AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What father wouldn’t want to see his daughter become a duchess?” He sank into a chair by the fire and held out his hands as if chilled by the weather.
Seeing his gnarled aged hands, Louisa forced herself to sit and hear his side of the story. He deserved that much. “What happened, Papa?”
He stared at the fire. “You know what a stubborn woman your mother is when she gets an idea in her head.”
Louisa knew all too well. “Yes, but you are her husband and should have taken control.”
A loud snort sounded from the threshold. “Because that would work so well with you.”
Louisa and her father rose to face Harry.
“Your Grace, this is my father, Mr. Drake.”
“Your Grace,” her father said with a bow.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Drake. Thank you for giving me your consent to marry your daughter.”
“Of course.”
“Wait,” Louisa said, glancing between then both. “When could you possibly have given your approval?”
“His Grace sent an express explaining the situation but still desiring my approval, which I gave gladly.”
Harry had still felt the need to get approval even though no father would deny a duke his daughter’s hand. It touched her heart that he wanted to be proper when their relationship had never followed the conventions of Society.
“Would you like me to leave so you can continue your conversation?” Harry asked.
“You might as well stay. If not, I will only tell you what was said tonight.” Louisa returned to her seat while Harry sat on the end of the bed.
Her father cleared his throat and continued, “As I was saying your mother is a bit headstrong. She convinced me that one Season for Tessa would end in an advantageous marriage, thereby providing you and Emma the same chance. While your mother had her Season at seventeen, I had no thought to the costs involved. Suddenly the bills started to come in for the lease, and the new clothing for everyone, including you and Emma since you might be invited to some small gatherings.”
“Oh, Papa,” Louisa cried. “You should have stopped it.”
“I couldn’t,” he replied, staring into the fireplace. “Before the Season even began, I had creditors asking for their money. Now, I realize that most people ignore the bills until the marriage occurs, but I had no knowledge of this world.”
“Ignoring bills is the norm for the quality,” Harry commented with a shake of his head.
“True, but I wasn’t one of them,” her father added. “They believed I should pay immediately. I didn’t know what to do, so I started taking money from the bank.” He hung his head low. “I knew it was wrong but felt my life was out of control.”
Louisa glanced over at Harry, who looked away. “I wish I had known.”
“When they arrested me, your mother and sister thought it best to tell you and Emma that I had died. Your mother went to her uncle’s home, and you know the rest of the story.”
The only thing that had saved him from the noose had been Tessa swift marriage to Langley, and her payments to the bank. Louisa’s eyes welled with tears. “I am dreadfully sorry for what happened, Papa.”
“I know, sweetling. But no tears. It is your wedding day, and you should be happy.”
Louisa looked at Harry, who was smiling at her. “I am. I’m marrying my dearest friend who I love more than I ever thought possible.”
“Will you let me give you away?” her father asked softly. “I never had the chance with Tessa, but I would be honored to give you to such a gentleman.”
She nodded. “I understand, but please give me a few minutes to think things over.”
“Of course.” Her father rose slowly from his chair. “I will wait downstairs and try my best not to torment your mother.”
Harry bowed to her and started to leave with her father.
“Har—Your Grace, please stay for a moment.”
