The Education Of Joanne Part 21

"You have been the proper miss one moment with that poor young man and an outlandish coquette the next instant. I shall not even mention your behaviour with Lord Wiltham-I believe you know how disgraceful that has been."

"I am truly sorry, Aunt. It will not happen again, I a.s.sure you. I promise to be most ladylike with Lord Humbolt from now on."

Kenton's name was fuel to the smouldering embers; for all his evident concern he had not called since.

"A walk in the gardens cannot ruin a reputation," Joanne angrily returned.

"You have forgotten that you have to live down your father's reputation first. Everyone watches to see if you will be of his kind." The comtesse stepped closer. Uncharacteristically, she bit her lip.

"Can you not-confide in me? There must be a reason behind your changeable conduct. Could it be that you wish to make someone jealous?"

The to then unrealized truth touched home. Colour faded from Joanne's cheeks.

"Just because you act thusly with Perton to make Kenton jealous is no reason to accuse me," she threw back defensively.

The comtesse reeled. Is this what the child thought; no wonder her shifting demeanour. "No, no, Joanne.

You are wrong. I care nothing for Lord Jason-he is but a friend," she hastened to tell her.

The speed of the reb.u.t.tal only confirmed Joanne's belief. She rose haughtily, barely in control. Let themhave one another, she thought. I owe them happiness for what they have done for me even if itbreaks my heart.

"I must dress, Aunt. I give my word to bring no further dishonour upon you. Is that satisfactory?"

"That is nonsense," the comtesse said, restraining the urge to slap some sense into the silly child. "What do I care of honour? Let me help you," she begged, trying to reach across the barrier Joanne had erected.

Deaf to the plea, Joanne went to her seat before her vanity table and began powdering her face.

The comtesse gazed at her sadly but there was little she could do now. Perhaps if she spoke to Kenton.

How foolish I was to think I was handling this so well, she thought sadly. Now to right things before it is too late. But how, with two as stubborn as she knew these to be.

Nothing changed between the two as they travelled to Devonshire house for the d.u.c.h.ess's ball. In an effort to ease the tension, the comtesse began idle chatter. "We are very fortunate to have been invited-many would do anything for an invitation from the d.u.c.h.ess. It is said only the best of society are invited."

"Then I should not have been," snapped Joanne. She instantly regretted her words when her aunt flinched.

"Ma chere niece," the comtesse breathed, "do not be so."

"Please, Aunt," Joanne began then paused. "Let us do as you oft say," she continued with feigned light heartedness, "and enjoy ourselves. No more sad thoughts."

Their conversation turned to fashion and gossip from past days as they patiently waited for their coach to reach the front of the long line of coaches converging on Devonshire House. This became strained and silence fell as they reached the head of the line, alit from their coach, and were escorted to the ballroom.

One of the first to greet them was Lady Sarah, Humbolt's cousin, who had been with them at Raneleagh.

She drew Joanne to one side when one of the dowagers present commanded the comtesse's attention."Have you heard there is to be a masquerade?" she whispered excitedly. "A masque-but where, when?" Joanne asked. "At Raneleagh on Friday eve," Lady Sarah returned. "Would you like to go?" "But Raneleagh?" Joanne hesitated. "Do not pretend to be innocent," Sarah responded tartly. She glanced about to see if anyone was listening.

"I-I have to ask Aunt."

"Do not do that," Sarah exclaimed in a whisper. "Why she will only say it is not the thing for young

ladies."

"Then I must not go. I have just promised Aunt I would do better.

"How could we go if I do not ask?" questioned Joanne, sensing there was more intent to Sarah's

question than gaining mere knowledge.

Sarah put her arm through Joanne's. "Walk with me. I was thinking I could talk Cousin Humbolt into

taking us if you would agree to come. Oh, say you will. I so long to go to a masquerade. We could leave long before the unmasking-no one need know we had gone."

"I don't know-"

"I will be forever in your debt," pleaded Lady Sarah, "if only you will come."

Looking at the imploring face, Joanne was loath to disappoint one so eager. "I shall speak to the

comtesse about it," she said finally.

"That will never do. She will only refuse and then watch you closely so there will be no chance of our going," Sarah wailed.

"What is this you speak of?" chimed the comtesse behind the young ladies.

Both started guiltily.

"Come, come. What was it you were saying you wanted to do?" she encouraged.

"It is only-only that we would like to go to the masquerade at Raneleagh, Aunt," Joanne said. "Lord

Humbolt would be willing to escort us," she added quickly.

Recalling her own youth, the older woman smiled at the younger pair. "I believe we may go-if we plan on departing early," she answered to their surprise. "Let us ask Lord Jason and Dr. Ames also. We have sadly neglected them since their arrival in Town."

"Thank you. Oh, thank you, my lady," breathed Lady Sarah happily.

The comtesse laughed gaily at Sarah's excitement. "Ah," she said, signalling at them with her fan, "partners for the dance approach."

Hurried strides brought Wiltham to Joanne's side just ahead of Humbolt. There was no choice but to accept his hand or create a scene. Joanne treated him coldly throughout the dance. When the music ended, he bowed. "I most humbly implore your forgiveness, my lady. My behaviour at Raneleagh was beyond bounds."

"There is nothing to forgive, my lord," Joanne returned coolly, looking over the crowd.

"But I wish to make amends," continued Wiltham. "Surely you know I regard you in a much different light than friend alone. I would be downcast if you were to hold me in disfavour.

"Could I not escort you and your aunt to the masque on Friday?"

"We have already made our plans," Joanne answered. She could see Kenton's head, bent as if listening

to someone but not to whom he conversed.

"Then I shall see you there?" Wiltham asked nervously.

A wave of her hand and an irritated nod signalled yes.

Relief flooded Wiltham's features. "It will be delightful to see you there then. What shall you be

wearing?"

Focusing her attention, Joanne thought only to be rid of Wiltham. "I would think my yellow gown. It will contrast well with my black domino."

Claimed for the next dance by Humbolt, she got a better view of those standing about the sides. It struck

her odd that Lady Sarah was speaking urgently with Wiltham. She had not thought them known to one

another. What could they be about?

Sight of the comtesse and Kenton distracted her. So that was whom he had been speaking with. Her resolve strengthened. These two were the only ones who had shown her any love. Since Kenton cared nothing for her, the least Joanne could do was see to it that the comtesse snared him.

"Are you troubled, my lady?" Kenton asked Joanne's aunt as the last step was taken and they rose from

their respective bow and curtsy. "Your smile is not as frequent as it should be."

"Perhaps I am tired," she tossed back. "Now you must a.s.sure me that I am forgiven and that you and Benjamin will escort my party to Raneleagh for the masque."

"I had thought our company was not desired," he returned archly.

"Why, Lord Jason, you are becoming a flirt."

"An art others practice well," he noted.

"Jealous?"