A Duke of Her Own by Lorraine Heath

Author:Lorraine Heath [Heath, Lorraine]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
ISBN: 9780061762628
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2011-11-26T17:46:20+00:00

“Are you certain you’re all right?” Jeremy asked.

Sitting in the carriage, listening as the wheels clattered over the street, Louisa forced herself to smile. He’d seen her come in from the garden and had been solicitous ever since: fetching her champagne, insisting she dance with him again, making her laugh by sharing funny stories from all his adventures traveling. He’d been jolly good fun and almost managed to make her forget about her encounter with Hawkhurst in the garden.

“Yes, I’m fine thank you.”

“I’ve never seen a woman return from a walk about the garden quite so pale. Usually the outdoors puts color back into her cheeks.”

“It was simply a bit too warm out there.”

“I thought I saw the duke accompany you through the doors,” Jenny said.

“He was with me only for a moment,” Louisa said hastily. “He had to leave.”

“Your brother wasn’t there this evening,” Jenny said.

“No, I suppose he had other things to do as well.”

“A pity. I rather liked dancing with him.” She gazed out the window.

Louisa could not help but wonder what she would say if she knew that her mother had promised Alex that he would not see a penny if he pursued her daughters. Dear Lord, Louisa wasn’t certain if she’d ever met a woman as nasty as Mrs. Rose. Was it all money, titles, and prestige?

“A penny for your thoughts,” Jeremy said.

Louisa laughed lightly, wondering if pennies were all this family thought about. “None, really. I’m simply tired.”

“You’re a lousy liar,” he said, “but I won’t press matters.”

They rode in silence until they arrived at the Rose residence. Once inside, Jenny said, “Jeremy’s right. You are rather pale.” She took Louisa’s arm. “Come on. Father’s brandy will put the color right back into your cheeks.”

“I’m not pale,” Louisa protested. “I’m naturally very light of complexion.”

Jenny smiled brightly and leaned near. “It’s an excuse, Lady Louisa. I want to hear the details of the walk in the garden, and a bit of brandy always makes the telling so much easier.”

“It was merely a walk—”

“Shh. Say no more until we are settled in the library,” Jenny said.

“Am I invited?” Jeremy asked.

“Of course. You shall do the honors of pouring the spirits,” Jenny said.

“This is highly improper,” Louisa said.

“Nonsense,” Jenny said. “It is late. No need to be my chaperone. Be my friend. I could use a friend.”

Something in her voice made Louisa realize she was serious. “Are you lonely here?”

“Of course I am. I know so few people, and Kate has withdrawn—” She shook her head. “I love the balls, but it is amazing how lonely one can be in a room filled with people.” She wound her arm around Louisa’s. “Now come, let’s relax with a bit of brandy—”

“I’ve never had brandy,” Louisa said, allowing Jenny to lead the way. Although she had tasted it in the form of sweets that Hawkhurst had shared with her. She wished she could stop thinking about him, and she feared brandy would only serve to remind her of him.

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