Page 14 of A Duchess to Fight For
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Louisa noticed increased activity coming and going through her father’s study. The men would stop by the parlour and pay their respects on their way out if they were visiting Frederick during calling hours.
She would have loved to ask her father about the activity he was experiencing, but that was out of the question for her. She sighed. She didn’t want her head bitten off.
One afternoon, after introducing a friend of his to everyone in the parlour then showing him out, he came back and sat for tea. Jack was also at tea.
“I’ve heard mention of you, Lord Duggan. After we talk with the ladies, you can join me in the library.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” Jack nodded.
“Father,” Louisa said, “will you be attending the ball at the Prestons’?”
“When is it?”
“Thursday evening.” Louisa said.
Frederick looked at Amelia who gave him a barely discernible nod.
“Yes, Louisa. I will take your mother and you.”
Louisa looked over at Jack and smiled.
Frederick put his palms on his upper thighs with a clap and rose. He nodded, “Duggan.”
Jack rose and bowed to the ladies before following Frederick to the library.
“Drink?” Frederick said once the library door was closed behind them.
“Yes. Thank you,” Jack answered.
Frederick sat in a chair across from Jack. “So, you and my daughter seem to be getting closer as the season progresses. Am I right?”
Jack nodded and took a sip of his whisky. He rarely drank whisky, and after just one sip did everything humanly possible to avoid coughing like a 15-year-old boy taking his first drink. He barely succeeded.
“I enjoy your daughter’s company, and I would like to continue spending time with her.”
“Tell me a little bit about yourself. Your father is dead, so you have already inherited the title?”
Jack gave a small smile. “Yes.”
“You have property in Salisbury and in London?”
He nodded. “My townhouse is three blocks west of here.”
Frederick swirled the whisky around in his glass. “In what condition is your estate in Salisbury?”
“It’s in improving condition. I have taken on one project after another to bring it to excellent condition, and I will continue to do so. The roof, the windows, and the kitchen have all been made new. The oak floors and the stables are next on my list.”
Frederick put his glass on the end table next to him. He leaned forward, his forearms on his thighs. “So, are you saying you are not under financial pressure?”
Jack said, “No. My assets are strong and liquid. I am not plagued by drink or gambling or poor judgement. My financial position is strong.”
Frederick stood, so Jack stood. Frederick slapped him on the back and said, “A pleasure having this talk. I’ll walk you back to the ladies.”
When they walked into the parlour, they bowed, then Frederick excused himself. Jack sat and took the teacup Louisa offered.
“Did you have a good talk?” Louisa asked.
