Page 60 of A Duke in the Rough

“Thank you, Your Grace.” She turned to leave.

“And Lady Honoria. Tell him to be honest with himself before he makes any rash decisions.”

Without turning around, she nodded, knowing full well Drake’s mind was already made up.

As Burwood suggested, she found Drake sitting on the terrace bench, back to her and head bowed.

“Drake?” At first she wasn’t certain he heard her, so she moved closer and saw him hastily slip something into his pocket. A book lay open on his lap. “I didn’t mean to interrupt, but I came to tell you about Anne.”

His gaze snapped to hers, his face a mask of terror. “She’s dead.” His hand drifted to his pocket, and he murmured something that sounded likemy unfaithfulness did this,but she couldn’t be sure.

Quickly, she sat beside him, wishing she could pull him into her arms for comfort. “No. No. She’s awake and both Ashton and Dr. Marbry believe she will make a full recovery.”

His eyes shuttered. “Thank God.”

“She’s asking for you.” The words stuck to her tongue like glue, the taste bitter. Her gaze dipped to the book. “Is that the book I left in Anne’s room?”

“Yes.” He looked like he wanted to say something else, but changed his mind. “Come with me?”

No need to ask where. She simply nodded and followed him to Anne’s room. When they arrived, people crowded the room. Andrew and Alice had joined Mrs. Weatherby with Andrew sending Anne a brotherly glare. Miranda and Charlotte stood on the side of the bedopposite Anne’s family. Near the door, Burwood leaned against the wall, his long legs crossed at the ankles. His gaze was trained on either Miranda or Charlotte, but from the frown on his face, Honoria thought it was likely Charlotte.

He straightened when Drake stepped into the room. “Shall we throw a party and invite the other guests?”

Clearly, Anne didn’t realize he jested, because she sat upright in bed. “I love parties.”

Burwood’s dark eyebrow quirked, and he turned toward Drake. “She’s all yours. If any of you have need of me, ring for Frampton.” When he passed, he leaned toward Honoria and whispered, “Did you tell him?”

“Tell me what?” Drake asked, his gaze sliding from Burwood to Honoria.

“Apparently not. When you want something done.” Burwood huffed a sigh. “I told her to tell you to be honest with yourself before you make any rash decisions. You know, the kind that have lifelong consequences?”

With that, he stepped from the room.

Brows furrowed, Drake stared at Burwood’s retreating back.

Anne straightened in bed. “Mr. Merrick. You came.”

Charlotte and Miranda moved aside as Drake tentatively stepped up to the bed. “Miss Weatherby. Relief doesn’t nearly express my emotions at seeing you awake. You gave us all such a fright.”

“My mother told me you rode all the way to Lyme to bring her here.”

Honoria’s heart broke a little more at the adoring look in Anne’s eyes as she stretched out her hands toward Drake and he took them in his own.

“Could everyone give Mr. Merrick and me a few moments?” Anne’s gaze never left Drake’s face.

Andrew Weatherby shook his head. “That wouldn’t be proper, Poppet.”

“Honoria can stay as a chaperone,” Anne said. “Everyone trusts her.”

Numbness inched its way through Honoria’s body. Drake’s gazeturned toward her, his face apologetic and strained. “Perhaps someone else, Miss Weatherby? Lady Charlotte or Lady Miranda? Your mother? Lady Honoria has been tirelessly by your bedside. She deserves a rest.”

Anne shook her head. “But that’s why I want her. She truly cares. You will, won’t you, Honoria?”

“Of course.” Honoria eked out the words and forced a smile.

“Very well.” Anne’s mother addressed Honoria. “Will you call for me when they’re finished?”

Honoria could only nod.

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