“I promise, I have no expectations.”
“I do love you, though.”
Lark smiled at that. “If we do this again, I want to get it right. Therefore, there will be no pressure. When you feel ready, speak to me. Until that time comes, I am here as your friend.”
“And I appreciate your friendship.”
“I will help ensure young Henry grows up to be a fine man. Regardless of what happens between us, I want to be a support to him.”
“So soon? You just met him.”
Lark shrugged. “Perhaps I’ve gone soft.”
“Perhaps you have. Perhaps we both have.”
Chapter Thirteen
“The Duke of Rotherfeld and Lady Louisa Petty!”
It bothered Louisa still that Daniel had publicly announced their engagement at a well-attended ball and not quietly in the newspapers, because now everyone in thetonknew they were engaged. It made breaking the engagement more difficult, but Louisa was beginning to wonder if that was the idea.
Daniel escorted Louisa into the Atherton ballroom, and they greeted acquaintances on the way. Then she spotted the Earl of Waring speaking with the Marquess of Beresford, the latter in head-to-toe black.
Louisa had not seen Beresford in quite some time, but she knew Fletcher had gone to the Marchioness’s funeral. Seeing Beresford in mourning clothes was a bit jarring; he wore such colorful clothing normally.
“Let us greet the Marquess of Beresford. I have not seen him all Season.”
“Oh. Ah, or we could dance.”
“Do you not like Beresford?”
“We, er, don’t know each other well. I haven’t spoken to him in ages.”
“Humor me. His wife just died. I believe this is the first time he’s really been out all Season. I should like to pay my respects.”
Louisa didn’t know Beresford well, but she knew Lark, since he was a close friend of Fletcher’s. She saw no reason whyshe should not speak to them. She basically dragged Daniel over to where they stood.
She greeted them. Lark took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “Lovely to see you, Lady Louisa.”
Daniel cleared his throat behind her.
“Lord Waring, Lord Beresford, I believe you know my fiancé, the Duke of Rotherfeld.”
Lark raised an eyebrow and said, “Rotherfeld. Good to see you again.”
Daniel put a possessive hand on Louisa’s waist. “Waring.” He turned toward Beresford. “Anthony. Condolences for your recent loss.”
The use of Beresford’s Christian name in such a formal setting struck Louisa as a little odd. Did Daniel know him better than he let on? And if so, why would he lie about that?
“Thank you, Your Grace,” said Beresford. “I must say, I can’t recall the last time we ran into each other. I have not been out much this season, but I don’t recall seeing you in a few years.”
“I spent a year on the Continent after the last time we saw each other. And perhaps we move in different circles now.”
“Perhaps.” But Beresford had a mischievous glint in his eye. “When is the wedding?”
“A fortnight. Saturday.”
“Oh, that will be lovely. The weather is starting to get warmer, so it won’t be too cold. I am fond of London at this time of year.”
