“It is no big matter.” He was probably wrong anyway. Perhaps the lady in question was some virago who reveled in such wicked pursuits.
“And why would you wish to know such a thing? I was under the impression you cared little about anything that happened in London.”
“Well, I am home now and I must catch up.”
“For how long?”
“Long enough that I might enjoy a few weeks of ton entertainments.”
“A few weeks? That isn’t like you. You are usually chomping at the bit to be off on your next adventure. Has something changed?”
“No. Not really.” Yes. Something had changed. And part of it had to do with Adam’s remarriage. Jealousy combined with loneliness made for a depressing brew.
“Adam and Eloisa are still on their honeymoon at Long Leaf, so you shall be my escort tonight to the Carlisle’s ball. Perhaps there will be a young lady who might catch your attention.”
Unless she was a naked young lady, he doubted it.
What his family never understood about Joshua was that he was a complete introvert. He could bear ton functions, ton etiquette, ton behavior only so long before he felt the need to crawl away again and recover with a few weeks of solitude. Or a few years traveling around the world.
He was perfectly happy with a good book and a fine wine in the evening. Elfers understood him and was just as likely to pick up his own book while they sat in companionable silence. Honestly, he’d rather a beautiful woman joined him before the fire, a woman he could escort to her bedchamber every evening.
The Forresters’ reputation was painted with a broad stroke. Were they wicked rakes, no, but that wasn’t to say they couldn’t be rakes or that they couldn’t be wicked. Their renown seemed to stem from their varied pursuits. That in itself fed the gossip. It so happened that Joshua was the least likely to get into trouble or be implicated in some scandal.
Except for his Parisian kerfuffle six weeks ago. How he hoped the scandal had not gotten back to London. All three parties had an interest in keeping it quiet. Damn, he should have known better than to attempt to rescue a damsel in distress. Or trust a woman with lying eyes, who sided with her abusive husband when Joshua had challenged Boulanger. Pretend honor and affection? He should have skewered the scoundrel for the sake of the delusional wife, at least.
Joshua, however, was by no means a saint. A good book and a fine wine did little to relieve his physical needs. And as often as he felt the need, he set aside his introversion and proceeded to charm the skirts off the most eligible lady he could find.
Hence the duel and the near miss of his private parts.
This morning’s salon was just one of those indulgences with which Joshua filled his time, and it was less dangerous than rattling sabers with a fiend like Boulanger.
Joshua was a collector of sorts, a side effect of his desire to explore the world on his own. During his travels, he’d been diligent about purchasing rare manuscripts and vintage wines, and scouring markets for paintings that might have future value. He’d made Elfers promise that not one box of his treasures would be opened until Joshua was there to touch each of the bottles, leather bindings and rolled canvases.
Mother sighed beside him then sipped her tea. He poured another cup for himself.
“I will escort you, of course, but I would rather you not spend the evening attempting to matchmake. I know there are plenty of eligible ladies, but the timing does not feel right,” he said.
“Right? What nonsense. This is about a responsibility to your future.”
“Mother, I always believed my wife would be the one to nag.”
“You are not ready to settle. I do understand, but…if you took a wife, perhaps you would stay home. I miss my children.”
He set aside his cup and reached for his mother’s free hand. He squeezed lightly. “I’m home now. We’ll make the best of it, shall we?”
“Dear me. I promised myself I would not pester you and here I am practically in tears. Tell me about your travels. Your letters never tell me enough. When you left months ago you were on your way to India. Tell me more about Dehli.”
CHAPTER TWO
A STERLING CARRIAGE whisked Joshua home, and Elfers diligently prepared a bath, set out evening cloths, including a dress coat, pumps and silk stockings as well as an ironed cravat. The day turned into a misty mess by the time Joshua and the dowager duchess arrived at the mansion of Ralph and Serena Carlisle’s, Lord and Lady Hurst.