It wasn’t until he returned to London that she learned the truth.
They were no longer confidantes.
He had never told her about his wife. Not one letter to inform her.
Not one word.
She paced the extensive room. She would go mad if she were stuck here all night. Besides, she did not doubt that her absence at supper would only aggravate Lady Gringham’s penchant for gossip. At least if Louisa was present, she could make up a tale Lady Gringham would believe. A story so convincing that Harry’s name would only be a passing footnote.
There was one man who could aid her. A gentleman who would not be bothered with his name on the gossips’ lips, as it was a commonplace occurrence. Being friends with Harry, the earl would keep their secret safe.
And thankfully, she hadn’t agreed to stay in her room tonight.
A light rap announced Lily’s return. Her maid entered and then glanced over at her. “Is everything all right, miss?”
Louisa contemplated her actions again. Harry might be angry with her, but this was her reputation at stake, not his. “Please pull out my burgundy velvet.”
Lily cocked her head and stared at her. “Jenkins told me you would be taking a tray in your room tonight.”
She waved a hand at her maid. “The duke thought me too tired to dine with the others, but I find I am not weary at all. The bath invigorated me, so I have decided to join him...and his guests.”
“Yes, miss.”
At least she had remembered to pack one decent gown. Once Lily had helped her dress, the maid set forth to do something with Louisa’s hair. She had always envied her sisters’ hair. While Tessa had beautiful auburn locks with just the perfect amount of curls, and Emma’s wavy golden tresses took to any style her maid could imagine, Louisa’s brown hair had no wave, no curl, and usually fell out of even the simplest of chignons.
While her sisters had the beauty, Louisa had the brains. And the smart mouth that went along with knowing too much, as she’d been told numerous times. Mostly by Harry.
“Take a look, miss,” Lily said, holding up a hand mirror. “You look so beautiful.”
Louisa laughed until she looked in the mirror. Her mouth gaped, seeing the elegant upswept coiffure. “How did you get my hair dressed in that manner? My maid has about given up on it.”
Lily winked at her. “I can’t give away all my secrets, miss.”
“I love it, Lily.”
With a deep breath for strength, she walked out of the room and to the steps. Realizing she had no idea where the dining room was, she followed the delicious aromas as her stomach rumbled. When she found the room, the Gringhams were already seated, as was Harry. She straightened her back and strolled into the room with a smile.
“Good evening,” she said in a light tone. “Please excuse my tardiness.”
Lord Gringham and Harry rose as she entered the room. Lord Gringham smiled at her while Harry’s face darkened into a deep scowl.
“Miss Drake, it has been months since we have seen you,” Lord Gringham gushed. “I do hope you are well. You appear much more refreshed since your rest.”
“Good evening, Miss Drake,” Harry bit out. “I thought you had requested a tray in your room tonight.”
Louisa smiled at him as he glared at her. “Indeed? You must be mistaken. How could I not dine with the Gringhams? They are always a wonderful diversion.”
“Wherever is your companion, Miss Drake?” Lady Gringham asked.
“Oh Lady Gringham, did the duke not tell you?” Not waiting for a reply, Louisa continued with her tall tale, “Poor Mrs. Fitzhugh has taken dreadfully ill. That is why I thought it best we stop here for a night or two and not continue with the storm bearing down on us.”
Louisa took her seat, and the gentlemen followed suit. A footman placed a plate of roast beef, potatoes, and beans before her. She silently applauded Harry’s basic supper. It was just what she needed tonight.
“Indeed, the duke’s home would be far more comfortable than an inn. I’m certain your sister would understand.”
Louisa clenched the stem of her wineglass as Lady Gringham’s barb hit its mark. Would Tessa understand? Her sister had never talked about Harry after the accusations two years ago. And Louisa had never asked. Perhaps she’d feared Tessa would blame Harry for his father’s actions.
Lady Gringham sipped her wine