A Deal with a Duke (The Daring Drake Sisters 2)

Heat crossed her cheeks. “I just do.”

“Does it have anything to do with why you left my home on Christmas Day, stating you were going to find a husband?”

Louisa shrugged and then reluctantly nodded. “I decided to ask Harry to help me find a husband.”

“Worthington?”

Hearing the censure in Tessa’s voice, Louisa grabbed the paper out of her sister’s hands and tossed it into the fire. “It is none of your concern.”

“Anything that involves that family concerns me. His father murdered my husbands.”

“Yes, his father. The same man who killed Harry’s wife. He is as much a victim as you.”

Tessa slowly shook her head and pressed her lips together. “I understand that, Louisa. But you must know how dangerous it is to your reputation to associate with him. Many think he may have gone a little mad after what happened with his wife. Burying himself at Northwood Park for so long hasn’t helped the gossip either. And think of Emma. With her engagement to Bolton, she must not have any ill will connected to her.”

“I realize that, but he knows me better than anyone. Even you.”

Tessa’s face relaxed as she released a breath. “Emma’s engagement sparked this rashness in you, didn’t it?”

Louisa nodded. “It occurred to me that if I do not find a suitable husband this Season, I will either have to live with Mamma, Emma, or you. I couldn’t do that to either of you. And the idea of living in this house with Mamma might drive me to Bedlam.”

Tessa chuckled. “I can understand that. But Worthington? I know you were close before he left for India. I even thought an engagement might happen, but you haven’t corresponded with him in a few years now.”

Her sister had thought she and Harry might marry? Wherever did she get such an idea? “I tried, but he was too busy with the estate in India. And after his return....”

“He didn’t write after his wife died,” Tessa finished the sentence.

“No.” And after months of trying, Louisa had stopped writing.

“So, he wants a list of your requirements in a husband to help you. Then what?”

“Not exactly,” Louisa started hesitantly. “He didn’t completely agree to assist me. I assumed he would return to town after going to Windsor. So, with a certain amount of misplaced optimism, I thought I would create a list of what I want in a husband.”

Tessa sent her a look of pity. “I will do everything in my power to help you find a respectable husband, Louisa. I am sure Lady Leicester will have many ideas.”

“Thank you,” she replied, knowing Tessa would not be much involved with the Season with a baby due in June. And Louisa wasn’t certain she wanted Tessa’s grandmother-in-law assisting with finding a husband.

They both stopped talking as the sound of footfalls pounded up the steps. “Emma,” Louisa stated.

“She will need to check herself when she marries Lord Bolton,” Tessa said with a scowl. “A lady never runs.”

Without a knock, Emma hurled the door open and stared at them both. “You will never guess the news!”

“Oh, do tell,” Louisa said in a slightly sarcastic tone. Emma was far more concerned with the gossip of the ton than Louisa ever would be.

Emma closed the door as if the gossip was far too good for the servants to hear before moving to the bed. “Worthington is opening the house for the Season. Lady Rockingham says he may even hold a ball once this dreadful mourning is completed.”

Tessa tilted her head and stared over at Louisa.

She pressed a hand to her belly as it fluttered with anticipation. Harry had returned.

Chapter 7

“I THOUGHT YOU SAID you didn’t believe he would return,” Tessa commented as Emma sat on the bed.

“I didn’t think he would.”