Page 79 of A Duchess to Fight For
Cecil shrugged. “You know me. I don’t rush into anything. I like her. But I want to take it slow.”
Percy asked, “Is there anyone else?”
Cecil shook his head, “No. I’m just taking it slow.”
Kent asked, “You and Inez are just friends, aren’t you.”
“Yes. I told her not to expect anything from me. She knows. I’ve been introducing her around to other gentlemen at the balls. I hope she finds someone she likes.”
Cecil nodded. “As long as you’re honest.”
“There is no question in her mind.”
*****
The weather in Rutland was improving every day. Louisa took a long walk through the garden, finding some new bud that opened up since the day before.
She took naps and read. She and her two bodyguards would ride to the village, talk to the villagers, and find out what they needed.
Since she arrived, an additional well was dug, two roofs were repaired, and more wool was delivered to the cloth maker. Louisa was proud of herself that she was able to help.
Sometimes, they rode to the river and to the edge of the woods to dig up the plants useful in healing. The healer showed her how to dry out the plants in the rafters of the storeroom. The cool, dry room was perfect for preparing the plants.
Louisa would occasionally receive a letter from Emma. She would always reply as soon as she was able. The letters, however, left her melancholy. Emma and Cecil were becoming close. Louisa would have loved to see that unfold.
And Percy never missed a ball. He hadn’t found anyone yet, but Louisa knew the ladies found him attractive. He was handsome, personable, kind, and wealthy. It was only a matter of time.
Louisa missed Percy more than she thought possible. He had been at tea every day, and he had been at ton events every night. She had seen him often.
Now tea with her mother was quiet. There wasn’t much new, so there wasn’t much to say. Her father sometimes joined them. That was even worse. He and her mother would talk of things Louisa didn’t know of or didn’t care about.
Louisa fidgeted in her seat. She picked at loose threads on her day gown. When tea was over, she napped, read a book in bed. She fidgeted some more.
When she received a letter from Emma, she would walk quickly to the bench in the garden. Her letters were Louisa’s only lifeline to her friends in London. And Percy.
Percy. She missed him so much. And more every day. She thought her longing would soften over time, but it didn’t. She wanted to know what he did now that he didn’t visit her for tea. She wanted to know if he was beginning to develop a fondness for a woman.
She wanted to know if he ever thought of her. She wanted to know if he never wanted to see her again because she told him she wouldn’t marry him.
She hadn’t seen him since that night. She wondered if she would ever see him again. If she had to do it over again, she would have said yes.
Emma’s letter was longer than usual. Louisa smiled. She enjoyed everything Emma had to tell her.
Cecil and I continue to get closer. I was nervous that it wasn’t progressing, but Percy must have noticed because he told me Cecil likes to take things slow.
He told me to be patient. He saw the signs in Cecil. Percy was so sweet to encourage me that way.
Louisa put the letter on her lap, tears in her eyes. Percy was so sweet and caring. She picked up the letter again.
Kent and Gertie both have stars in their eyes when they look at each other. I predict they will marry before Cecil and I do.
It’s so obvious they are in love. Percy and Cecil tease Kent mercilessly. Kent just shrugs. He doesn’t care. Gertie’s eyes sparkle all the time. You’ll have to come to London for the wedding.
Louisa didn’t know why this would bother her. Emma and Gertie were good friends, and they sounded so happy. Was she jealous that her friends were happy, and she was not? Louisa thought she would be the first one to marry. First, with Jack who showed all the signs of proposing then with Stafford who was not quite as ardent as Jack but had possibilities.
Of course, she could have married by now if she said ‘yes’ to Percy.Stop it, Louisa. You made a mistake. You have to live with it.
She looked down at her letter and smiled. There was much more to read.
