A Deal with a Duke

by Christie Kelley

“Please sit down, my lord. I am quite well. Thank you.”

  Seeing the book on her lap, he asked, “What are you reading?”

  Her mother swept back into the room and grabbed the book from Louisa. “Just some nonsense on architecture, my lord. Dreadfully dull stuff.”

  “On the contrary, Mrs. Drake. A woman who fills her mind with nonsense will speak of nothing else. While a woman who reads to enlighten herself will brighten the entire room with her knowledge.”

  Emma sighed. “Oh.”

  “Thank you, my lord,” Louisa said, feeling a flash of heat cross her cheek. What was he about giving such compliments?

  “Are you also artistically inclined, Miss Drake?” he asked as Mamma poured tea.

  Louisa shook her head. “I fear I have never had any such talent. Emma is the artist of the family. Her sketches are so lovely.”

  “I share your lack of talent, then, Miss Drake.” He sipped his tea before continuing. “You will be at Lady Radley’s soiree on Friday, will you not?”

  Louisa glanced about at Emma and her mother, who shrugged. “I don’t believe we shall be able to attend.”

  “Indeed, that is a shame as I had hoped for another dance with you.”

  Emma let out a small sigh. “I do so wish we could attend.”

  “Perhaps your invitation was lost in the post,” Ainsley replied with a smile toward Louisa. “After all, how could the Drakes not be invited? It would be a dreadfully dull party without the sight of you, Miss Drake.”

  “Thank you,” Louisa muttered. He’d said he wanted to talk to her about something to do with Harry. She doubted Ainsley could not speak of it where her Mother and sister would overhear.

  “I should be off, then,” he said as he rose. “Miss Drake, I had hoped we might take a stroll in the park tomorrow, weather permitting.”

  “Of course, you may,” Mamma replied for her with a smile.

  Louisa nodded. “Yes, I would like that very much.”

  He gave them a quick bow before departing.

  With no callers for over an hour, Louisa was about ready to return to her bedchamber to read in peace when Davis opened the door to the salon.

  “Mr. Kingsley,” Davis announced.

  Mamma turned toward Louisa and whispered, “Why would Mr. Kingsley calling on us?”

  “I have no idea.”

  Simon Kingsley sauntered into the room with a smile on his face. Louisa wondered why Harry’s brother would be calling on either of them. He was worse than Ainsley, who at least was a gentleman.

  “I must apologize for arriving unannounced when we have not been formally introduced,” Mr. Kingsley said. “I am on an errand for my half-sister, Lady Radley.”

  “Tea?” her mother asked.

  “Thank you, no. I called to make certain you received the invitation from my sister. There was some mistake, and a few people did not receive them. She wanted to be certain you knew you were invited. The soiree is on Friday.”

  “Oh,” Mamma whispered. “Thank you, sir. But I doubt we will be able to attend. I’m certain you understand.”

  Louisa wanted the ground to swallow her up and take her away from this awkward scene. It was blatantly apparent that Lady Radley hadn’t made an error. If Harry wanted Louisa there, he would have called himself. But for some reason, both Ainsley and Mr. Kingsley wanted her at this party, and she wondered why.

  “Of course we can attend, Mamma,” Louisa interjected, desperately wanting to know what Mr. Kingsley was about. “We have no other plans for the evening. Is it to be at the Radleys’ home?”

  Mr. Kingsley gave her an approving smile. “No, the duke’s home.”

  “But, Louisa, I am quite certain you have forgotten about that invitation from—”

  “No, Mamma,” she interrupted brusquely. “There were no other invitations for Friday.”

  Mr. Kingsley bowed but not before sliding a long glance at Emma, who immediately looked away. Oh, bloody hell no, Louisa thought then relaxed as Emma shot the man a look of fear and disgust.

  “I shall accompany you all,” he said as he walked to the door. “Expect me at eight.”

  Once he had departed, Mamma turned to her with a glare. “You know we cannot attend Lady Radley’s ball. We were not invited!”

  Louisa nodded slowly. “I believe we just were, Mamma.”

  “It’s at Worthington’s home,” she started again.

  “Please let us attend,” Emma said prettily. “It will remind me of my come-out ball the late duke let us have there. Truly the highlight of my short, ruined Season. Besides, Lord Bolton is sure to be invited. Therefore, we must attend if only to prove to his mother that the sister of a duke accepts us.”

  Louisa stifled a giggle. Emma knew how to play her mother.

  “Oh, very well,” her mother said with an exasperated sigh. “But we shan’t stay long.”

  “As you wish, Mamma,” Emma said with a wink to Louisa before inclining her head toward the door. “I believe I shall go decide what to wear for the soiree.”

  “I will join you, Emma,” Louisa added.

  Reaching her room, Emma stopped. “What was that about, Louisa?”

  “I wish I knew.” She walked across the room and flopped on the bed.

  “Why all the attention? Have I suddenly become beautiful? It makes no sense.”

  Emma fell onto her bed with a laugh. “Oh, Louisa, you are beautiful. You have a different type of beauty than Tessa and me. Your beauty is subtle, but any man with intelligence can see it.”

  “Thank you, Emma.” Louisa joined Emma on the bed and stared up at the white ceiling.

  “Do you think Ainsley is interested in you?”

  “No.” Louisa knew Ainsley was only trying to help her.

  “Are you certain? There was a look in his eyes, but I couldn’t ascertain if it was interest or something else entirely. I will say Mr. Kingsley didn’t look at you in the same manner.” She shuddered. “Oh, but I do not like that man.”

  “Kingsley?”

  “Yes, there is something frightening about him. Almost as if...as if he sees you naked. Didn’t you feel that?”

  “Not at all.” She sat up and looked over at her very innocent sister.

  “Well, I did, and I don’t like it.”

  “I’m not sure I like any of this,” Louisa added, wondering why her life had suddenly turned upside down.

  Chapter 18

  THE NEXT DAY DAWNED sunny and finally warmer. She waited with anticipation for Ainsley to collect her for their walk. Finally, she would learn what scheme he had for Harry and her. And she would be gone for Collingwood’s almost daily call at three.

  Collingwood’s calls had changed the past few days, but not for the better. As if he were going through the motions of courting but wasn’t interested in it, or rather, her. He spoke of her beauty and wit while giving her the latest on-dit, which did not appeal to her at all. It was as if he had not even tried to get to know her. And every time he left, her mother remarked about how nice he looked or made some other such nonsensical comment.

  When the knock hammered the door, she started. Her heart pounded not by the excitement of a possible suitor, but with the idea that several people believed she and Harry should marry, Ainsley included. After a quick greeting, they left the house toward Hyde Park with the footman trailing behind.

  “It is a beautiful day, is it not, Miss Drake?”

  “Very.” Impatient to hear what he had to say, she added, “But I don’t believe you decided to take a walk with me to discuss the weather.”

  He chuckled. “I see what Harry adores about you. He does like people to be direct.” Sliding a glance back at the footman, he said, “I think the one thing that may draw Harry out of his current low spirits is jealousy.”

  “I tried with Collingwood, to no avail.” Louisa sighed. They reached the park and walked toward the Serpentine, nodding at people as they strolled.

  “I am not Collingwood,” Ainsley with a grin.<
br />
  “I suppose you are not.” Louisa was intrigued by the earl and his plan. “What do you propose?”

  “Is that not little Lady Charlotte with Lady Radley?” He pointed toward the pair watching the ducks on the water. “It would be rude not to greet them.”

  “Why, my lord, I believe you are correct. We cannot have people saying that we gave the cut to the duke’s daughter and his sister in the middle of the park.”

  He smiled fully exposing deep dimples in both cheeks. “Gracious, no.”

  As they approached, Charlotte caught sight of them and shrieked, “Miss Drake!”

  Lady Radley rose from her crouched position with a scowl until she noticed Ainsley escorting Louisa. “Good afternoon, Ainsley...Miss Drake.”

  Charlotte raced to her and hugged her tightly. “I’ve missed you!”

  “I’ve missed you too, Charlotte.”

  The little girl pulled away long enough to Ainsley. “Uncle Ainsley!”

  Ainsley picked her up and swung her around until she giggled uncontrollably. “Lady Charlotte, you have grown so big. Soon I won’t be able to do this.”

  Louisa wondered when Charlotte would have met him. While he and Harry were friends, she had never considered Charlotte would know him, apparently quite well. Uncle Ainsley, indeed.

  “Charlotte, come along,” Lady Radley said. “I must get you back to Nurse.”

  “But Uncle Ainsley and Miss Drake are here now,” Charlotte complained.

  “Now, Charlotte,” Harry’s sister replied in a stern voice.

  “Will you come and visit again soon?” Charlotte looked up at Louisa with pleading brown eyes.

  “As soon as I can, darling girl. Now listen to your aunt.”

  Once Lady Radley and Charlotte had departed, Louisa turned to Ainsley. “Do you think Lady Radley will mention seeing us together in the park?”

  Ainsley laughed. “Not until Charlotte tells her father how she saw you at the park with a handsome gentleman.”

  WHEN FRIDAY ARRIVED, she hadn’t expected any callers since most men would realize that it took a great deal of time for a lady to get ready for a party. By half-past two, Louisa doubted any gentlemen would call today. But as the hall clock rang three times, she heard the bang of the knocker and knew Collingwood had come to call.

  “Lord Collingwood, Miss Drake,” Davis announced.

  “Good afternoon, Miss Drake,” he said, glancing about the room. “Is your mother not at home?”

  “She and Emma are preparing for the party tonight.”

  He looked over at the clock on the mantel and said, “I do apologize. I should let you go, but I feel I must speak with you now or lose my courage.”

  Dammit, he was not supposed to do this today...or any day. She remained silent, hoping his courage would wane.

  “Miss Drake, I...I want to let you know how strong my feelings are for you,” he said, staring at the carpet and not her. “I feel we should suit, and it is well past time for me to marry. I am quite certain at your age you must feel the same.”

  Lovely. Remind the spinster of her age.

  “Anyway, I believe I should make an acceptable husband. I have the estate and title, of course. But now I need a wife.” He bent down on one knee. “Would you please accept my hand, Miss Drake?”

  Louisa stared at him in shock. Why she was shocked, she had no idea. The man had hinted at a proposal a few times. Perhaps it was the lack of emotion in his tone—not one word of love, only how they would suit, which Louisa now doubted.

  Collingwood smiled as he rose slowly to his feet. “I understand if you need more time.”

  “I just feel it is rather sudden, my lord.” And her heart wouldn’t let her say yes. “Would you mind if I took a few days to think this through?”

  She needed to formulate a rejection that would not cause her reputation or Emma’s any harm.

  “Of course not, my dear. I do hope you will give me a decision in a week. I should like it very much if we were married quickly. No more than a fortnight would be perfect.”

  “I see,” she whispered. “Please don’t let my mother know you have asked for my hand. She will try to influence me.”

  He smiled kindly down at her. “I understand perfectly.” He kissed her hand. “Please save a dance for me.”

  “I will.”

  Collingwood bowed and left the room with a disheartened look. Louisa plopped into the chair and covered her mouth with her hand. She had one week. It wasn’t enough time.

  Recovering from the unwelcome proposal, she climbed the stairs to dress. Her mother opened the door to her room and peered out.

  “Was that Collingwood?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh,” she said with a hint of a smile. “Did he have anything of importance to speak with you about?”

  Louisa did her best to hide her surprise at the question. “Nothing more than the usual.”

  “Oh.” Her mother’s lips drooped into a frown. “You should get dressed, so we are not late.”

  “Louisa, come help me dress,” Emma said from her bedroom threshold. “Mary is helping Mamma.”

  “Of course.”

  “What is wrong, Louisa?” Emma took her hands and led her to the bed. “You look so pale.”

  “Can you please keep a secret from everyone, including Tessa and Mamma?”

  “Of course, I can.”

  “Collingwood proposed,” she whispered. “I didn’t know what to do, Emma. He had hinted at a proposal, but I did not think he would do anything until closer to the end of the Season. Now he wants to be married in a fortnight.”

  “In a fortnight? Why the rush?”

  Louisa shook her head. “I have no idea.”

  “What did you say?”

  “That I needed time to think. Collingwood told me to take a week to give him an answer.” Louisa felt the tears burning down her cheeks. “I don’t love him.”

  “You love Worthington,” Emma whispered before wiping the tears from Louisa’s cheeks. “It’s obvious to anyone who sees you two together.”

  She pressed her lips together as she nodded. “I do love Harry, Emma. But he doesn’t love me enough to marry me. He will never get over his wife’s death.”

  “But does he know you love him?”

  “I believe so...of course, he does.” Why else would she have let him take such liberties? Why else would she have helped ease his lust? He must know.

  “Have you told him?” Emma asked as she sat down beside her.

  “No, I cannot just blurt out that I love him.”

  “Unless you wish to be married to Collingwood, I would suggest you do just that.”

  Tell Harry that she loved him. Would that make any difference? She didn’t think it would...but what if telling him did ease his guilt? Maybe he was uncertain of her feelings for him, and that held him from speaking of marriage.

  “If I do tell Harry how I feel, and he wishes to marry me, Bolton might toss you over.”

  Emma laughed softly. “Bolton would never do such a thing. He loves me.”

  “Are you completely certain, Emma? If Bolton rejects you, it will be my fault. I could never live with the guilt of that.”

  “I am certain.” She squeezed Louisa’s hands. “Tell Worthington how you feel. Tonight.”

  “Tonight? There will be a hundred people there. I cannot just sneak off to speak with him alone.”

  Emma fell back on the bed, laughing. “Do you know how many times I have seen you sneak off with him?”

  “You have never said a word about that.”

  “I’m your sister.”

  “Oh, Emma.” She hugged her sister tightly. “I love you.”

  “I know. Now get ready to tell Worthington those exact words.” She pulled away from Louisa. “Oh my Lord, you’ll be a duchess!”

  Not that she thought her title would matter to her mother if it came at the expense of Emma’s future. “Let’s not put the cart before the horse. I am not certain how he
will react when I tell him.”

  “I WAS TOLD YOU WANTED to see me.”

  Harry glanced over at Ainsley as he sauntered into the study. Breathe. Don’t attack him. “Bloody hell, Ainsley! What are you about with Miss Drake?”

  “Is there a problem?” he asked in an innocent tone.

  Harry wanted to strangle his friend. “You are at her home several days a week, and if not, you are walking in the park with her.”

  “As is Collingwood,” he replied, taking the seat across from Harry. “It is the usual practice in courting a lady.”

  “You are not courting Miss Drake.”

  Ainsley arched a light brown brow in question. “Indeed? It is time for me to find a wife. I don’t want some silly girl who will drive me mad with persistent chatter. I enjoy the fact that Miss Drake has a brain and isn’t afraid to show it.”

  “Not her,” Harry rasped. “You can have any woman you want, but her.”

  Ainsley’s lips rose into a smug grin. “Is that right?”

  “Yes.”

  Ainsley tilted his head at the glass in Harry’s hand. “Drowning your sorrows?”

  Harry sipped his brandy with a shake of his head. “I am not drowning my sorrows. Just trying to get drunk enough to be able to feign pleasure at having all these people in my home.”

  “Or enough for the courage to face Miss Drake.”

  “She was not invited. This is Daphne’s party, not mine, and my sister would prefer that none of the Drakes enter this house.”

  Ainsley shook his head.

  “It’s better this way,” Harry muttered. He would not think about her tonight. Not bloody likely. She was always in his thoughts.

  “Of course,” Ainsley said with sarcasm lining his voice.

  “It is.”

  “Absolutely.”

  Harry glared over at the man who had been his wicked influence when they were younger.

  “Are we done? I should like to get a dance with Miss Drake before the other handsome men have a chance.” Ainsley rose before Harry could reply.

  “I already told you she was not invited.”

  “Something tells me she might attend.”

  Harry had never wanted to wipe the smug grin off Ainsley more than he did at this moment. “Should she, by some odd chance, actually attend, you will leave her alone.”