Page 69 of A Duke in the Rough

Honoria recognized the maid from when she came in to tidy her room earlier. “It’s fine, Cora. My father and I are just having a disagreement.”

The maid hurried past, and her father’s brows shot up. “You don’t need to explainanythingto servants. They are paid to keep their mouths shut.”

He turned in a circle, pacing in place. “I do love you.” His hand rubbed at the back of his neck. “I know I’m not demonstrative, but I’ve only wanted what’s best for you.”

“And, in your estimation, would that now be Burwood?” She shouldn’t goad him, but she needed to make him understand.

He waved a hand in front of him as if he were presenting an argument before Lords. “You women are always going on about a man’s appearance. Burwood’s certainly not old or hideous, and he seems in good health. He has a sense of humor.” He mumbled something thatsounded likealthough crass.“I believe he would give you the affection you seem to crave.”

Did he truly believe that was all it took? “What you say is all true. I’ll not deny it. But you forget one very important detail.”

“Which is?” Her father appeared genuinely interested in what she would say.

“As Burwood’s man of business, Mr. Merrick resides here. It would break my heart to see him constantly, especially if he were married to my friend. Rather than bringing my happiness, it would be a living hell.”

“Honoria, watch your language!”

“No! I’m tired of watching my language and tired of sacrificing to please you.”

He blinked repeatedly, his mouth hanging open. “I . . . you . . . still love him that much after all these years?”

Angry tears flooded forth. “Yes. I’ve always loved him. Why do you think I’ve discouraged every suitor who came after him? Perfectly lovely gentlemen—whose own hearts belonged to another. How could I do that to both them and myself?”

“I had no idea your feelings were so strong.” He stepped closer.

Although it was her first instinct, she didn’t back away, but allowed him to wrap stiff arms around her and pat her back awkwardly.

“Please leave, Father.”

He nodded, shuffling to the door as if he had aged twenty years in the last few minutes. With one final, imploring look, he closed the door behind him with a softsnick.

CHAPTER 20

Bent over in a chair in his room, Drake held his head in his hands. “What am I to do?” he asked absolutely no one. His audience was perfect, because he truly didn’t want to hear the answer.

He knew what he wanted to do. Tell Miss Weatherby that, although she was a perfectly lovely young lady, his heart belonged to Lady Honoria and always would.

Could he break his promise to God? Would he break Anne’s heart? He rather thought the answer to the latter was no, but it didn’t relieve him of his obligation to the former.

Aunt Kitty had tried to reason with him, telling him God was bigger than Drake presumed and would certainly understand a promise made in desperation. And wouldn’t it be better to cause the young lady a little pain now rather than be in a loveless marriage?

Argh!He ran his hands through his hair.

Knock, knock.“Drake,” a familiar feminine voice called from out in the hall.

He bounded from the chair and raced over to the door, throwing it open. “Mother! Juliana! What are you doing here? You were supposed to wait in Dorchester until you received word from me.” As much ashe wished to chastise them for ignoring his instruction, he couldn’t help but be grateful they had.

His mother bustled past in a swish of lilac and silk. His sister, half-sister to be exact, followed her. “Simon implored me to return. Something about hurrying back before you do something you shouldn’t. He was rather cryptic, but he mentioned a young lady. Have you selected a bride?”

“It’s more like she selected me.”

Juliana’s blue eyes sparkled. “Can women now propose to men?”

“Hush, Juliana,” his mother said, then turned toward him. “Why don’t you look happy about this? Or is there another matter that’s upset you?” She touched his face as mothers did, tenderly and with concern.

He cupped it against his cheek—her touch soothing—and sighed. “It’s a rather long story. Have you just arrived? I’ll send for refreshments, and then I’ll tell you everything.”

After ringing for a servant, he settled them in chairs, and—pacing the room—recounted the tale of the fox hunt, Anne’s fall, his vow to God, Aunt Kitty’s arrival, and most importantly, his unchanging feelings for Honoria.

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