Page 91 of A Duchess to Fight For
“Thanks, Kent. I was busy in the card room giving my money away,” Percy said.
“Ah, that’s why you didn’t save her,” Kent said.
Percy was tired of needing to explain why he didn’t save Louisa. He would make sure he was there for her if she needed him from now on, but he couldn’t change the past.
“Emma, how is Rose?” Percy asked.
Emma moved over to stand by Percy. “Not bad. She is in London. She and her mother-in-law keep each other company in the country.”
“Has she invited you to visit yet?”
Emma smiled. “Yes, she has. I’m going when the season is over. I’m trying to talk Louisa into going also.”
Percy grinned, “Wouldn’t that be a fun trip. Rose is going to be so grateful for your visit.”
Emma nodded. “I think so.”
“Next time you write, tell her I’m thinking of her,” he said.
“I will. She will be happy to hear she still has friends in London.”
Percy bent over and whispered in Emma’s ear, “Is he still going slowly?
Emma burst out laughing. “Yes.”
Percy laughed too.
“Excuse me. Emma, how about you come back and stand next to me.”
“Cecil, you can’t possibly be jealous of me. No one likes me,” Percy said.
“Except maybe Emma. And I’m going to put a stop to that right now.”
Percy sighed. “Be right back.”
He walked down the sidelines of the ballroom floor until he got to Amelia and Frederick. He bowed and said hello.
Amelia said, “Percy, how nice to see you. I see you are socializing with your group of friends. Are they welcoming?”
Percy laughed. “Some. How are you both?”
Frederick answered, “We are well. Coming back to London has meant Hobart and I are up to no good.” Frederick grinned.
Amelia shook her head. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“I was in the card room last night until the early hours of the morning. Losing, I might add. I know better than to play. Anyway, I heard there was an unfortunate incident?”
Amelia frowned. “Very unfortunate. There was a communication breakdown, and Barton took advantage of it. I’m just glad it hasn’t stopped her from coming out tonight or any other night.”
“Yes, how true. Duchess. I would like to come for tea tomorrow, and I wonder if that would be acceptable to you?”
Amelia smiled. “Percy, you are always welcome.”
Frederick said the same. ”I don’t know if Louisa will be welcoming, but I suppose we’ll have to wait and see. Won’t we?”
“Yes, we will,” Percy said and bowed.
“Goodbye, Percy dear.”
