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“Good afternoon, Lord Collingwood. Miss Drake,” she said with a quick curtsy. “I do hope you are enjoying your walk.”
Louisa slid a glance at Harry just as he did the same. She immediately moved her gaze back to Mary. “Yes, it is a lovely day.”
“Miss Drake, I had hoped to see you,” Harry said. “I must speak with you rather urgently. Collingwood, would you mind seeing Mrs. Gardiner home? I will escort Miss Drake home.”
Collingwood looked back and forth at them before saying, “If that is acceptable with you, Miss Drake?”
“Of course it is,” Harry interjected before she could say a word.
“Miss Drake?” Collingwood pressed.
She wasn’t about to make a scene in the middle of the park. “Of course.”
She blinked and watched as Collingwood held out his arm for Mary, who glanced back at Harry with a frown. Louisa couldn’t blame Mary for being vexed. Harry had acted very highhanded.
“You are...are...insufferable,” she sputtered as he led her back toward her home.
“Hush.” He led her away to a small copse of trees.
The man was impossible! And very handsome today. No, she should not think of Harry in that manner. But he was striking in his walking clothes. The stark white cravat tied in a barrel knot matched the simplicity of his black wool greatcoat. And all she wanted to do was strip every stitch of clothing off him.
“Are you all right, miss?” her maid asked in a worried tone. “Should I get assistance?”
“The duke is a gentleman, Mary.” Louisa glared up at him. “Or at least he used to be,” she whispered.
“I need to speak with you about something.”
“You should have sent a note.”
He moved her behind a tree to prying eyes from seeing them. “No, it could not be written where anyone might read it.”
“What is it, Harry?” She refused to meet his intent gaze. She refused to let the sensation of his nearness overwhelm her. Or the familiar hint of leather and cinnamon. Or the memories of what they had done.
“My sister says Collingwood is low on funds. I thought you should know that before you get too far into this courtship.”
“Then why would he be courting me? I have nothing to bring to a marriage.” Louisa sighed. “When I rejected Emerson’s proposal, he made certain everyone knew my pittance of a dowry.”
“I don’t know why. I only wanted to warn you about his financial position.”
“I heard he has four thousand a year. That should be more than enough.”
Harry shook his head. “I heard he’s in for over ten thousand and growing every month.”
“Ten thousand?” Louisa whispered. That was a considerable sum, indeed. “I must return home now.”
She moved away from him, impatient to gain some much-needed distance from his tantalizing scent.
“I promised Collingwood that I would see you home,” he said as he caught up with her.
“You mustn’t. Think of how it would look.”
“Since when have you cared about what others would think?”
“Since my sister’s happiness was involved.” Louisa wiped a tear away. Angry with herself for even imagining he might have feelings for her, she whispered, “Damn you, Harry.”
“Between you and my sister, I have heard enough of ladies cursing for years.”
“How is Lady Radley?” His sister had never done more than greet her at balls, but Louisa supposed she should be polite. At least this question would get their conversation off marriage to the wrong man.
