At a glance, it seemed that neither of the newcomers had heard the gossip. During their initial conversation with the ladies, they’d only wanted to make certain they liked to read. They hadn’t discussed the other activities of the league.
“We have challenged one another to make a bold move to draw the eye of the gentlemen for whom we carry a secrettendre. Nothing untoward, of course.” Phoebe’s cheeks flushed as she spoke. “Just something to help them see us in a different light and as a possible match.”
“Truly?” Lady Eliza studied each of them with that look of avid interest she often displayed. “And? Has it been met with success?”
Phoebe offered a grin. “I proposed a marriage of convenience to the man who is now my husband. He refused but a short time later, we married, though not for convenience. Definitely a success.” She looked at Tibby with a raised brow.
“I suggested a pretend betrothal to a childhood friend, and we are now married.” Tibby’s beaming smile spoke of her happiness and had everyone smiling in return.
Lady Eliza sat back in her chair as if overcome by the conversation. “I never thought of doing anything like that.”
“Does that mean there’s someone who has your affection?” Phoebe asked.
For a moment, Harriet thought she wouldn’t answer. Then she slowly nodded. “Yes, there is.” She tapped a gloved finger on her lip, seeming deep in thought for a long moment. “How interesting.”
“Mrs. Hatch, I know you’re a widow, but is there someone—”
“No.” The lady adamantly shook her head. “No one.” She glanced about as if realizing her vehement denial was out of place. With a forced smile, she shook her head again. “I’m sorry but I must decline to participate in that.”
“That’s fine,” Phoebe quickly reassured her. “We started this several months ago. One of our other members who isn’t here today is working on hers. Otherwise, we’d have an update from her, as well.”
“You take turns?” Mrs. Hatch asked, her brow furrowed.
“We have thus far, although it’s not a requirement.” Phoebe cast a meaningful look at Harriet as she spoke.
Harriet smiled, but at that moment, she knew she wouldn’t be making a bold move, and it had nothing to do with Frances. The encounter with Reverend Henderson was a warning she had to heed.
If Joseph learned the truth, he’d walk away. Better that she be the one to end their association before it progressed any further and left her with nothing but heartbreak.
~*~
JOSEPH KNOCKED ON THEdoor of Bolton House that afternoon, excited to meet with the earl at his behest to further discuss the plans for the regional bank. Afterward, he intended to go to his club again in search of someone who might know more about Lord Chapman or Reverend Henderson.
Harriet’s distress was never far from his thoughts. What could have upset her so? He still felt certain it involved one of the two men or possibly both. There had to be a connection beyond their being acquaintances that he hadn’t yet discovered.
In truth, the mystery was beginning to consume him. Seeing her again had made him realize how much he cared for her. He didn’t like knowing how upset she was. It was more than his protective instincts coming to the surface. How much more, he couldn’t say.
The butler greeted him and requested he wait in the reception room then departed to announce him.
Joseph was too restless to sit and paced the small room, his thoughts swirling. Only a few minutes had passed when he heard voices in the hall.
Feminine voices.
Actually, a familiar feminine voice.
He returned to the foyer to see Harriet descending the stairs. “Harriet.” His heart pounded like a drum.
“Joseph.” Surprise and delight brightened her expression only to be quickly shuttered.
He strode forward to take her gloved hands in his when she reached the bottom of the stairs. “What a pleasant surprise.” He nearly grimaced as his words didn’t express anything of what he felt.
“Indeed.” Her gaze searched his face, a reserve in her blue eyes he didn’t like.
Yet still, reserve was a far cry from the fear he’d noted the previous day when he’d called.
“Are you well?” He wanted her to tell him everything but would settle for anything. How he wished she trusted him enough to share what was concerning her.
“Yes.” But the lack of conviction in her voice was undeniable.