The Cursed Countess (The Daring Drake Sisters 1)

Tessa nodded. “I am sorry to have asked you for such a favor.”

Louisa rolled her eyes. “You know I would do anything for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Do you want to know what I discovered or is it too late?” Louisa asked with a smile. While her sister might be quick to anger, seldom did it last long.

“Of course I want to hear what you learned.”

“According to his friend, the man is a gentleman in need of funds. As a second son, he was left only a small allowance to live off...one hundred pounds per year. Barely enough for a squire much less a gentleman living in London.”

Tessa wasn’t sure money even concerned her now. “And why does that make him so undesirable?”

Before Louisa could answer, Roberts entered and placed a silver tray laden with the tea service onto the table between them. “Do you require anything else, my lady?”

“No, thank you, Roberts. Please close the door as you leave.”

“Of course, madam.” He bowed to them both before leaving them in peace.

Tessa poured them both a cup of tea and then handed one to her sister. “Again, why does his lack of fortune mean anything to me?”

“Because he is only courting you for your fortune,” Louisa said in an exasperated tone. “How can you be so foolish?”

“I hardly think I’m foolish. All I have done is dance with him and let him escort me to a musicale.” And kiss me nearly senseless. “Scarcely anything to worry over. It’s not as if I’m about to marry again.”

Tessa sipped her tea as she thought about her sister’s revelation. Could he only want to court her for her fortune? While she might not know him in any great detail, she didn’t believe he was after her money. Every man in London knew her money was unreachable because of this blasted curse.

Louisa let out a long sigh. “I also heard that he was quite the rake until he attempted to court Miss Mary Lewiston, the daughter of Viscount Lewiston and worth a bloody fortune. Her father refused to allow them to marry so Miss Lewiston cut off all contact with Mr. Raynerson.”

“I doubt it was as simple as that. I am sure there is much more to that story than you were told. And since Mr. Raynerson was nothing but a gentleman last night, I see no reason not to accept his call. Should he decide to call, that is.”

“You are making a huge mistake, Tessa. Then again, when have you not when it comes to men.”

“Louisa!”

“I apologize. I know you were influenced to marry all three men by Mamma. I should hope you have gained enough experience and wisdom to learn from your mistakes now that you have the funds to do so.” Louisa placed her cup down and rose. “I must be off. Mamma is all a twitter over Emma’s debut at Almack’s tonight. Will you be there?”

“I doubt Lady Jersey would allow me entrance.” Tessa rose and embraced her sister. “Thank you for uncovering what you could about Mr. Raynerson. It gives me something to think upon.”

“My lady, the Duke of Worthington is here,” Roberts said from the threshold.

“Please think about what I said.” Louisa kissed Tessa’s cheek before heading for the doorway. “I do hope the duke is here to talk some sense into you, too.”

Tessa rolled her eyes. She prayed he was only here for some much welcome conversation about politics. “Show him in, Roberts.” She sat back down on the sofa and took a sip of her now cool tea.

“My dear, how lovely to see you again,” the duke said as he ambled into the room.

Tessa rose and then curtsied to the older man. “Roberts, we will need fresh tea.”

“Of course, ma’am. I have already asked Mrs. Williams to prepare it.” He retreated from the room but left the door open slightly.

“Tessa, you look beautiful,” the duke murmured before bowing over her hand. “How have you been?”

“Quite well, and you?”

“It has been a difficult winter,” he said with a sigh as he took the seat Louisa had vacated. “I had taken quite ill in February, but am slowly regaining my strength.”

“Oh dear,” Tessa replied. “I do hope you are on the mend now.”