Morgan gave a cough. “He sent his apologies earlier. I thought I had mentioned it.”

Joan turned to him, but he shifted away, lifting his hand to greet another gentleman.

“No, you didn’t mention it,” Joan replied, and then a chill went up her spine. “He’s not ill, is he?” She moved to meet her brother’s scrutiny, placing a hand on his arm.

Morgan’s expression was open and surprised as he quickly answered her. “No, no. He said nothing of the sort. I’m sure he’s right as rain, Joan. Just wasn’t going to attend tonight.” He gave her hand a pat. “Do not fret.”

That would be far easier said than done. But if the duke wasn’t ill, why did he not attend? She had learned her lesson and wasn’t going to ascribe intentions to him without first being certain, but she couldn’t help but wonder if she’d perhaps offended him.

Or if he truly was ill but didn’t want to tell Morgan, in an effort to protect her. That was certainly something he would do, was it not?

“Joan?” A familiar feminine voice cut through her worried musings, and she turned to see the welcome face of a friend.

“Miss Bronson! I was hoping to see you tonight.” She offered her friend’s hand a squeeze.

“I thought you’d be in attendance, but one never can tell and I quite forgot to ask you earlier,” Miss Bronson said, her observation shifting behind Joan and then back.

“Oh, dear me. Allow me to introduce you. This is my brother, Lord Penderdale.” Joan still struggled with the title for Morgan, knowing that it only reminded her of the loss she’d worked so hard to heal from.

“Ah, yes.” Miss Bronson curtsied prettily, her dark lashes brushing against her cheeks. “A pleasure, my lord.”

Morgan bowed crisply.

“All me to introduce you to Miss Bronson. She is a dear friend of mine.” Joan stepped back to allow the introductions.

“A pleasure, Miss Bronson,” Morgan said with a nod.

“Miss Bronson and I volunteered at the Foundling Hospital today.”

“Ah, so this is the new friend my sister has been talking so much about. It truly is a pleasure.”

Miss Bronson blushed and cast her eyes down. “I’m grateful to have made her acquaintance. I think we have much in common.”

“I’m sure.”

After a moment, Joan turned to Morgan and widened her eyes while touching her dance card. Morgan studied her for a second before turning to her friend.

“Miss Bronson, I’d be honored to have a dance. Do you have any available?” Morgan asked.

Joan couldn’t help the satisfied look that spread across her face when she noted Miss Bronson’s clear pleasure at being asked.

“Yes, of course. I only recently arrived so my card is quite open, my lord.”

Joan covered her mouth with a gloved hand.