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

Louisa shook her head. “I fear I have never had any such talent. Emma is the artist of the family. Her sketches are so lovely.”

“I share your lack of talent, then, Miss Drake.” He sipped his tea before continuing. “You will be at Lady Radley’s soiree on Friday, will you not?”

Louisa glanced about at Emma and her mother, who shrugged. “I don’t believe we shall be able to attend.”

“Indeed, that is a shame as I had hoped for another dance with you.”

Emma let out a small sigh. “I do so wish we could attend.”

“Perhaps your invitation was lost in the post,” Ainsley replied with a smile toward Louisa. “After all, how could the Drakes not be invited? It would be a dreadfully dull party without the sight of you, Miss Drake.”

“Thank you,” Louisa muttered. He’d said he wanted to talk to her about something to do with Harry. She doubted Ainsley could not speak of it where her Mother and sister would overhear.

“I should be off, then,” he said as he rose. “Miss Drake, I had hoped we might take a stroll in the park tomorrow, weather permitting.”

“Of course, you may,” Mamma replied for her with a smile.

Louisa nodded. “Yes, I would like that very much.”

He gave them a quick bow before departing.

With no callers for over an hour, Louisa was about ready to return to her bedchamber to read in peace when Davis opened the door to the salon.

“Mr. Kingsley,” Davis announced.

Mamma turned toward Louisa and whispered, “Why would Mr. Kingsley calling on us?”

“I have no idea.”

Simon Kingsley sauntered into the room with a smile on his face. Louisa wondered why Harry’s brother would be calling on either of them. He was worse than Ainsley, who at least was a gentleman.

“I must apologize for arriving unannounced when we have not been formally introduced,” Mr. Kingsley said. “I am on an errand for my half-sister, Lady Radley.”

“Tea?” her mother asked.

“Thank you, no. I called to make certain you received the invitation from my sister. There was some mistake, and a few people did not receive them. She wanted to be certain you knew you were invited. The soiree is on Friday.”

“Oh,” Mamma whispered. “Thank you, sir. But I doubt we will be able to attend. I’m certain you understand.”

Louisa wanted the ground to swallow her up and take her away from this awkward scene. It was blatantly apparent that Lady Radley hadn’t made an error. If Harry wanted Louisa there, he would have called himself. But for some reason, both Ainsley and Mr. Kingsley wanted her at this party, and she wondered why.

“Of course we can attend, Mamma,” Louisa interjected, desperately wanting to know what Mr. Kingsley was about. “We have no other plans for the evening. Is it to be at the Radleys’ home?”

Mr. Kingsley gave her an approving smile. “No, the duke’s home.”

“But, Louisa, I am quite certain you have forgotten about that invitation from—”

“No, Mamma,” she interrupted brusquely. “There were no other invitations for Friday.”

Mr. Kingsley bowed but not before sliding a long glance at Emma, who immediately looked away. Oh, bloody hell no, Louisa thought then relaxed as Emma shot the man a look of fear and disgust.

“I shall accompany you all,” he said as he walked to the door. “Expect me at eight.”

Once he had departed, Mamma turned to her with a glare. “You know we cannot attend Lady Radley’s ball. We were not invited!”

Louisa nodded slowly. “I believe we just were, Mamma.”

“It’s at Worthington’s home,” she started again.