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Tessa and Emma shared a shocked look.
“I only ever did what was best for my daughters,” she retorted.
“Oh? Collingwood was the best for me?” Louisa shook her head slowly. “You were so certain your scheme would work.”
Her mother straightened her spine. “Perhaps it’s best if you both leave so Louisa and I may speak in private.”
Tessa glanced between Louisa and Mamma and finally said, “As you wish. Louisa, you are more than welcome to stay with me should you prefer it.”
Louisa nodded. “Thank you. I will have Mary pack my bags.”
As soon as her sisters departed, her mother asked, “Just what is it you believe I have done, Louisa?”
Louisa sat in the chair across from her and then crossed her arms over her chest. “Where did you come up with the five thousand, Mamma?”
Her mother blanched before replying, “Five thousand? What are you talking about? Did Worthington put some mad idea into your head?”
“Why would you think Harry would say something? Collingwood courted me for weeks. Perhaps he mentioned something in passing.”
“Collingwood? That fool. He needed the mon...”
“I believe the word is money, Mamma. Yes, Collingwood needed the five thousand that you promised him. Although, I am not sure how he assumed you would come about that amount of money.” Louisa watched her mother’s face contort as if trying to determine an excuse or lie.
“What are you accusing me of, Louisa?” Her mother finally demanded.
“I would just like to hear the truth from you. Why would you suggest Collingwood abduct me in the middle of Hyde Park, thereby ruining my reputation and putting Emma’s marriage to Bolton at risk?”
Her mother rose and glared down at her. “If the fool had kept his mouth shut, everything would have been fine.”
Louisa stood, allowing her to glare down at her mother. “Why, Mamma?”
“Emma loves Bolton. I could tell you were getting too close to Worthington. Lady Bolton would never allow our name to be associated with his again. I was trying to protect you and Emma.”
“Protect me?” Louisa shouted. “Protect me from a man who loves me. A man who I love. I will marry Harry, Mamma.”
“Louisa, think about what this will do to your sisters. Poor Emma might be rejected by a viscount. That will ruin her.”
“Mamma, my marrying a duke will not ruin Emma’s chances with Bolton or any other man. I fear word getting out that you planned your daughter’s abduction, will have a far bigger impact on Emma’s reputation.”
“No one would believe you,” she said with a hint of bravado.
Louisa pulled out the letters from her reticule. “No? I do believe most people will believe your letters.”
“Please don’t say a word,” she whispered, looking suddenly vulnerable.
Louisa shook her head as a devious thought came to mind. “It is not me you have to worry about. It’s Collingwood. I’d suggest you pay him some, if not all, of the money you promised him to keep him quiet.”
“Hammond will be furious with me,” Mamma mumbled, twisting her handkerchief.
Louisa’s assumption about Hammond being involved with the money was correct. “Yes, I expect he will. And I will be staying with Tessa until the wedding.”
HARRY FACED HIS OWN grueling interrogation when he arrived home. After spending some time with Charlotte, Daphne finally arranged to catch him alone.
“Absolutely not, Harry.”
“What now, Daphne?”
She sank into the chair across from his desk in the study. “Do you think I haven’t heard the rumors that Miss Drake was here last night and that you intend to marry her?”
