Page 48 of A Duchess to Fight For
“She hadn’t decided to go out in public until now. She wouldn’t even accept my invitation to the theatre, a much safer venue I might add.”
“Except for the inconvenience of Barton, do you have any objection to her going to the ball?”
“Like what?” Percy said, not understanding.
“That’s what I’m wondering, Percy. Like what?”
“I’m sorry, Frederick. I am not following you.”
“Does any of this have to do with Stafford?”
“No,” Percy answered. “Not at all. I think he’s perfectly safe and not a threat to Louisa in any way.”
“I see,” said Frederick. He paused again before speaking.
“So we will fill her dance card, keep by her side, have Amelia, not her friends, accompany her to wherever we are not allowed.
“I think the gentlemen who dance with her should not allow another gentleman to cut into the dance. I don’t care if it’s bad form.
“We will promise you to her for the meal. If he can’t get a dance, he might try to dine with her. I’m not sure what else we can do.”
Percy finished his drink in one gulp. He stood and started pacing again. “We need to tell her about Jack and about Barton before the dance. If she doesn’t know about Barton, she may agree to a dance or to get refreshments with him. You know, if an ax murderer asked her to dance, she would say yes so as not to hurt his feelings.”
“And if she knows, she won’t go out, or if she did, she would not have a good time.” Frederick shook his head. “No, I don’t think now is the time.”
“Then, I have to tell you, Frederick, if I see anything threatening, I’m taking her to Gretna Green, and I’ll explain it in the carriage on the way. Marriage of convenience or not, I won’t allow Barton to get his hands on her. I care about her too much for that to happen.”
“I can’t argue with that, Percy. Let’s all hope it never comes to that. I want to be clear with you, though. I told Louisa that she could choose her husband. Barton’s actions aside, she will marry by her choice alone. Not mine, not yours. Unless you want to marry her yourself, and she agrees to it, you do not have my blessing. Gretna Green is a last resort under dire circumstances. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I do. I’m afraid the circumstances are heading towards dire,” Percy said.
“Let’s hope not,” Frederick countered.
