Page 46 of A Duchess to Fight For
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Mendon entered the parlour. “My Lady, you have a caller. The Earl of Wessex.”
Louisa looked at her mother.
Amelia said, “Ah, I remember him. He showed great interest at the beginning of the season. But then he disappeared.”
Percy said, “His father died. How convenient the nobility has such truncated mourning.”
“Percy,” Amelia said. She turned to Mendon. “Show him in.”
The ladies curtsied, and the men bowed. “Stafford,” Percy said.
“Percy.”
Amelia swept her arm toward a chair. “Please sit, My Lord.”
Stafford sat and allowed Louisa to pour him tea.
“My condolences on your father, Stafford,” Percy said.
“Yes, My Lord. Accept our condolences,” Amelia said.
“Thank you. His health faltered near the end, so it came as no great surprise to the family. My sisters are still working on coming to terms.
“I was needed in London by my man of business. It seems he will keep me busy for quite a while. Father didn’t have the strength to travel to London near the end.” He shrugged. “Please, let’s talk of happier topics. I just got back. Tell me what I have missed over the past few months.”
Louisa did her best to fill Stafford in on the season. It became evident from her knowledge of the goings on of the season that her knowledge ended short of the present day.
“And, I must ask, have you a suitor? I would enjoy calling again, but I don’t want to stand in your way.”
“No, My Lord. There is no longer a suitor.”
“Will you be at the Slope ball on Thursday? I should ask for a dance now to make sure I will have a turn.”
Amelia jumped in. “We have not yet decided about the ball on Thursday, My Lord. I am just now getting over a cold and must wait until then to decide.”
“I see. Well, I hope to see you there in improved health, Your Grace. If I don’t see you, may I call again?”
Amelia spoke first. “That would be lovely.”
Once the Earl left, Amelia looked at Louisa. “What do you think? I remember he was by your side during most of the early balls. He certainly had his eye on you.”
“Yes, Mother. But wait until he hears that Jack dumped me. I won’t look so interesting to him then.”
Percy shook his head. “That won’t sway him in the least. He’ll call again. I just wonder about him.”
“Why?” Amelia asked.
“No reason. I’m sure it’s nothing.” He looked at Louisa. “What do you think?”
She shrugged. “I’m surprised. I am flattered that he would remember me from the start of the season and come to call.”
Amelia said, “You should be flattered. Louisa, you must consider going to the ball Thursday evening. You would have Emma, Lord Daniels, and Percy surrounding you. You would not be alone.” Amelia turned to Percy, “Would she Percy?”
Percy smiled. “No, you would not, Louisa. What a great way to ease back into the ball circuit. I don’t think Stafford has any intention of abandoning you.”
Louisa said, “I’ll think on it. Maybe Father could come?”
