Page 50 of A Duchess to Fight For
Stafford gave an overdramatic sigh, “If we must, Percy. If we must.”
Louisa giggled. “I may turn both of you down for a dance if you’re not careful.”
Percy laughed and turned to Stafford. “Isn’t she getting picky?”
Stafford said in a voice meant to mimic someone crying and talking at the same time, “If she turns me down, I’ll go in the corner and curl up into a ball.”
“Gentlemen, please. Enough,” she said with a laugh.
Percy was happy to see Louisa laughing but saddened that it wasn’t he that made her so. She wouldn’t have gone to the ball at his suggestion.
*****
Louisa enjoyed dressing for the ball. Her mother came in and went through her wardrobe with her, and together they chose one of her favourites. The cornflower blue gown was free of bows and ruffles.
It had but one style statement. The gown was off the shoulder, showing off her flawless skin. Her mother’s long pearls finished the effect.
“You look lovely, my dear,” her father said when she descended the stairs. And she even had to admit to herself that she did.
“Thank you,” she said with her brightest smile meant only for him.
“You’re sure you want to go?” he asked.
“Very,” she said, although it wasn’t true. She hadn’t been out in weeks, and breaking the ice would be difficult. She didn’t know what to expect.
He took her arm and led her to the carriage. He helped Amelia and Louisa and then sat next to his wife, holding her hand.
“As soon as you are given your dance card, I shall take the first dance.”
“Thank you, Father,” Louisa said gratefully.
They entered the ball, still filling with guests. She looked for Emma but didn’t immediately see her. Percy, Cecil, and Kent came to her.
They bowed so seriously, she thought something must be wrong, but they quickly allayed her fears by elbowing each other out of the way to get to her dance card.
She shook her head at Percy while Cecil and Kent were writing. He shrugged then took his turn.
“Stafford wants two dances this evening so don’t allow anyone else to write in your card. In fact, let me see that again. There. He has a waltz and a country dance. You will be exhausted by the end of the evening,” Percy said.
Louisa pulled him aside. “What is this all about, Percy?”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“Why are you all clamouring to fill my card?”
Percy looked around, then bent down. “Truthfully? You haven’t been out in some time, and we want the entire ballroom to see you happy and enjoying yourself. Is that so bad?”
“No. I suppose not. Thank you,” she said. She gave Percy that look that he had learned to hate. That ‘you are my best friend’ look.
Frederick, Amelia, and Louisa were clustered around Emma, Stafford, Percy, Cecil, and Kent. Percy watched to his left and right to make sure no one was approaching. Cecil and Kent were doing the same. Louisa noticed and began to look around herself.
Percy was making her nervous. She watched him out of the corner of her eye. He was acting like a bodyguard, not a friend.
“Louisa, shall we dance?” her father said.
She smiled and took his arm. They waltzed well together, having done it many times before.
“Father, something seems off. Percy looks as though a gunfight is imminent. What is happening?”
