“I do not believe there is such a thing as a normal mourning period,” Louisa interjected. “After all, I think it should depend on the love you felt for your husband or wife.”
“Nonsense,” Lady Gringham said with a shake of her head. “Society says one year for a husband or wife is plenty.”
Harry glanced over at Louisa as she rolled her eyes before sipping her brandy. “I must say, I agree with Miss Drake.”
Louisa smiled over at him. “Thank you, Your Grace. Mourning should be based on the feeling and not what Society dictates.”
Lady Gringham gave the room a loud harrumph. “I suppose you take no issue with a woman who comes out of mourning early?”
Harry cringed, knowing that jab was directed at Louisa’s sister for doing precisely that after the passing of her third husband.
“I do not. If a woman is compelled into a marriage without love, then why should she mourn the man for more than a few months? Likewise, if a man loved his wife deeply, why should Society decree only a year of mourning?”
Except he hadn’t loved his wife. He closed his eyes against the shame flooding him. She had been a good woman. He’d come to care for her, but he’d never been in love with her. His choice was to hide away from the memories of what his father had done to Louisa’s sister and Harry’s wife. Escape the gossip.
“I believe your mother should have taught you that as an unmarried lady, you must keep your opinions to yourself, Miss Drake. Perhaps if she had, you would not be unmarried at your age.” Lady Gringham pursed her lips in blatant disapproval. “We should retire now. Come along, my lord.”
Lord Gringham gulped the rest of his brandy and then said, “Goodnight.”
They started across the room when Lady Gringham stopped and looked back at Louisa. “Miss Drake, you must also retire.”
“I must?” Louisa said in a surprised voice.
“You cannot be left alone with His Grace. It is highly improper.”
Louisa looked askance over at him.
“Goodnight, Miss Drake,” he said, grateful to not be left alone with her. She would want to talk when he only wished to be left alone.
“Come along now, Miss Drake,” Lady Gringham said sternly. “Your chaperone is upstairs, so I must see to your reputation.”
“Goodnight, Your Grace,” Louisa said tightly.
Harry watched her walk away and sighed. Having her here wreaked havoc on his senses. The sooner she left, the better, before she, or the Gringhams, discovered Charlotte. That would only cause more difficulties.
Chapter 3
LOUISA DRESSED THE next morning slowly, hoping by the time she arrived downstairs the Gringhams would have departed. Facing Harry required every ounce of courage with no distractions. Even after days in the coach, she had no idea what she would do if he rejected her request.
His wife’s death had changed him from the light-hearted rascal she’d known to someone much more solemn. She didn’t know this man, and that frightened her. Before he had married, Harry would have teased Louisa’s plan out of her instead of demanding a reason for her presence.
She missed that Harry.
With a breath for courage, she proceeded down the stairs. As she reached the last step, the Gringhams walked out of the salon, followed by Harry. Lady Gringham’s brows furrowed with concern.
“I am terribly worried about leaving you before your companion is well,” Lady Gringham said, reaching for Louisa’s hands. “Perhaps I should check on her myself.”
“I just did. Mrs. Fitzpatrick is much recovered today. I’m quite certain she will be able to join us for supper, and by tomorrow we shall continue on to Scotland.”
Harry’s lips formed a tight line as if he was trying to contain a comment. Louisa wondered what he was bothered about now. Perhaps he was only trying to keep from blurting out that her companion wasn’t real.
Lady Gringham pulled away with a frown. “Of course, my dear,” she muttered slowly. “Good luck with Lord Ainsley. I do hope he is up to your rather high expectations.”
Louisa pressed her lips together and gave the woman a brief nod. The nerve of that woman. Was it truly high expectations that she might want a man who would respect her and her opinions? A man who might be companionable? While she’d always thought she wanted love, the reality of her situation had slapped her in the face with Emma’s engagement.
Twenty-five, unmarried, and no prospects.
“Safe travels,” Harry said as the couple walked out to the drive. Once the door shut, he turned to Louisa with a deep scowl and added, “You do realize you gave your companion a new name.”