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“Is that a problem, Your Grace? Age was not a requirement on your list.”
“I will be thirty in a few months. Why would I want someone so young?” Harry looked down at her in confusion. “No, I need someone at least two and twenty.”
“You are the most exasperating man I have ever known,” she commented in an aggravated tone. “Review the list and let me know if you would like more information on them or an introduction.”
“As you wish.”
She walked away from him, but the hauntingly familiar scent of lilac remained in the air and seemed to wrap around his heart like a vise.
Chapter 10
LOUISA SPENT THE NEXT few weeks doing the exact opposite of what Emma suggested by avoiding Harry. If she didn’t meet with him, she could not give him more names of prospective brides. While he’d said he would attend Lady Leicester’s ball, she was positive if he had the chance, he would run back to Northwood Park.
He sent a message every few days asking if she would be attending some function so he could get an update on her search for his duchess. His letters had become increasingly terse. And every note reinforced the thought that he wanted to marry as quickly as possible to avoid the Season. With only a week until Lady
Leicester’s ball, Louisa had to evade him a little longer.
The Season would provide far more opportunities to test Emma’s theory that he was pushing her away out of guilt. It was much harder to flirt at a poetry reading or musicale than a ballroom with dancing and gardens for private tête-à-têtes.
While she’d been thankful for a cold, forcing her to miss several functions, another week in this house might drive her insane.
Walking to the window of the salon, she glanced down onto Chandler Street. A few carriages rumbled down the street dispatching callers but none to this house. The spring day seemed to call her to get out of the house and go for a walk. Her shoulders sagged. A stroll in the park meant the chance of seeing Harry, which would never do.
A tall figure of a man riding a chestnut horse ambled down the street. Reaching the Drake home, he reined in and looked up toward the salon window. Louisa gasped and moved away from the glass. Had he seen her? Davis had orders to tell Harry she was not at home if he happened to call.
Hearing the loud thump of the knocker, she was certain Harry would not be placated with lies today. The sound of male voices approaching caused her heart to leap.
“Your Grace!” Davis said in his sternest voice, “You cannot go up there.”
“I saw her standing at the window in the salon, Davis. She will see me today.”
The low, harsh tone of his voice sent a shiver of apprehension down her spine. Perhaps it was time to test Emma’s theory. She opened the door to the salon as he reached the last step. “Good afternoon, Your Grace.”
“Miss Drake,” he said with a nod before looking back at Davis. “She appears to be at home, Davis.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Davis, do send some tea and biscuits in for the duke,” Louisa said before returning to the salon. “That was dreadfully rude to Davis, Harry.”
Harry followed her into the room but closed the door behind him. “Are you well, Louisa?”
“Perfectly now.” She sat on the floral chair near the window. “And you?”
“I am well,” he replied. “I have sent you several notes but have received no replies. I was worried—”
“That I wasn’t focusing on finding you a wife?” she interrupted with a brow deliberately arched.
“That you might be ill.”
“I did have a dreadful cold that kept me from a few functions.”
He tilted his head and looked over at her with a questioning look. “Well, it is good to see you are well enough to attend a musicale tonight. I hear many people have already arrived for the Season, so it might be quite a crush.”
“Oh, Mrs. Smyth’s musicale?” She cast him a dejected look. “I fear we were not invited. Even after two years, some people still wish to blame my sister and her family for what happened.”
“Indeed,” he replied, walking by the fireplace before taking a seat near her. His gray eyes sparkled with irritation as he stared at her. “I’m quite certain I can send word to Mrs. Smyth about the oversight.”
Of course, Mrs. Smyth would invite them all, including Tessa, if the Duke of Worthington requested. “Do not put yourself out on my account. Lady Leicester’s ball is in a week. Once the Season officially begins, I have plenty of time to find you a wife.”
