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“Why, my lord, I believe you are correct. We cannot have people saying that we gave the cut to the duke’s daughter and his sister in the middle of the park.”
He smiled fully exposing deep dimples in both cheeks. “Gracious, no.”
As they approached, Charlotte caught sight of them and shrieked, “Miss Drake!”
Lady Radley rose from her crouched position with a scowl until she noticed Ainsley escorting Louisa. “Good afternoon, Ainsley...Miss Drake.”
Charlotte raced to her and hugged her tightly. “I’ve missed you!”
“I’ve missed you too, Charlotte.”
The little girl pulled away long enough to Ainsley. “Uncle Ainsley!”
Ainsley picked her up and swung her around until she giggled uncontrollably. “Lady Charlotte, you have grown so big. Soon I won’t be able to do this.”
Louisa wondered when Charlotte would have met him. While he and Harry were friends, she had never considered Charlotte would know him, apparently quite well. Uncle Ainsley, indeed.
“Charlotte, come along,” Lady Radley said. “I must get you back to Nurse.”
“But Uncle Ainsley and Miss Drake are here now,” Charlotte complained.
“Now, Charlotte,” Harry’s sister replied in a stern voice.
“Will you come and visit again soon?” Charlotte looked up at Louisa with pleading brown eyes.
“As soon as I can, darling girl. Now listen to your aunt.”
Once Lady Radley and Charlotte had departed, Louisa turned to Ainsley. “Do you think Lady Radley will mention seeing us together in the park?”
Ainsley laughed. “Not until Charlotte tells her father how she saw you at the park with a handsome gentleman.”
WHEN FRIDAY ARRIVED, she hadn’t expected any callers since most men would realize that it took a great deal of time for a lady to get ready for a party. By half-past two, Louisa doubted any gentlemen would call today. But as the hall clock rang three times, she heard the bang of the knocker and knew Collingwood had come to call.
“Lord Collingwood, Miss Drake,” Davis announced.
“Good afternoon, Miss Drake,” he said, glancing about the room. “Is your mother not at home?”
“She and Emma are preparing for the party tonight.”
He looked over at the clock on the mantel and said, “I do apologize. I should let you go, but I feel I must speak with you now or lose my courage.”
Dammit, he was not supposed to do this today...or any day. She remained silent, hoping his courage would wane.
“Miss Drake, I...I want to let you know how strong my feelings are for you,” he said, staring at the carpet and not her. “I feel we should suit, and it is well past time for me to marry. I am quite certain at your age you must feel the same.”
Lovely. Remind the spinster of her age.
“Anyway, I believe I should make an acceptable husband. I have the estate and title, of course. But now I need a wife.” He bent down on one knee. “Would you please accept my hand, Miss Drake?”
Louisa stared at him in shock. Why she was shocked, she had no idea. The man had hinted at a proposal a few times. Perhaps it was the lack of emotion in his tone—not one word of love, only how they would suit, which Louisa now doubted.
Collingwood smiled as he rose slowly to his feet. “I understand if you need more time.”
“I just feel it is rather sudden, my lord.” And her heart wouldn’t let her say yes. “Would you mind if I took a few days to think this through?”
She needed to formulate a rejection that would not cause her reputation or Emma’s any harm.
“Of course not, my dear. I do hope you will give me a decision in a week. I should like it very much if we were married quickly. No more than a fortnight would be perfect.”
