Page 75 of A Duke in the Rough

Drake’s attention returned fully on Honoria. “But you have green eyes and Miss Weatherby has blue eyes. Surely he should have noticed that?” Drake was certainhewould. He had memorized Honoria’s eyes. Still, a small portion of him envied the fact that Pratt had been promised a dance.

But tomorrow . . .

Juliana swatted him on the arm. “Quit butting in and let her finish the story.”

Honoria nodded and smiled, informing him she hadn’t minded his interruption in the least. “I suspect Mr. Pratt’s offer was more courtesy than actual interest. But, of course, Anne viewed it as a forthcoming proposal.” She emitted another musical laugh. “I exaggerate, of course. However, Anne gave more weight to what she viewed as an impetuous request. Later that evening, Mr. Pratt approached me, acting rather uncomfortable. He hemmed and hawed a bit before apologizing for any misperceived overtures seeking an attachment.”

Tension in Drake’s chest eased that the man Honoria founddashinghad not pursued her.

“It was at that time he studied me more closely, noticing not only the difference in eye color, as you pointed out, Mr. Merrick, but also the slight difference in our gowns. I explained he had mistaken the other lady for me.”

Juliana had stopped eating and leaned closer, as if she didn’t want to miss a word. “What did he say? Was he upset?”

Honoria laughed. “Not in the least. Mr. Pratt is a most agreeable man. However, he was concerned the young lady might expect something from him he was not prepared to give. I promised I would explain things on his behalf. Anne was disappointed, but she is resilient, so no real harm was done. We both agreed had he spent a little more time with us he would have discerned the difference, as we are nothing alike in reality.”

Truer words. Drake glanced back toward the head of the table. Aunt Kitty had wisely decided to focus on her meal, but Simon continued to flirt and regale Anne with his “charm.”

Anne seemed enthralled.

Perhaps Simon’s plan was working.

Bittersweet.The only word that came to mind as Honoria tried to focus on something other than Drake’s handsome face. It helped to have Juliana’s bubbly personality to distract her.

Somewhat.

Yet each time Drake’s eyes locked with hers, her heart rate increased and her stomach performed little flips.

And each time, she reminded herself that he had formed an attachment with Anne. Who, at the moment, seemed entranced by Burwood.

Honoria glanced at Anne, then tilted her head toward Drake in question, but he only smiled, setting her heart fluttering again.

Didn’t he mind? Even Anne questioned it. How to bring it up casually?

Ah, yes.

“It’s certainly wonderful to see Anne back to her ebullient self, is it not, Mr. Merrick?”

Drake glanced toward Anne and . . . smiled? “It is indeed. She seems to be enjoying herself tremendously.”

“Drake told us about Miss Weatherby’s fall,” Mrs. Merrick said. “Is she typically headstrong?”

“A bit, although I like to think of her as more enthusiastic than willful. When Anne decides on something, she gives her all.” Honoria gave Drake a watery smile.

“You mean how she’s decided my brother is her rescuing knight?” Juliana waved the bit of duck on her fork. “Oh, she told me all about how he carried her back to the house.”

“I was on horseback,” Drake said, looking down at his own duck with something akin to dislike. “Someone had to get her back for medical care.”

“And you were the best horseman there,” Honoria added.

Drake’s gaze lifted to her, pride shining in his eyes.

“It’s true. Even if it weren’t, Mr. Pratt was injured himself, Mr. Weatherby was distraught with worry, and Burwood said he wasn’t the best rider, although I suspect he was being modest.”

“Modest?” Incredulity rang in Drake’s words.

“Does that surprise you, sir?”

Drake nodded. “He’s typically a bit of a braggart around women. He must respect you too much to deliver his usual blather.”

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