Page 60 of A Duchess to Fight For
Chapter 15
Louisa decided she would go on a carriage ride with Stafford and that she would prefer to be chaperoned by Amelia. Percy, who sat in the parlour with the ladies thought that was a good idea.
Percy said, “Not that he would kidnap you for ransom, but he might try to compromise you. It’s better if your mother goes along.”
Louisa looked into Percy’s eyes. “You really don’t like Stafford, do you?”
“No. I do like him. I just don’t trust him. I can’t shake a bad feeling I have about him. Your uncle is going to put my fears to rest.”
Amelia asked, “How is Hobart? I haven’t seen him since the last time he came here to dine. I need to ask him over again.”
Percy grinned. “He’s the same. I can’t believe he and Frederick are brothers.”
“Who are brothers?” Stafford asked, standing in the doorway. Louisa and Percy rose and greeted him.
Percy said, “Good afternoon, Stafford. Have you met Frederick’s brother, Hobart? You would remember if you had. They are so different.”
Stafford sat, and Louisa handed him tea. “No, I didn’t know Louisa had an uncle. Do you have cousins?”
Louisa laughed. “No. Uncle Hobart never married. He’s a free spirit.”
“Ah. Have you decided if you would like to take a carriage ride today? The weather did hold out for us.”
“Yes, I did,” Louisa said. “I’d love to go on a carriage ride.” Percy watched Stafford’s face open up with a large smile. He put down his teacup.
He said, “Well then, call your maid, and we’ll be on our way.”
Amelia stood and placed her teacup on the tray. “No need. I’ve decided to join you.”
Stafford’s face fell. His eyes darted from Louisa to Amelia and back again. He composed himself.
“No need to put you out. One chaperone is as good as another is. You really don’t need to go.”
Amelia smiled broadly. “But I want to go. I am looking forward to it.”
Louisa said, “Mother, let’s go get our shawls. Shall we meet you at the door, My Lord?”
Stafford nodded absently.
Percy said, “It won’t be so bad, Stafford. Amelia is a very nice woman. You’ll enjoy her company.”
“You don’t understand,” Stafford said. “I have to find a way to undo what I was planning to do.”
“Pardon?”
Stafford waved his hand. “Never mind, Percy.” Then he stomped out of the parlour.
The carriage ride was wonderful. The barouche fit the three of them with no problem. Looking at a barouche when standing on the ground, it seemed deceptively smaller.
The weather was perfect. A light breeze with the sky just dotted with clouds. After Louisa and Amelia remarked about a planter of bright flowers, Louisa turned to Stafford.
“Is everything all right, My Lord? You seem off today.”
He turned and gave her a fake smile.
“Everything is fine,” he answered. “I’ve changed my mind on the route we’ll take. I hope you ladies don’t mind.”
“Not at all. Wherever you want to go is fine. We’re enjoying the ride, aren’t we Mother?”
