Page 63 of A Duchess to Fight For
Chapter 16
Louisa planned to use the same tactic at the Henderson ball that was so successful before. Within ten minutes of arrival, her dance card was full. At least two men were talking with her at any given time. Stafford and Percy would accompany her to dinner.
The ball started out well. Emma and Louisa eyed the gowns and had plenty to say to each other about colour, style, and fit. They talked about Rose’s attempts to settle in.
Emma told Louisa that Rose was thrilled her new husband wanted very little to do with her. He wasn’t at present in need of an heir. They would deal with that later.
Percy watched Stafford’s movements. He wished he trusted the man, but he couldn’t. Stafford left the ballroom and walked down the hall, but not in the direction of the card room.
Shortly after, he saw Barton walk the same way, looking back before ducking out of sight. Percy’s eyes were focused on that hall, waiting.
He waited longer than he thought possible for the two men to exchange pleasantries and swap information. They were arguing; Percy was sure. Why else would they be gone so long?
At last, Stafford stomped back into the ballroom, a scowl on his red face. Percy saw him remember himself and put a smile on his face as well as slow and lighten his walk.
Then Barton came out and stood still, watching the room. He pulled down on his waistcoat in one quick tug. He had a smug smile. Whatever Stafford and Barton discussed, Barton was clearly the winner.
By the time Stafford reached Louisa, he was his usual jovial self, checking Louisa’s dance card to see where they were in the dancing portion of the evening.
Cecil bowed, and Louisa curtsied, then he led her out to the dance floor. Percy and Stafford stood on the sidelines.
“The ladies told me you went on an unusual carriage ride. Amelia said she saw places she’d never seen in London after having lived here a long time. Is that what you do in your barouche? Ride down narrower streets?”
Stafford continued to look out on the dance floor as he answered, “Sometimes. I think they enjoyed the change of scenery. I certainly did.”
“Tell me, Stafford. Do you mind terribly helping us keep Louisa away from Barton?”
Stafford’s head moved from the ballroom floor to Percy as if he’d been slapped hard on his cheek. “Of course not. That man shouldn’t be anywhere near Louisa. I worry he’ll get Louisa alone on the patio outside and compromise her. If he speaks to her, I plan to stand by the patio doors.”
“What makes you think he could get her alone?”
Stafford shook his head. “He’ll try. That man should never be underestimated.”
“I agree. I’ve decided to watch him. If he tries to cut in during a dance like he tried at the last ball, I’ll get between him and Louisa. If he’s strong-arming any of her dance partners, I won’t allow it.”
Stafford turned to face Percy. “What makes you think he is strong-arming someone? You don’t believe she’s safe with the plan we have in place?”
“No, Stafford, I don’t. Something is wrong. I have had a prickle in the back of my neck since we walked in here. He didn’t get away with cutting in at the last ball. I expect he’s thought of ways to ensure he gets to talk with her alone this time. I may take up residence in front of the patio doors with you. She and Barton on that patio would be a disaster.”
Louisa came back from her dance, cheeks flushed and a smile on her face. “Would you care for some lemonade My Lady?”
She looked at Percy and tilted her head. It was an unusual request at this point in the ball, but she agreed to go wondering if something was wrong.
They stood together, lemonade in hand. “I’m concerned Barton is going to try to talk with you tonight. During dances, I am going to be close by in case he tries to cut in.
“I believe he will be more insistent tonight. He has had time to think about how to thwart our attempts to keeping you from him.”
“Percy, is it so important that he and I don’t speak?” Louisa said.
“Yes. He will try to manipulate you. What if he tells you he will hurt Amelia unless you go with him? He can’t get what he wants unless he can get close enough to manipulate you.”
“What if he hurts Mother without talking to me first?”
“He won’t do that. He doesn’t really want to hurt her; he just wants to threaten you.”
“Percy, don’t take this the wrong way, but I think you’re being dramatic.”
“Louisa, you’ve known me a long time? Please just help me. I’ve got a bad feeling.”
