he noted her beauty then?
Perhaps it was the sunlight that made her look especially attractive. Her skin was smooth and glowed with good health, and her heart-shaped face had high cheekbones and a slim, pert nose. The hair beneath her narrow bonnet was a blend of light and dark with the paler strands winning the day.
“Mother, you might remember Viscount Garland,” she said.
“Of course. How nice to see you again.”
“A pleasure.” He bowed, aware of his mother’s hand still trembling under his arm. “May I present my mother, Anna Harris, the Countess of Caldwell.”
To his dismay, the young lady dipped into a curtsy but didn’t share her or her mother’s name. Of course, she didn’t when they’d already been introduced. How unfortunate that he couldn’t remember, nor could he think of a polite way to ask.
“Thank you again,” his mother told the younger lady, clearly ready to depart since she was still upset.
“You’re quite welcome.” The lady’s gaze held on his mother, and he wondered if she saw the same sadness he did.
He released a quiet sigh of frustration. He had done what he could to help, but she needed to stand up for herself as well.
However, he understood why she so often chose not to. His father’s wrath was unpleasant, to say the least. Defying him in any way was rarely worth the argument that followed.
“Are you certain you’re all right?” the lady’s mother asked. “We could find a place to sit and rest for a time.” She glanced around as if searching for one.
“No need,” his mother said quickly. “My carriage isn’t far.”
“I’ll walk with you,” Joseph offered.
“Very well.” She smiled politely. “It was a pleasure to meet you both.”
“And you as well,” the older lady said.
“I wish you a good day,” Joseph added. Then with a nod, he turned away. “Which way is your carriage?”
His mother tipped her head across the street.
As they moved away, he couldn’t resist looking back at the pretty rescuer and found her watching him. How he wished he could remember her name.
~*~
THREE DAYS LATER, HARRIETpaused after the footman assisted her to alight from the coach at Melbourne House in Wiltshire. The sight of the imposing mansion was enough to give one pause. Though she knew Frances’ parents were wealthy, one look at the estate suggested that was an understatement.
Frances’ grandfather had bought large tracts of land with his fortune, including the mansion. Arthur Melbourne, Frances’ father, continued the family’s success with savvy investments over the years, growing their wealth even more. Frances’ mother’s family came from money as well.
However, those who met Frances and her parents in London wouldn’t guess the extent of the family’s fortune. The townhouse in the city was nice but not ostentatious. The Melbournes didn’t host lavish parties. Frances dressed well though not always in the latest fashion, and she didn’t go shopping any more often than most young ladies her age.
However, the trip to Melbourne House hinted at their wealth. She and Frances had traveled in their richly appointed private train car, along with her parents. A fine coach with a team of four had picked them up at the train station.