Page 77 of A Duke in the Rough

CHAPTER 22

Drake’s appetite vanished the moment Honoria left the table. He had to muster all of his strength not to rush after her. Only his mother’s staying hand had kept him in his seat before she followed Honoria.

He pushed his roasted vegetables aimlessly around his plate with his fork.

“Are you going to eat those or just play with them?” Juliana asked, a smile tipping her lips.

“Why do you think she left in such a rush?”

“Mother?”

Drake barely refrained from rolling his eyes. “No, brat. Honoria.”

“Probably because she grew tired of staring at your ugly face.”

Drake fought the impending smirk. “Simon should have requested you stay in Dorchester.”

“Then who would be here to pound some sense into you? Simon?” She snorted a laugh, drawing a disparaging glance from Lord Middlebury several seats away. “He understands women about as much as this duck on my plate.”

“The duck is deceased, Juliana. The poor thing can hardly defend itself against your judgment.”

“My point exactly.”

Before he could ask his sister to enlighten him, his mother and Lady Stratford reentered the dining room. Honoria was not with them.

As his mother reseated herself next to him, he kept his attention focused on Lady Stratford, who leaned in and said something to Lord Stratford.

“How is Honoria? Did her mother upset her?”

“Her mother was most understanding. You might be surprised, Drake, but I think you may have an advocate in her.”

Surprised didn’t nearly describe his reaction. Astonished came closer.

“Now if you would only end this foolishness with Miss Weatherby,” Juliana said, poking the duck she had compared to Simon.

Drake ignored her and instead signaled to a footman. “Have a maid take dessert up to Lady Honoria’s room. It’s one of her favorites.”

The footman nodded. As he turned, Drake stopped him. “Oh, and if there are any left, have the cook add a few pieces of chocolate-covered marzipan to the tray.”

When supper was over and Simon rose, Drake breathed a sigh of relief. The ladies left to gather in the drawing room, and Drake joined the men in the billiards room.

Simon handed him a brandy snifter, which Drake accepted. He needed a drink.

“My plan’s working,” Simon said, keeping his voice low. “Anne has asked me nonstop questions about my plans as duke, dropping not-so-subtle hints about how she could provide direction when planning parties.”

“So she’s forgotten me already?” The thought shouldn’t gall, but it wounded his pride nonetheless. After all, Anne was supposed to be enamored with him. “It’s taken little to turn her head.”

Simon shrugged. “Well, when she offered her assistance, she hurried to clarify it would be because she would be easily available, living here as your wife.” He clapped Drake on the shoulder. “But we’re almost there. A slight nudge is all she needs. I suspect Aunt Kitty has some ideas.”

Drake tossed back the brandy. “Should I worry about that? AuntKitty did not appearpleasedwith your raucous behavior. She can hardly encourage Anne to consider you if, as your aunt, she disapproves.”

“Why don’t you make this easy on everyone and just tell the girl of your feelings for Honoria?”

“I won’t be the one to break my promise. I know what that feels like. If Miss Weatherby changes her mind, that’s another matter altogether.”

“Then we must see to it that she does.”

Once the men finished their drinks and cigars, they joined the ladies in the drawing room. Anne’s face brightened upon seeing him, and he dutifully moved to her side. “Miss Weatherby, I trust you enjoyed Burwood’s company during supper?”

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