Page 20 of A Duchess to Fight For
Jack bowed. “Good evening, Lady Haddington. It feels like a month since I’ve seen you. Would you honour me with a dance?”
He led her onto the dance floor. “I missed you, Louisa. While indoors, I had to keep company with my two younger sisters. Silly girls. They drove me crazy. All I could do was think about how they compared with you.”
Louisa smiled up at Jack. “That’s kind of you to say. All girls go through a stage when they act silly. I don’t think we are all able to help it.”
Jack rolled his eyes. “Then, tell me, Louisa, when does this stage end?”
She laughed. “I wish I knew.”
Jack never left Louisa’s side throughout the ball. At the midnight meal, he manoeuvred them to sit as far away from the other guests as he was able.
Percy joined them, and Jack welcomed him enthusiastically. Louisa thought about how perfect he was to spend time with her as well as with Percy. She and Percy had vowed not to marry anyone the other disliked. Although Percy never would have held her to it, Louisa was happy she wouldn’t lose Percy’s friendship if she married Jack.
“Any luck?” Louisa asked Percy.
“Not yet. I wish I were tall, handsome, and rich. Oh, wait. You think I am all of those things.” Percy shrugged.
Jack laughed. “I think it’s that dry, humourless personality of yours.”
Louisa giggled. ”Jack’s got a point.”
“Seriously, what am I going to do?”
“Have you spread the word at the club?” Jack asked.
“Believe me, Jack. There isn’t a person over the age of seven who hasn’t heard I’ve been thrown over for another man.”
Jack nodded. “That’s true. But do they know you are actively searching? Some people might think you are a good catch.”
Percy snorted. “Thanks.”
“Jack’s got a point. People might think you are in a corner licking your wounds. Most people wait more than a week before starting to court again.”
“I get it. So you think I should let it be known that I’m open for courting again?”
Jack nodded again. “Yes. Don’t leave any doubt about it. May I suggest you make a sign? Put it around your neck. The sign should say ‘I’m tall, handsome and rich’?”
Louisa turned to Jack. “That’s a really good idea. See, you’re funny.”
Louisa changed the subject. “You heard about Rose?” Louisa said, her voice low.
Both men nodded.
“She’s very nice. How is she handling it?” Percy asked.
Louisa shook her head. “Not well. What makes it even worse is that he doesn’t want to marry her any more than she wants to marry him.”
Jack asked, “Who is he?”
“His name is Gordon Saunders. His father is the Viscount of Portsmouth. The old man thinks it’s time for him to settle down. Apparently, he’s fond of drinking and gambling.”
“At the same time, I presume?” Percy asked.
Louisa continued, “Yes. So his father and Rose’s father came to some sort of understanding. Rose’s father sprung it on her two nights ago. I cannot even begin to tell you the misery she is going through.”
“When’s the wedding?” Jack asked.
“Wednesday. Then they go straight to Portsmouth to stay. Portsmouth doesn’t have as many pubs and gambling halls as here. But, come to think of it, all that town needs is one.”
