Page 44 of A Duchess to Fight For
Chapter 11
Percy entered the parlour and bowed. “Ladies.”
They rose and curtsied. That’s when Percy knew there was something wrong.
“What is it?” he said while sitting.
Amelia began. “We had a visitor today.”
Percy put up his hand, palm out. “Did Mendon send him away?”
“Yes. He did. He wanted to visit with us, and when Mendon refused, he asked to see Frederick. He wasn’t at home, so Mendon sent him on his way.”
Percy rose and bowed. “Excuse me, ladies. I will return shortly.” He shut the door to the parlour with a soft click then went to Mendon.
“I hear the ladies had a visitor,” Percy said.
“Yes, Your Grace. His Grace, the Duke of Hamilton came asking for them. I told him they weren’t receiving him. He asked if His Grace were home. When I told him he was not, he turned and left.”
Percy nodded. “Did he leave a message for the ladies or the Duke?”
“No, Your Grace. He did not.”
“Did he seem agitated that he was not received?”
“His demeanour didn’t change. I don’t believe he was surprised by the news.”
“And Frederick has heard the Duke visited? He is home?”
“I informed him as soon as he arrived.”
“Thank you, Mendon,” Percy said and returned to the parlour.
“Well, ladies. Nothing to that call. I don’t think you need to worry. Frederick will take care of it if need be. Tell me, what’s new? Have you or Emma heard from Rose?”
Louisa passed Percy a cup of tea. “She liked the suggestions we wrote to her about. Her mother-in-law has asked her for her help with the village children.
“She taught Rose how to knit, and now Rose knits scarves and hats, and her mother-in-law knits sweaters, mittens, and socks all day long. They spend so much time in the parlour together; they are gradually becoming close.”
“So she’s doing better?” Percy asked.
“Much better. Her mother-in-law told her it’s best to make the most of it.”
“Sounds like the mother-in-law is familiar with living in a marriage of convenience.”
“I believe so,” Louisa said.
“On a happier subject, would you ladies accompany me to the new play? I have heard it’s very good, and I could use a night out with someone besides Cecil and Kent.”
He looked from Amelia to Louisa and back. They both showed their anxiety on their faces. Louisa had to be seen in public again soon. She ran the risk of becoming a shut-in.
“Of course, we would be in my private box the entire play, including intermission if you wish. I can ask to have champagne sent up then so we could skip milling around in the grand foyer with a flute in hand. I think it might be a good idea to be seen, and this is the perfect venue to be seen without having to be heard.”
“No, but thank you, Percy. It’s very kind of you,” Louisa said.
Percy said, “But—”
“I would like to think about it, Percy. May we let you know later? We have a few days to consider your offer?” Amelia said.
