Page 102 of A Duke in the Rough

“Perhaps some air would help?” Drake asked, hoping to remove her from the inquisitive eyes of the crowd.

“That’s an excellent idea,” Mrs. Marbry said. “If you wish, I could accompany you as a chaperone.”

Lady Montgomery huffed aha, and her husband delivered another chastising look.

“That would be most gracious of you.” Drake held out his hand, motioning toward the terrace. “Shall we?”

Before they arrived at the terrace doors, Honoria entered the ballroom on Simon’s arm. Aunt Kitty trailed behind.

Drake wished to wipe off the smug grin covering Simon’s face. AuntKitty’s tight-lipped smile left him uneasy. Honoria glanced at him, then quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks blooming with color.

None of their expressions agreed in the least. What had they been discussing out on the terrace that entire time?

He turned, watching Honoria’s retreating back with longing.

“Mr. Merrick?” Anne called. “Are you coming?”

He nodded and followed Anne and Mrs. Marby out to the terrace, in the completely opposite direction his heart called.

As Honoriaand Burwood re-entered the ballroom from the terrace, she craned her neck to gaze back at Drake. What was going on?

Burwood patted her hand resting on his arm. “All will be well, my lady. I can feel it in my bones.”

But as Drake moved toward the terrace with Anne, Honoria had her doubts.

“The last set was to be with Drake.” She turned back to Burwood, disappointment drenching her words. “But he appears to be occupied with Anne.”

“There will be a longer respite before the next set while I make an announcement, so perhaps whatever business he has with Miss Weatherby—and let us hope for the best—will be concluded before your final dance.”

He patted her hand again. “Remember what we discussed. Now, if you would excuse me.”

She nodded as the duke made his way to the dais for his announcement.

Howcouldshe forget what they discussed? She’d poured her heart out to Burwood, relaying the fraught conversation she and Drake had during their waltz.

“How can I even consider what he’s asked of me while Anne still believes he has formed an attachment with her?” she’d asked.

Burwood had reassured her. “I believe she’s questioning the wisdom of that attachment. She pressed me with some questionsduring our dance. What you must decide, my lady, is how to convince Drake of your devotion and commitment. My friend is a stubborn man. It might take something daring to make him believe you accept him as he is.”

And that was when the idea popped into her head. Scandalous as it was, it would leave no doubt as to where her heart lay. But first, Anne must end things with Drake.

Burwood tapped a crystal glass, attracting her attention and that of the other guests. “Lords, ladies, and gentlemen. I hope you enjoyed the ball and our unusual method of selecting partners.”

Grumbling arose from more than a few men and some women, but Burwood only chuckled.

He held up his hands. “Very well. I shall not repeat that method of selecting dance partners. After the final dance, I would remind everyone to gather on the front lawn for the fireworks display. After that”—he winked, and Honoria felt it was directed only at her—“it’s all up to you.”

Subdued laughter and a few feminine gasps of shock followed. As ladies searched the ballroom for their final partners, Honoria turned toward the terrace, debating if she should seek Drake out.

Why had he gone out to the terrace with Anne?

Since Priscilla had accompanied them, perhaps Dr. Marbry would know why. She scanned the crowd. There, standing next to Lord Montgomery, he smiled, catching sight of her as she approached.

“Dr. Marbry, might I have a moment?” She glanced apologetically toward Lord Montgomery.

“Please take him.” Montgomery grinned. “He doesn’t seem the least bit interested in my latest experiment. What good is a best friend if he can’t even feign interest in a man’s triumphs?”

“That’s because yourtriumphsare more likely due to my sister.” Dr. Marbry smirked.

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