Page 56 of A Duchess to Fight For
“Well,” Frederick said. “I think we should try to put this behind us. What do you say?”
Everyone nodded. He stood and left the room.
Percy looked at Louisa. “Can we count on you to come out of your room now?”
She smiled. “I think so.”
“Good,” Percy said. “I’ve had tea by myself every day this week. You should have told me I was such lousy company. I only found that out by having to entertain myself at tea.”
Amelia laughed. “Percy, lousy company is better than no company. It’s been so quiet around here without you. Too quiet.”
“Has Stafford called?” Percy asked.
“He did, but after being turned away four times, he hasn’t tried again. Maybe Louisa will invite him for tea one day?”
Louisa looked up. “We’ll see, Mother. I don’t mind being around Percy like this, but I’m not sure I’m ready for Stafford.”
“How about Emma?” Percy asked. “Invite her over. We can craft a letter to Rose together. It would be fun.”
Louisa looked up and smiled. “Yes, that might work. She has probably heard from Rose. I’ll ask her to bring her last letter.”
Amelia rose and Percy right after her. “Don’t go anywhere on my account. I just remembered something I must do. I’ll return shortly.”
Percy turned to Louisa. “Is your mother ill?”
“Not really. I think it will pass. She’s been having a difficult time of it. Migraines, mostly. I blame myself. I caused a lot of heartache. They know they didn’t handle all this well. They hurt me, and she feels terrible about it.”
“Are you helping her get past it?”
“I’ve told her to put it behind her. She’s having a hard time of it. I’ve been extra nice and sensitive to her, hoping my actions show I have forgiven her. I think she needs time.”
Percy sat back for a moment. “How are you doing? All these apologies, all these guilty feelings. You still have the secrets to deal with.”
Louisa breathed deep. “I’m going to stay in for a time. I will go out again. Until I overheard Missy and Alessandra talking, I was having fun. It reminded me of what I had been missing from staying in this townhouse. I just need a little time.”
Louisa was silent for a moment then turned to Percy. “Can I ask you something?”
Percy began to laugh. “You’re kidding me, right?”
Louisa slapped his arm with her hand. “What do you think of Stafford? Do you think he’s hiding any secrets?”
“What makes you ask that? You usually aren’t the suspicious type.”
“And look where that got me,” she rolled her eyes.
“I don’t know how to answer you. When he came back, eyebrows were raised because his father’s death was not so long ago. He said he had business with his man in London, and that makes sense. Estates have to be redrafted in the name of the heir.
“But he spends an awful lot of time about town. He’s always at the club; he came here shortly after returning, and he entertains in his townhouse.”
Percy shook his head. “I don’t know what, if anything, that says about him. I’m still trying to figure him out. He does seem to like you. At least he has good taste in ladies.”
Louisa laughed and slapped his arm again. “Is it possible to find out if people have enough money?”
Percy tilted his head, “Enough money for what?”
Louisa circled her hands in the air. “Enough that they don’t need to marry to have enough.”
Percy nodded. “You mean enough so they aren’t marrying you for your dowry?”
“Yes, that’s what I mean.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” he said with a small smile.
