Page 15 of A Duchess to Fight For
Jack nodded. “I can’t be completely sure, but I think so. I like your father. His style of speech is direct.”
Louisa’s mother said, “Yes. It cuts through so much unnecessary posturing, don’t you think?”
Louisa laughed. “Some say it’s an acquired taste.”
“Well, I find it comforting to know the men at the club who know him like him,” Jack said.
Louisa smiled, and Amelia grinned.
*****
Amelia and Frederick had a rare night alone at the dinner table. It was a welcome opportunity for them to catch up on everything happening around them.
Frederick mentioned the latest ship run and its success. He told her of the new investor, Barton St John, Duke of Hamilton, and asked if she knew anything about him.
“I’ve seen him at a few balls. His wife died two years ago, and he is in the market for a new bride. He’s out of practice courting women. At least I hope he’s out of practice and not just clumsy. I think he should look for a bride closer to his age.
“The young ladies aren’t very attracted to him, no matter the title or the purse. And he’s not kept himself up. Besides his weight, his face and nose are red and blotchy. A sure sign of drink.”
“Do they find him friendly and kind?” Frederick asked.
“I don’t know. I’ve only observed him talking with his peers.”
They talked about Hobart for a while. Frederick told her how happy he was with their new delivery.
“Does he have a woman in his life?” Amelia asked.
Frederick shook his head. “No. Nothing new. He is happy with the way his life is arranged. Living on the docks, working on our ventures. He spends every day putting the past behind him and doesn’t require anyone else, man or woman, to live with him under his cloud. That won’t change.”
“How do you like Jack?” Amelia asked.
“I like him. I think it’s a good match. Do you think he’ll come to see me?”
Amelia smiled. “Yes. I’m surprised he hasn’t visited you yet.”
Frederick laughed. “Young gentlemen seem to think they need to get their affairs in order before becoming betrothed. I think they are dragging their feet, myself. Though, I don’t think she’ll have to wait much longer for him to come to me.”
“Well, while he’s getting his affairs in order, she’s patiently waiting. I hope it works out. It’s a good match.”
“He’ll get no argument from me.”
*****
The Prestons’ ball was quite spectacular. The Duchess enjoyed decorating her townhouse in shiny silver strips that caused the candlelight to persistently bounce off them. The flickering candlelight turned into lights like those emitted from fireworks.
Louisa found it novel at first but soon tired of the constant flashes.
The ballroom was so crowded she looked but couldn’t find any of her friends. Luckily, Emma and Rose found her.
They chatted in excitement at the buzz in the room caused by the flickering light and the crowd. The girls decided to clump together next to the wall halfway down the ballroom.
Percy came by and asked Louisa to dance.
“Not if you step on my toes or squeeze my hands.”
Percy grinned. “You take all the fun out of dancing.”
Once they were dancing, having found their rhythm on the overcrowded dance floor, Louisa asked, “Where is Nora? Are you having difficulty finding her?”
