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“I’m with child,” she whispered as she rubbed the slightly roundness of her belly.
The room burst with excitement from Sadie and Winnie who clapped happily to her mother who broke into tears of joy. Well, that explained the odd glances they had been giving each other, Louisa thought. She was happy for her sister, but at twenty-five Louisa knew she had few prospects left. She seemed destined to become the doting spinster aunt. As the noise in the room dimmed and everyone returned to their seats, Louisa lost her appetite.
Everyone at the table seemed completely happy, from her older sister to even her father who appeared to be on limited speaking terms with her mother again. So why did she feel so miserable on such a happy occasion? She wasn’t truly envious of her sister’s good fortune. After all, Tessa had gone though some dreadful days. Nevertheless, the idea of spending another Season listening to everyone tell her how in love Tessa appeared might just be the death of her.
After eating, they all moved to the large salon. A loud knock hammered the front door. The butler opened the door allowing Lord Bolton entrance to the room. He removed his hat with a flourish.
“Bolton!” Emma squeaked from the hall. “What are you doing here?”
“Please excuse me,” the viscount said with a large grin. “I just found that the idea of spending another Christmas without the woman I loved unbearable.”
“Oh my,” Emma whispered as Bolton dropped to one knee before her.
“Will you marry me, Miss Drake?”
“Yes!” she cried and threw herself into his arms.
“Well, isn’t this just the day of exciting news,” Jack’s grandmother grumbled from the sofa. “Well, Louisa, I do believe you must be next. What is your news?”
Her news? She held her hand to her stomach as it roiled with upset. Now her baby sister was to be married before her. Louisa clenched her jaw to keep her tears at bay. There was only one person who could fix this for her. After all, a promise was a promise.
“I’m leaving,” she whispered.
“What?” Tessa exclaimed. “Where are you going?”
“To find a husband.”
