Page 37 of As the Earl Likes
“That is because I have just procured one for you this morning,” Min’s mother replied crisply as she glanced toward Jo. “It is likely being delivered as we speak.”
“I’m afraid Jo isn’t able to attend a ball on Thursday,” Jo’s mother said. “She is otherwise engaged. We did not think she would have social requirements until after the betrothal ball.”
Jo hadn’t been certain of how to respond and was grateful for her mother stepping in.
The duchess frowned, and judging from the lines on her face, Jo surmised she did that often. But that was perhaps due to her unhappy marriage. Jo couldn’t help feeling sorry for the woman. Seeing her was a good reminder of why Jo eschewed marriage—and would continue to do so.
Lips pursed, the duchess looked at Jo’s mother with disdain. “It would be best if she accepted the invitation. She will need to participate in such events when she is wed to my son.”
“Perhaps, but she is not yet married to him,” Jo’s mother said evenly. “It would be best if you ascertained someone’s availability before seeking to commit them to something. Perhaps you are accustomed to doing things without concern for others, but that is not our way.”
The duchess’s chest moved as she sucked a breath through her nose. Jo braced herself for further conflict, but Min’s mother tipped her attention back to the book on her lap.
Jo exchanged a look of relief with Min. “Your Grace, Sheff and I do plan to promenade in the park this week.” Perhaps that would soothe the duchess.
“While that is nice, it is not an invitation,” Min’s mother replied without looking up from the book. “Anyone can promenade in the park. Declining the invitation from one of Almack’s patronesses is just not a good way to begin.” She snapped the book closed. “I do hope your other engagement is something that is worthy of missing the ball.” She looked at Jo expectantly.
There was no engagement, however. Jo was simply…working at the club. That would not be seen as worthy at all, even if there wasn’t a ball. She was saved from having to respond by the return of Madame Demarest carrying a slender book.
“Here is my latest collection of designs.” She handed it to Jo. “The tea will arrive in a moment. For now, let me make a list of what items you require and when.” The modiste whipped a small notebook from the pocket of her apron along with a pencil and took one of the two remaining empty chairs—the one closest to the duchess.
Jo opened her mouth to respond, but the duchess began listing what was needed, starting with the betrothal ball grown. She went so far as to detail how it would look and what color it should be.
Frustration boiled inside Jo, and she opened the book the modiste had given her to distract herself from the duchess’s cavalier behavior. The very first plate was a gorgeous blue ball gown. It was simple and elegant, precisely the sort of style that appealed to Jo. She held it up toward Madame Demarest.
“I’d like this for the betrothal ball.” Jo didn’t care that she was interrupting the duchess. In fact, she took pleasure in doing so. She glanced toward her mother, who was watching her with rampant approval.
Madame Demarest smiled with glee. “I just sketched that yesterday, and you are the first to see it.”
“Then you shall retire the design,” the duchess said. “She must have a unique and original gown.”
“Of course,” Madame Demarest said, making notes.
“The other item I need right away is a walking costume,” Jo said. “I’ll be promenading in the park on Wednesday. I do realize that is very soon, so if that’s not possible, I understand.”
The duchess sent Jo a perturbed look. “She will have it ready by Wednesday morning.”
“Of course,” Madame Demarest said with a nod. “What else can I provide?”
Jo flipped through the rest of the book with Min at her side. Together, they selected several items. Jo was grateful for her friend’s presence.
Min pivoted toward her mother. “Mama, I think you’ll find our choices meet with your satisfaction.” She handed the book to her mother and pointed out which ones they’d chosen while Madame Demarest made notes.
The duchess looked over at Jo’s mother. “Don’t you want to share your opinion?”
“Not at all. It does not signify. Only Jo’s matters.”
Walnut-colored brows climbing, the duchess appeared unimpressed with that declaration. “Then it is very good that I have come. Will you also be joining us at the cobbler and milliner?”
Jo watched the shadow that passed briefly over her mother’s features. Min and her mother likely hadn’t caught it.
“I know you are busy, Mama,” Jo said. “I can meet you at home later.”
Madame Demarest stood. “I just need to take your measurements, Miss Harker.”
Jo rose, as did her mother, who moved toward Jo. “I can see that you are able to handle yourself with the duchess. Are you sure you don’t want me to continue on to the cobbler with you?”
“No, I’ll be fine. I can manage things. Perhaps later, you can tell me how you know the duchess,” she added with an arched brow.
