Page 78 of A Duchess to Fight For
Chapter 20
Louisa sat in the parlour in shock. “This week? We’re going this week? No more balls or musicales or plays or Vauxhall?”
Frederick looked at her and understood her feeling. He was pulling the rug out from under her. But he was convinced he was doing the right thing. She couldn’t sit around in the house any longer. Amelia told her last week that either she needed to get back into ton activities or they would leave London. She made her choice.
“You had your chance. You didn’t take it. Your mother and I are in London for the sole purpose of giving you a season. Since you don’t want one, we are leaving.”
“Oh,” Louisa said.
“We’ll be in Rutland for the rest of the spring and through the summer. We may return to London for one month in the fall. When we come back, you can decide then if you want a second season. Your mother is convinced you should have another one, so I defer to her.”
Frederick looked over at Amelia and smiled.
“Yes, Louisa, I think it’s important, but we can discuss it in the fall. So, you know our schedule for the next eight months. Do you have any questions?”
“May I have visitors? If Emma doesn’t find someone, that is.”
“Yes. You may.” Frederick stood. “Now, you and your mother can hammer out the details. I will leave it to you.”
Frederick left the parlour, and Amelia turned to Louisa. “Last chance, Louisa. Do you want to start going to ton events or do you want to go to Haddington Hall?”
Louisa didn’t see Percy at tea over the next three days. She wondered if he knew she was leaving and wanted to see him before she went. He probably didn’t know she was leaving. He might want to say goodbye. She decided to write him.
He read the letter a number of times before he put it down on his desk. What was he supposed to do with this information? She wanted to see him before she left.
Hobart told him not to go. Percy agreed that was the best thing to do, but he wasn’t sure he could stop himself. He probably wouldn’t see her for months.
A voice in his head whispered ‘don’t go’, but the whisper was so soft he could barely hear it. If the voice were stronger, would he listen to it more?
Percy began to pace. He needed to go to Gentleman Jim’s. He’d go a few rounds in the boxing ring. That’s what he would do.
*****
Percy, Cecil, and Kent went to every ton event offered. Cecil showed an interest in Emma, and Emma was beginning to show an interest back. Now that Louisa was gone, Emma spent more time with her friends Gertie and Inez.
The three gentlemen and the three ladies danced and socialized at every ball. It was great fun for them. Over time, Kent and Gertie began to become more than friends.
Percy told Inez that he wasn’t ready for a relationship at the time, and if she wanted one, he recommended she looked elsewhere. He even volunteered to introduce her around so she could meet as many gentlemen as possible.
At first, she declined, but as the season wore on, she took him up on his offer. Percy introduced her to any gentleman in the ballroom she wanted to meet.
He was certain that she would find a match somewhere in the ballroom. What with her beauty and winning personality, it was just a matter of time.
Percy had to admit that it was fun to get out and laugh with friends and ladies whose company he enjoyed. It wasn’t the same as being with Louisa, and he still missed her all the time, but it was far better than staying home alone.
Emma wrote to Louisa regularly. Percy had no idea what women wrote to each other about, but if he had to guess, she mentioned Cecil on a regular basis. Percy hoped she mentioned him and how the six of them had bonded over time.
He was sure Louisa would be happy to know Percy wasn’t staying home alone. After all, Percy hoped Louisa was enjoying her time at Haddington Hall. What a beautiful time of year to be in the country. New buds everywhere.
When Percy, Cecil, and Kent were seated for their dinner at White’s, Percy couldn’t help but ask, “Kent, you seem to be spending your time dancing with Gertie. What’s happening?”
Kent seemed a little flustered. “I’m getting to know her better, and I like her more the more time I spend with her.”
“Ah,” Percy said, “So I wasn’t imagining it.”
Cecil jumped in, “No. You weren’t. Can’t you tell when you watch them?”
“I have noticed there’s something there. Good for you.” Percy turned to Cecil. “What about you?”
