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

“Louisa, you must get up today,” Emma said as she raced into the room. “Lord Collingwood sent a note stating he would like to take you to the park for a walk and Mamma replied that you would go with him. You only have an hour to eat and dress before he arrives.”

Louisa threw the covers over her head. “I am not going.”

“Oh, yes you are, young lady,” her mother’s voice sounded from the hall. “Get up this minute and be ready by one. And you will attend Lady Huntley’s ball tomorrow night.”

Louisa wanted to scream but knew it would do no good. Her mother wouldn’t listen to her. She only saw a viscount calling on her plain daughter, which meant finally marrying her off.

“Come along, Louisa,” Emma said softly. “Before the dragon returns.”

Louisa flipped the covers off her head and stared at her younger sister. “I have never heard you be so mean, Emma.”

Emma closed the door and then returned to Louisa’s bed with a long sigh. “She is driving me mad over this wedding. She is pressuring me to tell Bolton that we must set a date now.”

“Is that what has her ire up this morning?”

“I believe she wanted to discuss something important with Lord Hammond, but he sent a note stating he was occupied today.”

Louisa didn’t want to hear any more about Lord Hammond and her mother. Or hear any more about her pressuring Emma to wed Bolton. “Emma, if you don’t wish to marry Bolton, then you should not marry him. It is your life. Tessa sacrificed so much so that we would be able to marry for love.”

Emma blinked in confusion. “I do want to marry Bolton, Louisa. I am weary of Mamma trying to force the wedding sooner than Lady Bolton wishes. I need to be considerate of my future mother-in-law’s desires.”

Louisa drew her sister into a tight hug. “Mamma suggested I stay away from Harry. She fears Lady Bolton will influence her son to toss you over.”

“Nonsense,” Emma said with a laugh. “Bolton loves me. While he always considers his mother’s opinion, he would never toss me over. You will pursue Harry and win his heart.”

“I hope you are right.” But at this point, she had no plan on how to win his heart or any other part of him.

“We need to get you dressed,” Emma said, pulling away from her. After searching the linen press, she pulled out a dark blue striped walking dress. “This is perfect.”

“Why are you pushing me toward Collingwood today?”

Emma giggled. “It’s a beautiful day, and as such, you should be seen in the park with a man at your side. How else will you make the duke jealous?”

Louisa tossed the coverlet off her. Emma helped her dress and put up her hair. She had no wish to tell Emma that she’d already told Harry they could not see each other because of her.

“Perfect,” Emma said, placing the last pin in Louisa’s hair. “I suppose if all else fails, I could become a ladies’ maid.”

“And mother would have an apoplexy fit,” Louisa replied with a laugh. “What time is it?”

“Half twelve.”

“I need to eat something, or my belly will be complaining throughout the walk.” She trudged downstairs and thankfully found tea and toast with strawberry jam set out for her. She finished quickly then brushed the crumbs off her skirt as a knock hammered the door.

She greeted him in the receiving salon. “Lord Collingwood, how lovely to see you today.”

He rose slowly and gave her a bow. “I do hope you don’t mind a walk today. The weather is quite fine, and I know you enjoy walking in the park.”

“Thank you. Taking some air is just what I need today.” He was a handsome enough man. So why didn’t he make her feel as Harry did when he looked at her? No matter what Emma said, Louisa didn’t quite believe Bolton would disobey his mother if she ordered him to break off the engagement. Louisa needed to be prepared to give up her obsession with Harry.

They walked to the park. Her maid trailed slightly behind so they could talk but was escorted. Louisa discussed some of the recent books she’d read, and he did the same. At least they had that in common, she thought.

“I read an interesting article yesterday about the progress of the steam locomotive. If someone can figure out a better design for the rails, I believe it will be a useful machine.”

“Hmm,” Collingwood said as if barely listening to her.

They headed toward the path near the Serpentine when she looked up and saw him. And Mary Gardiner. She could barely breathe as they approached. Harry t

ipped his hat to them, but Mary stopped him from passing by.