“Are you certain now is the best time with both Collingwood and Ainsley chasing the woman you love?”
“Louisa is not a fool. She will see past Ainsley’s charm. Besides, he knows better than to cross me.”
“Perhaps, but she might not see past Collingwood’s safety,” Simon muttered in a low tone as Harry reached the door.
“WHERE DID YOU RUN OFF to last night?” Daphne asked Harry as he entered the salon the next morning. “I needed to speak with you.”
“I went to see Simon,” he said, sitting in the chair next to her. “And I do not want to hear one word about my behavior last night.”
“Very well, but why would you go to see him?” Disdain dripped from her voice. “He’s a bastard.”
“He is our brother, Daphne. He could not help being born on the wrong side of the blanket.”
“I don’t have to like it,” she said with a huff. “Father should have had b
etter taste than an opera singer.”
“I need to go to Worth Hall for a few days, maybe a week. Would you mind if I left Charlotte here?”
“Of course, you can leave Charlotte with me. But what do you need to go out there for?” she asked. “And you cannot go until after my party.”
“I need to speak with the steward. Some numbers are not adding up.” Harry rubbed his face. “What party?”
“On Friday, I thought we would host a small soiree here. Just fifty or so people. We’ll have some musicians for dancing, and maybe a room set up for gaming. Invite Kingsley if you wish. I will try to be a better person and accept Father’s bastard.”
“Why are you holding it here and not at your home?”
“Radley was delayed another week. Besides this house is larger and accommodates more people.”
“You just said it would be a small party.” Harry waved a hand at her. “Do as you like, but I will be leaving Saturday morning then.”
“Excellent.” She rose with a smile on her face. “I must go prepare the guest list.”
LOUISA SAT IN THE SALON, reading a book on architecture. If only she’d been born a man. She could have done such great things. Although, perhaps not architecture since her drawing abilities were feeble at best. Instead, she was a woman with no clear path in front of her. As a woman, the possibilities were limited, indeed. Marriage was the most sought-after profession for a lady. But what other choices did she have? A governess position, perhaps?
She almost laughed aloud. If she ever applied for a position, her mother would have an apoplexy.
“Lord Ainsley,” Davis announced before letting the earl in the room.
Ainsley swept into the room and bowed. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Drake, Miss Drake, Miss Emma.”
“Lord Ainsley, how lovely to see you,” Mamma twittered. “And you came to call on such a dreadful day. The rain hasn’t stopped all day.” She stood and walked to the door. “I will make certain there is tea for you.”
“Miss Drake,” he said with a slight smile to her. “How have you been?”
“Please sit down, my lord. I am quite well. Thank you.”
Seeing the book on her lap, he asked, “What are you reading?”
Her mother swept back into the room and grabbed the book from Louisa. “Just some nonsense on architecture, my lord. Dreadfully dull stuff.”
“On the contrary, Mrs. Drake. A woman who fills her mind with nonsense will speak of nothing else. While a woman who reads to enlighten herself will brighten the entire room with her knowledge.”
Emma sighed. “Oh.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Louisa said, feeling a flash of heat cross her cheek. What was he about giving such compliments?
“Are you also artistically inclined, Miss Drake?” he asked as Mamma poured tea.