After this morning’s gossip pages, he knew something had to be done. And he wished to discuss that aspect with Morgan. But conversely, he’d prefer not to offer a heartfelt apology to Joan in front of her older brother. However, standing there in such an awkward manner wasn’t helping with either task.

“Good afternoon.” He bowed. “I, that is, would you mind terribly if I had a word with you, Morgan?” He flickered his attention to Joan, hoping she could read the apology in his expression.

But after last night, he wasn’t sure she could read him as well as he’d thought.

“Of course. Joan and I were finishing our discussion.” He gave his sister a nod and a look.

Rowles wasn’t sure what it meant, but it certainly meant something.

“Of course.” Joan curtsied in his direction and gave a silent nod of understanding to her brother.

Rowles missed the silent communication often to be had with siblings. A wave of sadness tinted his heart for a moment at the memory of his brother. Pushing the thought aside, he bowed to Joan when she moved toward the door. A cold chill ran up his spine as she passed him without a pause.

Perhaps he should have asked to speak to her first.

Except he couldn’t, not without her brother’s permission.

Blast it all.

“Won’t you sit?” Morgan waved to a pair of chairs opposite his desk.

“Thank you.” Rowles selected a seat and noted the gossip page in the middle of the desk. “I see you’ve read it too.” He gestured to the sheet.

“Indeed. Joan hadn’t seen it yet. She left before it arrived this morning.” Morgan sat behind his desk and folded his hands over the offending paper.

“I see.” Rowles nodded, then said, “She was certainly out early this morning.”

“Yes, well…” Morgan paused, then continued with a bit of a mournful expression. “I’m afraid she’s fond of a women’s society that champions women’s rights. She was at her chapter meeting his morning. Bluestockings, the lot of them. I’ve tried to dissuade her, but she’s stubborn.” He shook his head. “Please keep this information to yourself though. Society can be unkind to ladies who favor social change.”

“Yes, yes, of course. I wouldn’t mention anything.” Rowles tapped his fingers against his thigh, a piece of the puzzle of last night’s conversation falling into place.

No wonder she was unfriendly toward his answer. She’d be operating under the premise he didn’t have sympathy for the cause.

Which couldn’t be further from the truth.

But he could also see how his words could quite easily be misunderstood.

“I can’t say I’m surprised. Such things were part of a conversation we shared,” Rowles answered, using the topic to transition into his true intentions for paying the social call.