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Instead of letting a footman show him the way, Stevens led him to the salon. Harry could hear the low tones of conversation and then a familiar husky laugh.
“His Grace, the Duke of Worthington,” Stevens announced as he opened the door.
Harry took in the room and tried not to show his surprise. He’d expected no more than ten to twelve people, but there had to be near thirty in the room.
“Oh, do come in, Your Grace,” Lady Leicester said and then gave him a quick curtsy. The rest of the room followed with either a curtsy or a bow. She ambled over to him. Taking his arm, she whispered, “If there is anyone you do not know, tell me, and I shall introduce you. I do hope you don’t mind that I had to invite the Drake girls as one is married to my grandson.”
“I don’t mind at all. Nothing that happened was their fault.”
“My thoughts exactly,” she replied with a sharp nod.
“Miss Drake and I have been friends for years,” he added as he spied her standing near her sister Emma.
Lady Leicester glanced over at Louisa. “Indeed, I had no idea. Do try to enjoy yourself tonight. I know how difficult it can be the first time out after mourning. Now you must excuse me, I must make a few minor changes to the seating arrangements.”
Seeing Tessa and her husband speaking with Viscount Bideford, Harry walked toward them with a forced smile. He could do this. He hadn’t spoken to her since her release from prison after his father hung himself, freeing her from all suspicion.
“Good evening, Bideford,” he said before turning to Tessa and Raynerson. “Good evening, Raynerson, Mrs. Raynerson.”
“Your Grace,” they said in unison.
He released a long breath before saying, “Mrs. Raynerson, I do hope you will be able to see past my father’s madness and realize I had no idea what he was about.”
“Of course, Your Grace. I do not hold you to blame. You were in India for most of the time.”
Not for the first husband. Perhaps he should have seen the signs then, but he’d been too involved in trying to court his dearest friend.
“My sister has always spoken favorably of you, Your Grace,” she added with a smile.
“Thank you.”
Not knowing what else to say to her, he bowed and walked away. Looking around the room, he realized that Lady Leicester must have been particular with the invitation list. He knew everyone in the room. As people came up to greet him, he lost sight of Louisa. At some point this evening, he needed to speak with her to see if she’d decided on a list for him.
After spending the past fortnight going to White’s, he had a few more men on which he needed her opinion. He still thought Collingwood might be the best choice for her. The viscount was an even-tempered man who would indulge Louisa with her books and other interests. Harry had heard nothing about a gambling problem with him. Finally, Louisa returned to the salon with her sister.
“Excuse me, I must speak with someone,” Harry said to the group that surrounded him. Walking toward Louisa, he forced the feeling of warmth that invaded his body away and concentrated only on what he’d come here for. “Good evening, Miss Drake, Miss Emma.”
“Good evening, Your Grace,” they said in unison. Emma excused herself to speak with a friend.
“Miss Drake, I do hope you are well.”
“I am indeed. And you?”
“Very much so. I do have a few matters I need to discuss with you.” His gaze moved to the bodice of her lavender gown.
Stop looking at her like a reprobate.
“As do I, Your Grace,” she sa
id, casually sipping her sherry as she looked about the room. “But we can hardly discuss this here.”
“I agree. Take a walk in Hyde Park tomorrow morning. I shall meet you there,” he whispered before giving her a bow and strolling away. He glanced back, and she smiled over at him with a nod.
Focus on the ladies in the room and not the one you can never have.
Heeding his conscience’s advice, he strolled the room and slowly realized that the only unmarried ladies in attendance were Louisa and Emma.
“Dinner is served, my lady,” Stevens announced to the room.
