Chapter Twenty
Over the past two days, Joseph had done his best to create as many problems for Henderson as possible for making false claims. Charles had assisted by speaking to fellow servants, helping to spread the news as quickly as possible.
Joseph had visited Henderson’s church, but Henderson hadn’t been there. No one had, making Joseph wonder if the man realized his house of cards was about to fall.
After that, Joseph went to his club and found two gentlemen who had known Lord Chapman.
One had been a long-time acquaintance of Chapman’s and had nothing good to say about him. He said the lord had a cruel streak that was evident in the pranks he’d played on fellow students at boarding school. Those antics continued at university.
Apparently, Chapman pretended to be kind only to suddenly change his demeanor, taking pleasure in tormenting those younger and weaker.
The other gentleman hadn’t known Chapman long but thought him a fine fellow and mentioned how terrible it was that an unfortunate accident had taken his life.
None of that was especially helpful in shedding light on what might be bothering Harriet. Joseph hoped she’d trust him enough to tell him so he could help her.
He’d taken a risk by following Harriet to the shop, but he was pleased he had. One look at her face confirmed she was still distraught.
While relieved she’d agreed to see him, he still worried about the outcome of the visit. Would they have a few minutes alone together so he could share what was in his heart?
Would that be enough to convince her to give him a chance?
Two o’clock couldn’t come fast enough. He’d nearly driven Charles mad with his pacing until the time came to leave.
He arrived a few minutes early and much to his relief, the butler immediately showed him in. He’d been half-afraid Harriet would refuse to see him given her uncertainty when he’d spoken with her earlier.
The sight of her alone in the drawing room standing near the settee sent his heart racing once again. She looked beautiful as always, her blue gown partially hidden by a thick shawl. His chest felt as if it might burst from the emotion flooding through him.
“Good afternoon.” He bowed, doing his best to hold all his feelings back, not wanting to alarm her with how much he cared. “Thank you for seeing me.”
“Thank you for coming.” Her posture was stiff, along with her manner. She gestured toward a chair, and he took a seat.
She sat as well, looking at him expectantly.
Where did he begin?
“If Henderson has been bothering you, I hope that will soon come to an end if it hasn’t already. It appears he’ll have his hands full with his own problems from this point forward.”
“I’m pleased to hear that.” Yet she looked anything but pleased.
Clearly, the news didn’t solve whatever was bothering her. He’d been afraid that would be the case.
“Harriet, you must know how much I’ve come to care for you. We haven’t known each other long, but that doesn’t seem to matter.”
Her expression held a mixture of longing and regret.
The regret made his heart sink.
“Joseph, there is something you don’t know about me.”
“Oh?” He couldn’t imagine what she might say that would change his opinion.
“You are a kind and honorable gentleman. It has been a pleasure coming to know you.”