13
“You’re certainly drawing attention,” Diana said while she and Louise fetched some lemonade from a nearby refreshment table.Her sister-in-law glanced over her shoulder. “Being cast aside by Mr. Fairbanks has clearly prompted many people to keep their distance from you.”
As evidenced by Louise’s empty dance card. Not even Mr. Newdale had dared approach.
It was another evening, another ball - this time at Huntley House - and three long days since Louise had seen Marcus. She missed him dreadfully and had made two attempts to go see him at St. Agatha’s, only to have her plans foiled by her parents who had both become insufferably overbearing. They guarded her like hawks.
“I wish I could avoid the stares and the whispers,” Louise said while Diana filled two glasses. She handed one to Louise. “But at least I won’t have to marry the wrong man. Although having my parents pressure me to become the Dowager Countess of Croft’s companion is hardly any better.”
“You need to find a way out of that,” Diana said, “so you can marry the man you love.”
Louise scoffed. “If you think I’m drawing attention now, just wait until people learn I’ve formed an attachment with Mr. Berkly.” She sipped her drink. “Thank you for all you have done for me by the way. I cannot imagine what my situation would be right now if you and Albert had not helped me get that operation.”
“Grasmere did a lot of huffing and puffing when he came to look for you.” Diana smirked. “Can’t say I was sorry for it.”
“He can be stubborn and easily angered, but I do think he tries to do what he believes best for his children. Unfortunately, his recent decisions seem to favor my misery.”
Albert joined them in that moment, his gaze warming as it settled upon his wife. “Can you please remind me to have my valet pack our pall mall set when we get home? It would be nice to play with your parents and the children, and their set was pretty worn out last time we were there.”
“I’ll do my best,” Diana said.
“You’re leaving London again?” Louise asked.
“Yes.” Albert smiled. “Diana regretted not being able to visit her parents for longer when she dropped you off, and with the Season almost over, we might as well head off so Harry and Evaline can spend some time with their other grandparents.”
“I shall miss you,” Louise said.
“You could come with us, if you like,” Albert suggested.
Louise gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you, but Papa would never allow me to do so, and I would not be able to leave London willingly while Mr. Berkly is here.”
“I do not mean to upset you, Louise,” Albert said in a low voice, “but how will you be able to marry him when there is such opposition? I fear your attempts will be thwarted unless you elope.”
“Which would only increase the scandal,” Diana pointed out.
“Elopement would be the last resort,” Louise agreed. She still had much to discuss with Marcus, but finding the chance to do so was near impossible.
“Naturally,” Albert said, giving his wife a swift glance, “we will support your decision, whatever it may be. I just hope you’re prepared for the outcome.”
“I—”
“My lady?” a soft voice spoke near Louise’s left shoulder.
Louise turned to meet the Duchess of Windham’s gaze. “Your Grace. How lovely to see you again.”
“Likewise.” The duchess greeted Diana and Albert, then said to Louise, “I thought we might take a turn of the room together.”
“Certainly, Your Grace.” Louise returned her attention to Diana and Albert for a brief moment. “If you will excuse me?”
“Of course,” Albert said. “I believe I shall use your absence as an excuse to lure my lovely wife onto the dance floor.”
Diana blushed and murmured something to Albert while Louise and Lady Windham moved away. When they’d gone a few paces, the duchess leaned in and whispered, “My brother would like to speak with you.”
Louise’s heart leapt straight into a gallop. “When?”
“Right now. He awaits you in the Duchess of Huntley’s study, which is more discreet than the duke’s since it’s nowhere near the front entrance.”
Excitement thrummed through Louise at the realization that Marcus was here. “By all means, you must take me to him at once.”
