Rivals of Fortune / The Impetuous Heiress by Jane Ashford Read Free Book Online Page B

scholars he has ever met. How much you must have learned that the rest of us will never have the chance to know.”
    Joanna smiled ruefully, but did not disillusion the other girl, who had sounded quite rapt. She was not averse to being thought wise by the self-possessed Miss Williston.
    A silence fell, but before it could become uncomfortable, Joanna suddenly remembered something. “I believe I heard that the Finleys called at the vicarage,” she said.
    Constance started. “Yes.” She looked at Joanna sidelong.
    â€œThey called on us also,” said the other, unheeding. “I found Mrs. Finley a bit overpowering.”
    â€œY-yes. She seems very sure of herself.” Constance sounded wistful.
    â€œYes, well, she is older.”
    Constance stared at her, seemingly unable to think of a reply.
    Joanna noticed her expression and continued, “You have heard, I daresay, that there was once some talk of Peter and me making a match of it. Indeed, he has always been one of my best friends. I do so hope he will be happy.” She allowed a hint of doubt to creep into her voice.
    Constance seemed impressed. “You are magnanimous,” she murmured. “I hope that I could be so.”
    â€œOh, well,” replied Joanna vaguely, feeling very noble. “Did you meet Sir Rollin Denby also?”
    The other girl wrinkled her nose. “Yes. But I must say I did not like him overmuch.”
    â€œDid you not?”
    â€œNo. He has that kind of sneering, careless manner that I find insufferable. There are many such men in London; it is the fashion. But I do not care for it.”
    Joanna looked at her. She sounded so positive. She knew that Constance had already spent three weeks in London at her aunt’s house and that she was to return for next season, when Joanna was also to be in town. “Why not?” she asked.
    Constance frowned. “A good question, since I believe Sir Rollin’s type is often thought to be very attractive to women. I think it is because they lack kindness and humanity.” She paused and laughed self-consciously. “At least to my eye. But I am by no means knowledgeable on this subject.”
    That was true, thought Joanna. “Perhaps one must know them well before one sees their kindness,” she ventured.
    Constance bowed her head. “That may be. Many of them have a large circle of male friends, I think. And I do not wish to condemn a stranger.” She looked about them; they were near Joanna’s house by this time. “Here is where I turn off for Mrs. Rouse’s. I enjoyed our talk very much, Joanna. I hope we may repeat it.” The diffidence was back in her voice.
    â€œIndeed, I hope so, too,” answered Joanna warmly. “Let us do so soon.”
    Constance smiled brilliantly. “Yes, please.” And as she turned to walk away, she waved gaily.
    Joanna was thoughtful when she entered the hall. It seemed to her that much had happened during the morning. It was scarcely time for luncheon, yet she had perhaps lost a friend and gained one in the space of a few hours. When her mother came to ask Joanna about some sewing she had promised to do, she had to speak twice before the girl heard.

Five
    By the next morning, Joanna had resolved to apologize to Selina. She concluded that she had indeed been unreasonable, and her behavior now seemed demented. But as she was putting on her bonnet before leaving the house, one of the maids came to her bedroom to tell her that Mr. Erland had arrived to fetch her for their ride. With a muffled exclamation of annoyance, Joanna put down the hat. She had completely forgotten about this appointment. For a moment, she thought of putting him off, pleading a headache or some other trifling illness, but then she shrugged and began to unbutton her morning gown. She pulled her riding habit out of the wardrobe and put it on, and in the space of ten minutes was ready to go downstairs. But her