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“It only confirms everything that I have said about these ladies.” They slowly followed John and Charlotte toward the water. “I should have known a walk was a bad idea.”
Her anger at the ladies and him turned to sarcasm. “Oh yes, far better to hide her away and allow no one to meet your adorable little girl.”
“This is not your business. We’re leaving now.”
“Don’t you dare go running back to Northwood Park,” she whispered harshly. “Just because those two b—witches cannot see what a darling Charlotte is, doesn’t mean that all the ladies will react the same.”
“We both know that is the typical reaction.”
“Perhaps, but you cannot know that for certain. Hiding Charlotte away only confirms to them that you are ashamed of her.”
His eyes grew dark as his fists clenched by his side. “I am not ashamed of Charlotte.”
“Of course not,” Louisa said softly. “Then bring her everywhere you wish. She did not observe their slight. If you react to the prejudices of a few ignorant ladies, Charlotte will start to notice. Before you realize, she will begin to think there is something different about her.”
“So, you are suggesting that I ignore the comments...or lack of greetings.”
“Yes. At four, Charlotte won’t notice or care. As she gets older, you and your duchess will be her pillar. She will look to you for guidance in dealing with people of their ilk. You can teach her how to be graceful and at times...” She searched for the right word.
“Sharp-tongued?” he offered.
She shrugged. “Perhaps. There will be times she, as the daughter of a duke, will need to lead the way in Society. And sometimes give a cut direct to those who would besmirch her.”
“Your Grace,” a man called out.
Louisa turned to see Lord Collingwood sauntering toward them. “Well, this may be the perfect time for an introdu
ction.”
Harry glanced between the two of them and then released a long sigh. “As you wish. Just be forewarned, Collingwood tends to be a little shy with ladies. But he is a good man.”
“Your Grace, it is so good to see you in town again,” Lord Collingwood said as he approached.
“Thank you, Collingwood.” Looking over at Louisa, he added, “Miss Drake, may I introduce Lord Collingwood?”
Louisa nodded with a smile.
“Miss Drake, lovely to make your acquaintance.” He gave her a quick bow.
Louisa curtsied to the viscount. “It is a pleasure, my lord.”
Collingwood cleared his throat as he returned his attention to Harry. “We didn’t have much time to speak while at Windsor.”
Collingwood and Harry chatted for a few minutes, mostly about the King’s funeral, which gave Louisa time to examine him. The man was slightly shorter than Harry but about the same build. His blond hair was almost light brown and starting to thin on top. Overall, not terrible, she decided. The fine wool of his black jacket and trousers bespoke his position in Society.
“I do apologize for taking up so much of your time,” Collingwood said with a look to Louisa. “It was dreadfully rude of me.”
“Not at all,” Louisa replied. “Like you, I hadn’t seen His Grace in such a long time, that I had to stop my walk to welcome him back to town.”
“I must take my leave now. Good afternoon to you both.
Harry waited until the viscount was out of hearing distance before asking, “What do you think?”
“Hard to tell much at all. Collingwood spent most of the time conversing with you and ignoring me. Perhaps he will ask me to dance when Lady Leicester holds her annual ball to open the Season.”
“I will see that he does.”
A slow smile lifted her lips. That would mean Harry intended to stay at least until the Season started. They stopped and watched as Charlotte counted a few fish until she became bored and raced back toward them.
