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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.
