“Oh? Is that the nature of the argument mentioned in the article?” Morgan asked, appearing only half-interested. He was examining his fingernails, not seeming to pay attention to the conversation.

“Indeed. Which is part of the reason I decided to pay you a visit this morning.”

“Oh?” Morgan asked, opening a ledger.

“Yes. I hoped to talk to your sister later and offer my apologies for what I hope is a misunderstanding. But I also recognize that because of the society papers, the effect could be unpleasant for her, so I wanted to ask you how I could best handle the situation.”

Morgan nodded, then set the ledger aside. “Of course you should speak to her if you feel there was a miscommunication. I don’t wish for the two of you to be at odds unnecessarily.” He shrugged.

Rowles’s forehead drew in at Morgan’s last word: unnecessarily. What could he mean by that?

“As far as the society-paper article, as long as you maintain your distance but don’t appear offended with her, I believe all will sort itself out. But don’t dance with her, only offer polite conversation and take your leave. That way no one will get the wrong idea.” Morgan nodded.

Rowles leaned back in the chair. “I see.”

“She has several suitors, and I wouldn’t want anything to jeopardize her season, you understand.”

Rowles gave a silent nod.

“Thank you.” Morgan met his eyes. “If you’ll wait a moment, I’ll send someone to fetch Joan for you so you may speak to her.” Morgan stood without waiting for Rowles’s response and quit the room.

So much for hoping to speak to her without an audience. But it wasn’t done, and it was of the utmost importance to abide by societal rules, especially with a best friend’s sister.

Morgan walked back into the study, returning to his seat behind his wide desk. “The housekeeper is finding her. Care for tea?”

“No, thank you.” His stomach was tight with frustration, so even tea didn’t sound appetizing.

“Very well,” Morgan replied, lifting one ledger on top of another and flipping through the pages.

“Could I possibly offer to take her for a walk? Chaperoned, of course,” Rowles added, his mind skipping ahead to expectation of Morgan’s refusal. Morgan didn’t even want him to dance with his sister to keep the talk at bay, so a walk would probably cause the suspicion that they were trying to avoid.

Correction: Morgan was trying to avoid.

Which led to a whole plethora of questions.

Did Morgan not approve of him? Not that he’d asked or even implied his interest in Joan, but…to be so clearly not considered a suitor was telling, was it not?

“A walk?” Morgan asked, perplexed.

“Chaperoned, of course,” Rowles repeated himself.

“I don’t see why not,” Joan said as she walked into the room.