“People are talking about her already?”
She shook her head. “Not in that manner, Harry, only that you were seen entering the home with a little girl in tow. No one was aware you even had a child, which is the curiosity, not her heritage.”
“I see.”
“Have you brought her to see Chunee yet?”
“I planned to take her next week for that outing.”
“Do you think you will be able to make her wait that long?” she asked, reaching for her tea.
“It is a wonderful bribe to make her do things she would prefer not to, such as go to bed.” He couldn’t take his gaze off her delicate fingers as they wrapped around the teacup as if to warm them.
She laughed. “So, it is in your best interest to keep her from seeing the elephant for as long as possible.”
“Exactly.” Harry placed his teacup down. Hearing her laugh warmed his heart, and that would never do. Distance was the plan. After another sip of tea, he pulled out the paper from his pocket. He needed to get right to the point and leave. “Based on what I know of you, I created a list.”
“But I never told you what I desired in a husband.”
“Louisa, I do have an idea of what you need in a husband.”
She narrowed her eyes on him. “How is that when you have not written to me in years?”
“I doubt you have changed much.”
She reached over and snatched the list from him. After scanning the page, she looked up with a frown. “I’m afraid I may have been mistaken about your ability to perform this task.”
Taken aback, he asked, “How so?”
“Of the five men on this list, the only decent man is Lord Collingwood, and I have never been introduced to him. Reddinford married Miss Harris last fall. Winfried married Miss Lowe over a year ago. And you should have talked to Mr. Kingsley about Hoover.”
Damn her for finding fault with almost all of the men. Maybe he should have reviewed the list with his brother. As the owner of one of the most exclusive gaming hells in St. James, Simon knew these people and kept up with their situations. “What about Stanton? He’s the second son of an earl.”
“I do believe he may be in love with another.” She sighed and gave him back the paper. “This will never do, Harry.” Louisa rose and then moved away from him, leaving a light fragrance of lilac behind. “We need to discuss what we want in a spouse. I shall call for more tea and some biscuits. This might take a while.”
What they each wanted in a spouse? He had no intention of marrying again.
Charlotte needs a mother.
No, Charlotte was doing just fine with Nurse and next year he would find an excellent governess for her.
After speaking with a footman, she returned to the floral wingback chair next to him. “Let’s begin with what I prefer in a husband.”
She tapped her index finger against her lips in thought.
Damn her for drawing his gaze there. What the bloody hell was wrong with him? He seemed unable to stop the draw, the temptation. He shook his head and returned his wandering mind to the topic at hand. The sooner she gave him her requirements, the faster he could leave.
“You need a man who is near your age,” he commented. “After your sister’s marriages, I would have thought that would be first on your list.”
“Yes, exactly.” She paused before for adding, “Perhaps you should write these down.”
“I will remember them.”
“As you wish, then yes, I want a man closer to my age. I should think no older than thirty-five.”
He glanced over at her as she looked down at her hands. She must have learned from her sister’s mistakes. Until Tessa married Raynerson, her youngest husband had been twenty years her senior. “No more than thirty-five. And from a good family.”
She sent him a look of annoyance. “I should think that obvious.”
“No more than thirty-five and good Society. Titled?”
Her brown brows furrowed creating a slight line in her forehead as she thought about that question. “No, that matters not to me.”
“Indeed? Your mother might object to a mere mister.”
“My mother is not marrying the man I am.”
“Go on.”
“I would prefer he be of tolerable looks. I should hate the idea of....” Her cheeks reddened as her voice trailed off.
“Of not finding him attractive in the marriage bed? Very understandable.” The idea of her making love with anyone forced his hand to fist until it ached.
She nodded as if unable to say another word on the subject. Hiding her embarrassment, she sipped her tea. As she placed her cup down, she added, “He must—”
“Tolerate your smart mouth? After all, you do tend to give your opinions rather freely.”
“I can control my tongue.”
“You have never been able to with me.” He’d missed her smile the past few years. Her laugh, the way she would tilt her head and look at him. But he had to keep his mind on the present course. Find her a husband to assuage his conscience and then return to Northwood Park to live a quiet life.
“What else?”
“Well, before you interrupted me, I was about to say the man must have some intelligence to him. I should hate to feel I married a dimwitted fool.”
“Of course.” Harry already knew most of these requirements. His only issue was that he must reacquaint himself with Society life, which entailed returning to White’s to learn who was still unmarried and looking for a wife.
“And a good father,” she added. “I prefer a man who doesn’t only see their children before supper each day. He should teach them to ride and to be gentlemen. Speaking of riding, have you started to teach Charlotte yet?”
“Not yet. She is still rather young for such things. Next year, I shall buy her a pony for her birthday.”
She smiled over at him in approval. “Good.”
“I believe I know what you are looking for. I shall gather a more extensive list, and you can let me know to whom you would like an introduction.” He rose to take his leave.
“You are not leaving yet,” she said with a shake of her head. “We have not discussed what you are looking for in a wife.”
“Louisa,” he replied, staring down at her. “I am not looking for a wife.”
“Harry, you must have an heir. We both know your cousin is not the right man. He will gamble away everything your family has and then some.”
He glanced away from her, not yet ready to admit she was correct on that matter. “I will handle that.”
“Charlotte needs—”
“Enough, Louisa. I am her father, and I know what Charlotte needs. I am not marrying again.”
“Why?” she whispered in an aching tone.
“I...I just cannot.” He strode across the room, and as he reached the door, he remembered his manners. “Good afternoon, Miss Drake.”
By the time he returned home, Charlotte had discovered he’d paid a call on Louisa.
“Papa, you said we could both go,” Charlotte said in a demanding voice. “I want to see Miss Drake.”
Harry sighed and looked up at the ceiling. Were all children so difficult or just his little girl? He couldn’t explain to his daughter what seeing Louisa did to him. Charlotte only thought of her as a friend. But he had promised her they would call on Louisa.
“Charlotte, I needed to speak to her about adult things. We will pay a call on her in a few days.” And with any luck, his daughter would forget that promise and forget Louisa. Charlotte was far too taken with her.
“Thank you, Papa,” Charlotte replied, then jumped into his arms. “I love you.”
“I love you too, poppet.” He kissed her forehead and then said, “You play up here with Nurse while I finish my correspondence.”
“All right.” She tumbled out of his arms and picked up her doll.
“I will see you at supper tonight.” He had promised her that she could join him in the dining room for supper w
hen he had no guests. Tonight, she would get to show him all the manners Nurse had taught her.
He walked back down to the study and pulled out the estate books. While he trusted his stewards, he always verified the numbers. After an hour, his eyes had blurred from staring at the numbers but thinking about something, or rather someone, else. With the country in mourning, he had no idea how to introduce Louisa to the men she didn’t know. The balls and soirees wouldn’t start until the end of April, and he wanted to be back at Northwood Park by then.
Frustration swept over him. Why did he agree to this foolish plan? It was highly unlikely that Louisa would have gone through with her threat to show the gossips their pact. He banged his fist on the wood desk. She needed to marry. Once she was married, he would be able to forget about her.
But right now, he needed a diversion from this incessant thinking about her.
“Jenkins,” he called out. “Have a groom saddle Hercules. I am going for a ride.” And he prayed the park would be quieter now since it was near half three.
A short while later, he entered Hyde Park to clear his head. A few ladies gawked as if they didn’t recognize him. Lady Leicester not only noticed him but stopped him.
“Where are you off to, Worthington? When an old lady like me waves, you do more than slow down.”
Harry reined in next to her carriage. “Good day, Countess. Is it not a bit chilly for an open carriage?”
“No, it is perfect. Like you, I prefer the north too.” The older woman must be over seventy and yet seemed filled with youthful energy. “Hmm, with you back in town, this Season might be interesting after all.”
“I’m only here for a few weeks. I doubt I’ll still be in town by the time the Season starts.” At least not if all goes according to plan.
“No?” She eyed him up and down. “Then perhaps an intimate dinner party. I believe that would be acceptable once we get to half-mourning.”
Damn. “There is no need to make a fuss, Countess.”
“But I love nothing more than creating a fuss,” she said with a smug grin before tapping her driver with her umbrella. “Drive on, Henry.”
Lady Leicester was a notorious troublemaker. He didn’t know what she was up to, but he had a terrible feeling it involved him. He urged Hercules to a gallop before departing for home.
LOUISA OPENED THE INVITATION to Lady Leicester’s dinner party. After checking with her mother, Louisa sent off the affirmative reply. While still weeks away, it was the first invitation they had received since the King’s death. Perhaps at the dinner, she would find a candidate or two to give to Harry. She shook her head. Lady Leicester was Tessa’s husband’s grandmother. It would most likely be just family and an acquaintance or two of the Countess.
Nothing to be excited over.
Once Emma and her mother left for shopping, the house quieted. She attempted to read but couldn’t concentrate on anything. The invitation reminded her that she had only one goal this Season. She wondered if Harry would be successful in finding a husband for her. A man who might come to love her.
There she was getting all romantic again. Love didn’t matter. At least, not to her any longer. She had to be practical and logical in her search for a husband.
Davis’s cough brought her out of her wallowing.
“Yes, Davis?”
“The Duke of Worthington and Lady Charlotte, miss.”
Louisa placed the book on the table and rose, straightening her skirts as she stood.
Charlotte walked in, holding her father’s hand. The little girl curtsied. Before Louisa could even say good afternoon, Charlotte shot across the room and into her arms.
“I’ve missed you so much, Miss Drake.”
Louisa closed her eyes to keep the tears at bay. “I have missed you, too.”
“You didn’t quite get that greeting right, Charlotte,” Harry said with a chuckle. “What happened to ‘Good afternoon, Miss Drake’?”
Louisa glared over at him as she held Charlotte tight. “You cannot expect a four-year-old to control her emotions.”
“It was her wish to do it correctly to show you how she’s grown up.”
“Well, anyone can see how grown up she is now.” Louisa slowly put Charlotte down on the divan with her. “After all, she is four.”
“Miss Drake, we’re going to see the elephant next week.”
Louisa smiled at Charlotte’s enthusiasm. “I heard.”
“You’re coming too,” she added with a smile.
“Am I?”
She slid a glance to Harry whose face had turned down. Apparently, not his idea.
“Of course, you must join us, Miss Drake,” he muttered in a reluctant tone.
“We shall have to see, Charlotte.” Louisa paused as the footman set the tea down on the table. “Have you been practicing your tea pouring?”
“Yes, Nurse lets me now.” She bounced a little on the divan as if she had too much energy to contain.
Louisa poured them each their tea. “Charlotte, all ladies sit very still when having tea.”
Her bouncing immediately stopped. “Yes, Miss Drake. Will you come and read to me again?”
“I’m sorry, Charlotte, but that would not be appropriate.” Louisa hated to see the downcast look on the little girl’s face. Almost as much as she hated seeing the irritation lining Harry’s face.
A commotion at the front door could only mean one thing. Mother and Emma were home early from shopping. Her mother opened the door with a look of shock, which she quickly replaced with a gracious smile.
“Your Grace,” she said with a quick curtsy. “How good to see you again.”
Harry rose with a bow and said, “It is lovely to see you too, ma’am. And you, Miss Emma.”
Emma walked into the room with a smile. “And who is this?” she asked, nodding toward Charlotte.
Louisa took the teacup from Charlotte. “Mind your manners, Lady Charlotte.”
Charlotte rose and then curtsied to them. “Good afternoon.”
“Mrs. Drake, Miss Emma, this is my daughter, Charlotte.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Charlotte,” Emma said sweetly. “What a lovely dress you are wearing today.”
“Thank you, Miss Emma.” Charlotte beamed over at Emma.
Her mother slowly sank in the nearest chair. “Your Grace, you have a beautiful little girl.”
“Thank you. Charlotte, we have taken enough of Miss Drake’s time today.” Harry held out his hand. “Come along.”
“Miss Drake, will you still come to see Chunee with us?” Charlotte asked Louisa.
She should say no, but she could not refuse Charlotte’s big brown eyes. “Yes, just let me know which day next week,” she replied, looking up at Harry.
“I will send a note,” Harry replied in a reserved tone. “Good day, ladies.”
As soon as the door shut behind Harry and Charlotte, her mother said, “He has called on you twice since he returned, Louisa. You must put a stop to it. Think of what people will say.”
“What if I don’t care what people say, Mamma?”
Emma stared at her with wide eyes.
Her mother continued, “You must think of your sister, if not yourself. Duke or not, there is too much scandal attached to his family name. Lord Bolton comes from an excellent family. If word of the duke’s visits reaches his mother’s ears, he might break off the engagement.”
“Mamma, I will not tell a dear friend of mine that he cannot call on me because of something his father did,” Louisa stated flatly.
“Besides,” Emma added. “Bolton would never break our engagement. We love each other.”
At least Emma had love. Something Louisa doubted she would ever have if she even married.
Chapter 8
HARRY STARED AT THE flickering firelight as he sipped a small glass of brandy. He couldn’t get the image out of his head of Charlotte sitting next to Louisa at tea today. His daughter had been somewhat disruptive since they arrived i
n town. More demanding than usual and getting angry at every little thing. But the minute she was in Louisa’s company, his daughter behaved like a proper little girl.
She needs a mother. Louisa’s words haunted him. You need an heir.
Why was that damned woman always right? As much as he didn’t want a woman in his life, after everything that happened, Charlotte did need a mother. And Louisa was correct that his cousin would be a completely unsuitable duke. It was up to him to do the right thing for his daughter and the family name.
Perhaps getting Louisa settled with a husband and him with a wife would help absolve him of the guilt that plagued him these past two years. She would have a good man and children. Hopefully, she would fall in love with the man because he knew, as much as she might deny it, that she wanted to love her husband. She’d always tried to hide her romantic tendencies, but he’d seen them in a few of the books she occasionally read.
He forced the heart-crushing sensations away from his mind as he sipped the brandy. Doing the right thing was what his father had taught him. No matter how much it might hurt.
“Your Grace,” Jenkins said from the threshold. “Mr. Kingsley is here.”
Simon strolled in and helped himself to a brandy. “About time you returned to town.”
“I was in mourning.”
“You were hiding,” he said, taking the seat next to him. “I’m just not sure from what...or whom.”
While he’d known about his brother for over ten years, he and Simon had never been close. But Harry wanted that to change. Simon couldn’t help being born on the wrong side of the blanket, any more than Charlotte could help to be half-Indian. “So, why are you here?”
“I came to have a brandy with my brother. I figured now that you have returned it would be a little easier to get to know you better. That was your request when you returned from India.”
Harry chuckled as he glanced over at his brother who looked so different from him. With the dark looks of his Italian opera singer mother and the strong features of his English forbearers, he was an odd combination.
His sister and Simon were the only two who had known about Charlotte when he arrived from India. As a mother, Daphne instinctually knew to protect his daughter like her own children. She also agreed that their father shouldn’t learn of Charlotte until he accepted Sabita. As for Simon, the duke hadn’t formally recognized his bastard son at that time so there was no need to worry that a conversation about Charlotte might occur. Harry had wanted someone in his family to meet her in case anything happened to him.
A Deal with a Duke (The Daring Drake Sisters, #2) Page 9