Page 45 of A Duchess to Fight For
“Take all the time you wish. The play just started, and I’m sure it will run for at least a fortnight,” Percy said. “And, of course, the Duke is welcome to join us.”
Louisa rose. Percy followed suit. “I’m afraid I’ve come down with a terrible headache. If you will excuse me?”
Louisa curtsied and Percy bowed. She left the room. After giving her time to climb the stairs to her bedchamber, Percy rose and closed the parlour door. He sat and turned to Amelia.
“I shouldn’t have pushed her. Especially after Barton tried to call on her today. My apologies.”
Amelia sighed. “I will try to change her mind about the play. I agree it is a safe way to get her back into society without having to answer questions.”
“Have you and Frederick discussed what to do?”
“What to do?”
Percy looked at her. “Yes. Will you tell her about Jack’s real reason for leaving London? If she ever does venture out, she may hear it through gossip.
“If she doesn’t venture out, will you stay in London or go back to Rutland? Is there any strategy? Any plan?”
“No, not yet. I believe Frederick has been working on finding something on Barton to hold over his head so he can’t get to Louisa,” Amelia said.
Percy spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully. “Frederick and you and Louisa have to talk about the season. If she won’t even go to a play, does it mean her season is over? If so, do you stay in London? What if there is nothing to be done about Barton? What then?”
“It is not my business, Duchess, but you must know she will eventually find out about Jack. This town has a long memory when it comes to gossip. Do her a favour. Tell her.”
Amelia nodded. She looked resigned. “I’ll consider it. You saw her today. She’s not ready to go out.”
Percy nodded. “I did. If she doesn’t go out, and she drops out of this season, imagine how difficult it will be to show her face next season.”
Amelia looked tired and anxious. She pinched the bridge of her nose signalling an impending headache.
“It’s been a long day. I will leave you. I’ll be by tomorrow.”
Amelia put out her hand, and Percy brushed his lips over her knuckles.
“Thank you, Percy.”
“You’re welcome, Duchess.”
*****
“When will we have a horse, Percy?” Frederick said.
“Cecil left two days ago, so I expect he’s making the arrangements today or tomorrow. His man should be approaching Victor in three to four days,” Percy said.
Frederick paced his office. “Everything is moving too slow. I want us to be on the offence, not defence. Why did Barton call the other day? What does he want?”
Percy sighed. “I would think he would have other pressing engagements right now.”
Frederick went to the fire, grabbed the poker, and took out his frustration on a log.
“You need to be on the offence in more ways than with Barton.”
“What do you mean?”
Percy said, “Tell Louisa about Jack before someone else does.”
“That’s ridiculous. She never goes out except with you and Amelia,” Frederick said.
“Which begs the question, is her season over? If it’s not, she needs to hear about Jack. If it’s not, she needs to start going out. I asked her to go to a play. She said no. A play is the least social event of all social events.
“If her season is over, with Barton lurking around, should she be in London?
“I’m sorry, Frederick, but it’s time to go over her options. Should she marry now to avoid Barton? Yes, it’s a marriage of convenience, but it’s better than Barton.
“There’s a lot to consider. While the waiting is driving you mad, strategize. It’s difficult to make the right decision when you’re under pressure and have little time.”
