Page 66 of A Duchess to Fight For
Amelia looked Percy in the eyes. She spoke in a no-nonsense, serious tone, “I told Louisa to break it off if she doesn’t get to know more about him. She can’t walk into a marriage not knowing the man.”
Louisa growled then said, “And I told Mother that I wouldn’t break it off because the man let someone cut in on the ballroom floor.”
Percy nodded. “Both good points. Get to know him better, and find out why he didn’t protect you. Once you have that information, you can decide what you want to do.
“I’m beginning to think I’m the best man for the job,” Percy said only half joking.
“To find out more about Stafford?”
“No, Louisa. To court and marry you.”
Amelia laughed. “You can skip the courting, Percy. I think we all know you well enough.”
Louisa smiled then became serious. “You know you’ve ruined me for every other man. I’ll never know another man as well as I know you. I will go into any marriage knowing far less. It will be a gamble.”
Percy and Amelia exchanged glances. ‘Yes, Amelia knows how I feel. I’m certain of it,’ Percy thought.
Percy put his hands on his thighs and rose from his seat. “Well, ladies, it’s late. I will go into the cool night, soak in the brisk air, and arrive home refreshed.”
Percy bowed and left the parlour. When Amelia heard the front door close, she turned to Louisa.
“Louisa, you owe it to yourself to consider Percy as your marriage partner. He is everything you want and need. There would be an easy transition and—”
“Mother, please. He has always told me we would never marry.”
Amelia rose, “He’s changed his mind. If you listen to him, you would hear it.” She paused. Louisa thought she looked tired. “I must say good night. Are you staying up?”
“For a few minutes. Go along.”
Amelia gave Louisa a small smile. “Don’t lose track of the time. I will see you in the morning.”
When Amelia was upstairs, Louisa stretched out on the settee. She stared at the design in the tent ceiling. She was afraid. What if Percy courted her, and it didn’t work out? She would lose the best friends she ever had. She didn’t think she could live without Percy.
