Page 113 of A Duchess to Fight For
“Both, but it’s done.” Hobart shrugged. “I’ll put it in my safe and never have to deal with it again.”
“Perfect. Did Frederick tell you that you don’t need it?” Percy asked.
“He did,” Hobart said. “I’m still glad I have it.”
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks,” Percy said. “Harold has moved on to his next victim.”
“I heard. And so has our friend Barton?”
“Yes. But here’s the thing, Hobart, both Harold and Barton wanted Louisa, and they were willing to do so much to get her. Both dropped out when they heard she was ill and would be for a while.
“But now, they are both after the same girl. Do you know Inez Rayburn? No? Well, she’s got them both salivating over her when a week ago she couldn’t get anyone this side of the Thames to dance with her. Before you ask, yes, she has a big dowry and yes, she is very pretty.
“It’s just on that these two are in competition for the same thing.
“I don’t know what it is between the two of them, but if either one looked around the ballroom, they would see other pretty girls with sizeable dowries. Maybe it’s because none of the other girls is as naïve as Inez.”
Percy poured them both another whisky.
“Hobart, I’m concerned for Amelia. Did you happen to see her?”
Hobart nodded. “I did, and I share your concern.”
“Is she going to listen to Frederick?”
“Now that Frederick doesn’t have to worry so much for Louisa, he can concentrate on Amelia. I think he was too overwhelmed to handle them both.”
Percy nodded. “That makes sense. Frederick must be so relieved to see you.”
“He is. I wish I were here to help him before now, but we’ll get him through it. You’re not pacing in his parlour all day are you?”
Percy laughed. “I wouldn’t dare. Every time I see him, he tells me to sit down. Even if I’m sitting down.”
“How are you making it through?” Hobart asked.
“I run between six and ten miles a day. Sometimes I run twice in a day. Cuts down on the pacing if I run. Frederick only allows me in for fifteen minutes in the morning and five minutes at night.”
Percy shrugged. “I’ve got to do something. But now that you’re back, I’ll be visiting you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve started walking towards the warehouse only to remember you weren’t there.”
“You are always welcome there. How are Cecil and Kent?”
“The marriage mart has worked for both of them. Cecil’s future wife is named Emma, and Kent’s is Gertie. They are very nice. I like them, and they are too good for Cecil and Kent.”
“Bring them down to the warehouse for a drink?”
“They’d love it. You heading back to Frederick’s or the warehouse? Want to dine with Cecil and Kent and me tonight?”
“I’ll walk back to Frederick’s with you, but you will have to go on to White’s without me. I just got back, and my warehouse needs me, I’m sure.”
Hobart and Percy walked to Frederick’s townhouse. As they climbed the stairs, Percy turned to Hobart.
“Hobart? Stick up for me if Frederick thinks this gift is too much?”
Hobart clapped Percy on the back. “I will. Don’t worry; it’s perfect.”
