“I’m pleased to hear it.”
Joseph was surprised the earl agreed given how distracted Joseph had been after his conversation with Harriet. He’d barely managed to remember what he wanted to tell Bolton about the investment when his thoughts remained on Harriet and her painful goodbye.
After advising the earl he’d be back in touch once he secured the other investors for the bank, he took his carriage home, his thoughts churning.
Despite what Harriet had said, he still intended to proceed with his plan to uncover all he could about Reverend Henderson and Lord Chapman. Something—or someone—was frightening her, and he would get to the bottom of it.
But first, he needed a few minutes to collect himself and come to terms with her goodbye.
The terrible ache in his chest at the thought of not seeing her again made it difficult to think. He knew without a doubt that she was scared. If he could discover the cause and put an end to it, perhaps he could convince her to change her mind about allowing him to call on her.
It had to have something to do with Reverend Henderson and Lord Chapman. More information on both men would surely help.
His reeling emotions made the task feel daunting. He had to hope that fate would lend a hand and guide him with his goal.
“What happened?” Charles asked as Joseph entered his apartment.
“Lady Harriet has rejected my suit.” Even saying the words hurt. But he needed to focus on why she had told him goodbye rather than how much it upset him.
“I’m terribly sorry to hear that,” Charles said with genuine sympathy.
“I don’t think we are done trying to discover what Reverend Henderson is up to.” Joseph handed him his hat and gloves. “I have reason to believe that her refusing me is somehow connected to the man.”
“How concerning. Though it seems doubtful this has anything to do with the matter, this just arrived.” Charles handed him a message.
Joseph opened it, surprised to see his mother had written it. “My mother asks me to come by this afternoon while my father is out.”
Charles lifted a brow. “I hope all is well.”
“As do I. I’ll go see her now.”
Worry curled through him during the brief carriage ride. What could’ve happened that would make her reach out?
“Lady Caldwell is expecting you, my lord,” the butler said upon his arrival. “She’s in her sitting room.”
Joseph took the stairs two at a time and knocked on the open door before entering.
“Good afternoon, Mother.”
“Joseph. Thank you for coming so quickly.” A hint of a smile softened her expression. Hopefully that was a sign that she didn’t have bad news.
“Of course.” He bent to kiss her cheek, breathing in her familiar flowery scent. As he sat on the nearby chair, he studied her but didn’t see anything amiss. “I hope you are well.”
“I am. I sent for you because I heard your father and Mr. Henderson arguing this morning.”
“Oh?” Joseph caught the fact that she didn’t use reverend before his name, which only made him more curious.
“Do you remember Reverend Elliott from the church we used to attend?”
“Of course.” The man had taken the place of the long-time minister of their church who’d retired a few years earlier. His father had numerous disagreements with Elliott. Soon afterward, his father and Henderson had become acquainted, and his father had changed churches.
“He called to advise us that questions have arisen regarding Henderson’s activities.”
If Joseph didn’t know better, he would’ve thought amusement lit his mother’s eyes. “What sort of questions?”
“No one has been able to confirm where or if Henderson was ever formally ordained. Nor was he granted permission to hold services in the building on Down Street.”
Joseph sat back in his chair, hardly able to believe all she’d said. “How did Father take the news?”