“Of course, it would be a pleasure.” Not really, but she might catch sight of Harry while they danced. Where the bloody hell was he?
Collingwood led her to the dance floor as a reel started. At least that would limit conversation, she thought.
As the dance started, he asked, “Have you had time to think about the question I asked you?”
“I have not, my lord. It has been quite hectic with all the rigors of preparing for the ball.”
“Of course. I apologize if I seem overeager.”
“It is to be expected, my lord.”
“Please call me Robert.”
Until that moment, she realized she didn’t know his Christian name. “It is not appropriate in public, my lord.”
“As you wish.” He frowned as they danced away from each other. She scanned the room for Harry until the dance brought her back to Collingwood.
Thankfully, the set was two quick reels, which ended quickly, allowing her to continue her search for Harry. Perhaps Kingsley might know where his brother happened off. She searched for Kingsley, but he was speaking in hushed tones with his half-sister. As Lady Radley moved away, Louisa walked toward the man, but as she approached, he strode through the crush as if eager to be away from her.
“Miss Drake?”
Louisa turned at the sound of Lord Ainsley’s voice. “Lord Ainsley, good evening.”
“Good evening, Miss Drake. Are you enjoying yourself tonight?”
“Very much so,” she lied. Until she spoke to Harry, she would be miserable. And since she’d seen no sign of him, she assumed she would be miserable all evening long.
He smiled at her. “Why do I feel you are lying? Might I persuade you to dance?”
“That would be lovely, indeed, my lord. Have you seen His Grace tonight? I had hoped to speak with him for a moment.”
Ainsley shrugged with a little smile. “I had an interview with him in his study before you arrived. He seemed a tad out of sorts with the idea of me calling on you every day.”
“That is good.”
“I thought so too, until I heard a few moments ago that he left the party.”
Chapter 19
TWO DAYS PASSED WITHOUT a word from Harry. Louisa sat in the salon, staring at the book on her lap, wondering where he might have gone. And why hadn’t he told her where he was going. She wasn’t sure she could wait for him to return from wherever he’d wandered off. She had to find him and tell him how she felt. He deserved to know that she loved him.
She set off to his home to ask Jenkins where Harry had disappeared. As she climbed the steps, the door opened, and Lady Radley walked out, holding Charlotte’s hand.
“Miss Drake!” Charlotte squealed with excitement. “Did you come to walk with us in Hyde Park?”
“Miss Drake,” Lady Radley said with a nod. “You must excuse us. We were just off for a stroll.”
“Of course,” Louisa replied, noting the tight grip the woman held on Charlotte. “I am sorry, Charlotte. I only stopped by to pay a call on your father.”
“He’s not at home,” Lady Radley said coldly, pulling on Charlotte’s arm. “Come along, Charlotte.”
The little girl started to pout.
“Charlotte,” Louisa urged. “Go along with your aunt.”
“All right,” Charlotte said with a petulant sigh.
Louisa turned to Harry’s sister. “Lady Radley, do you know when the duke might be at home?”