Page 37 of A Duke in the Rough

CHAPTER 11

Mercifully, Simon refrained from any more attempts to throw Drake and Honoria together. At supper that evening, Drake found himself seated across from Ashton and the duchess. Mrs. Weatherby sat on Drake’s left, and Lady Miranda Townsend on his right.

Seated to Victor Pratt’s right, Honoria appeared to converse with him comfortably. With each smile or tiny laugh she graced the amiable young man with, jealousy—visceral and sour—ripped through Drake. Across from her, Honoria’s father seemed to pay more attention to his daughter than the delicious food in front of him. What Drake couldn’t discern was if Stratford approved or disapproved of Lord Cartwright’s son and heir.

He needed to focus on something other than Honoria. “I understand you’ve also spent time in India, Mrs. Weatherby. Might you know of a place to purchase the spices that make many of their dishes so wonderfully delicious?”

“Oh, ho! Now you’ve won favor in my wife’s eyes, sir,” Mr. Weatherby said.

Drake blinked. One would think enquiring about spices was a mundane topic of conversation.

“What my husband means, sir, is my father and my husband are in the business of supplying items from India to interested parties. We offer the finest quality of silks and spices. However, my father’s shop is some distance away in Kent.”

“Does he provide transportation for purchases?”

“I’m sure that could be arranged. However, if Burwood is amenable, we would welcome you both into our home should you prefer to travel and see the inventory for yourselves.”

“Kent is lovely this time of year, Mr. Merrick,” the duchess said. “My husband’s seat is there. You would also be welcome to stay with us.”

“Indeed, Merrick,” Ashton said. “Although I will admit we’re not there as often as one would expect from a duke. I find myself in London most of the year.”

“At your clinic?”

Ashton nodded and took a sip of his wine. “But should you decide to travel when we’re in London, I will leave word with the staff remaining there to provide you the warmest of welcomes.”

Drake wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from the members of thetonwhen he arrived back in England. Well, that wasn’t precisely true. He expected an icy reception for a man raised as a commoner, but if the house party was any indication, things weren’t as bad as he feared.

Oh, there were still some who obviously fawned over Simon disingenuously—Lord Middlebury being one of them. Stratford barely contained his own disdain, except when it came to his opinion of Drake. That clearly had not changed.

And therein lay the problem.

Even if Honoria professed her love for him as Drake Merrick, man of business, would her father’s objection persuade her to reject him as it had eight years prior?

“You appear far away, Mr. Merrick.” Lady Miranda gazed at him with concern. “I do hope wherever it is, it’s somewhere pleasant.” She turned slightly and looked in Honoria’s direction.

How much did she suspect?

The tiny smile flitting across her lips answered his question.

Throughout the remainder of the meal, Drake used all hiswillpower tonotgaze in Honoria’s direction. Instead, he decided the best course of action was to become better acquainted with the other ladies present. Perhaps one would capture his interest and drive Honoria from his mind.

After supper, while everyone gathered in the largest drawing room, Drake did his best to circulate and speak with the eligible ladies. The mental list dwindled as he crossed several off. Lydia Whyte was too much of a flirt. He worried he wouldn’t be able to trust her. Even at that moment, she was gazing at Victor Pratt with the same ardor she’d exhibited toward Drake the evening before. The same could be true for Anne Weatherby.

As for Lady Miranda, as Simon noted upon their introduction, she was agreeable and certainly pretty. Yet even at supper, he sensed she had no attraction to him. And more importantly, she had apparently seen through his thinly veiled interest in Honoria.

Lady Charlotte was a possibility. But he had his doubts she would be interested in a man who wasn’t titled.

Who was he fooling? No matter the lady, he would find some reason to cross her off his list of possible brides. The sheer fact she wasn’t Honoria would be sufficient.

However, perhaps he could glean some information regarding Stratford’s hold on Honoria from her friends.

Scanning the room, he saw Lady Charlotte speaking with the toady Middlebury.

Perhaps she might actually appreciate a rescue. To quote Willie Shakespeare,We must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures.

As he strode over to Lady Charlotte, Lord Middlebury glanced up from licking crumbs from his fingers, then reached for a glass of sherry on a tray a footman held. The frown on the man’s face chilled the air.

On the other hand, Lady Charlotte seemed genuinely happy to see him. “Mr. Merrick!” She glanced askance at Middlebury. “I’m so happy you decided to join us.”

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