“Not this time, Miss Bonnie.”
“How about me?” Sybil asked. “I’m older, and I won’t be any trouble.”
“I’m afraid you’ll have to wait for another time, too,” he said, and turned to help Gwen don her cape. “I’ve promised this afternoon to Miss Gwen.”
Louisa was impressed that Mr. Standish didn’t have to grope for her sisters’ names as the duke had had to. Perhaps His Grace could learn a few things from Mr. Standish. Louisa and Mrs. Colthrust waved good-bye to Gwen and Mr. Standish. He had been a perfect gentleman. She was beginning to wonder if the duke had deliberately tried to cause her distress by telling her that Mr. Standish was a scoundrel and as wild as the duke when he was younger.
When he was younger?
Louisa scoffed to herself. What was she thinking? The duke was still a wild scoundrel. In less than five minutes, he’d had her pinned against the bookshelves, enjoying his strong embrace and ardent kisses.
“Now that they’re gone, I’ll be heading to my room to rest for an hour or so, or I won’t be delightful companionship for anyone tonight. Have no fear, Louisa, I’ll be belowstairs by the time they return.”
“All right,” Louisa said, and looked down at the girls on the stairs. “Now it’s time for you two to head back to the classroom with Miss Kindred.” The girls turned to follow Mrs. Colthrust up the stairs, and so did Saint. “Not so fast for you, Saint.” She clapped her hands. “Come. You are staying here.”
“Does he have to?” Bonnie whined.
“Yes. He doesn’t have lessons, and you do. Now, off you go.”
Louisa took Saint outside and walked around in the garden for a few minutes before heading back inside with him. As she made her way down the corridor, she heard a knock on the door. She started toward it, thinking Gwen must have forgotten something. Mrs. Woolwythe came out of the drawing room ahead of her. “I’ll get that, Miss Prim. You do something more important than answering a door.”
Louisa deferred to the woman, who could at times look almost as stern as Mrs. Colthrust. “Thank you, Mrs. Woolwythe.”
It was difficult getting used to allowing so many people to handle things for her. Louisa liked being in charge, be it of her sisters or the door. Giving up control to others didn’t sit well with her, but she was allowing it without causing trouble. Louisa heard Saint barking and wondered whether someone he knew was at the door, or if he was causing a ruckus over someone he didn’t know.
She had started putting the teacups on the silver tray when Mrs. Woolwythe returned.
“No, don’t do that, Miss Prim. I’ll do that for you and take it to Mrs. Trumpington.” She took the cup out of Louisa’s hand.
Louisa was about to tell her she didn’t mind putting the cups on the tray when the housekeeper bent close and whispered, “The Duke of Drakestone is here to see you. What should I tell him?”
Louisa had no idea why the woman was speaking so softly but she whispered back to her, “That I’m available to see him, and then show him in here.”
The servant’s eyes rounded, and she whispered again, “Should I disturb Mrs. Colthrust and ask her to come down if you’re going to entertain a gentleman?”
“I’m not going to entertain the duke. I‘m going to see what he wants. Don’t bother her. She wanted to rest.”
The woman nodded and picked up the tray.
It seemed the duke was striding into the room before Mrs. Woolwythe had cleared the doorway. “Get your coat, bonnet, and parasol,” he ordered.
Louisa took offense at his demand. “What?”
“Your coat, bonnet, and parasol, Miss Prim. Get them. We’re going for a ride in the park.”
He was so commanding that she wondered if she should obey him without question, but she quickly came to her senses and said, “How dare you come into my house and start ordering me around, and for of all things, to ride with you in the park! Are you mad?” She grunted a laugh. “I know you find it difficult to believe, but I don’t want to go for a ride with you.”
“Fine, I’ll follow Miss Gwen and Mr. Standish in the park by myself.” He turned and walked out, Saint following him.
Louisa gasped. “Wait!” She rushed out of the drawing room behind him and stopped him by grabbing hold of his arm. “Wait, please, Your Grace. Tell me what do you mean ‘follow them’?”
“As in staying at a distance behind them in my carriage and keeping an eye on them and making sure they stay in the park in full view of anyone who may be there.”
“You think he might—that she might—?”
“I’m not thinking anything in particular, Miss Prim. Do you or do you not want to go with me?”
“Yes, of course I want to go,” she said. “Wait right there. Don’t move a muscle. I’ll get my bonnet and wrap from the back door.”
