Page 29 of A Duke in the Rough

Unease tickledits way up Honoria’s spine as she descended the stairway toward the large downstairs parlor. The excited chattershe’d encountered earlier upon joining the gathering outside was now subdued, no doubt dampened by the rain like her clothing.

Taking a deep breath, she entered the parlor and scanned the crowd. Although not everyone had rejoined, enough people had assembled to allow her to become inconspicuous. Her timing couldn’t have been better, for Drake was not yet present, giving her time to find a safe place to hide among the other guests.

However, her mother had other plans. Next to Honoria’s father, she gave Honoria an encouraging nod, her gaze flickering toward Burwood.

He stood in front of a large piano, two women draped on his arms. His face broke into a large smile as his gaze snagged hers. “Lady Honoria! Just in time.”

Not again.Her gaze darted toward the piano. Surely he would not ask her to play? She played tolerably well, but being on display always made her so nervous she would no doubt make a horrible mistake and embarrass herself and her parents.

As carefully as she could, she inched toward Miranda. “What am I just in time for?” she asked.

“I’m not certain. Burwood said he was waiting for you and Mr. Merrick.”

Drake?Painful knots formed her in stomach, reminding her—thanks to that horrible game—she had little to eat for breakfast.

“And here is our other party,” Burwood announced.

Everyone’s head, including Honoria’s, turned toward the entrance where Drake stood. He squinted his eyes at Burwood.

What was Burwood up to? And did Drake know?

“Merrick, come here. You, too, Lady Honoria.”

Honoria’s stomach tightened further, and she cast a quick glance toward Drake, who looked as dubious as she felt.

Both complied. One did not ignore a duke.

Waving them forward, Burwood’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Your father tells me you are an accomplished singer, Lady Honoria. And I know for a fact, Drake has a tolerable baritone. Together you should provide a wonderful duet to entertain us.”

Honoria was quite certain singing a duet with Drake was not whather father had in mind when he expounded on her singing prowess to Burwood. The scowl on her father’s face confirmed it.

She did love to sing—in private, where no one could hear her. Each time she tried to perform in public, her throat would constrict, making any notes she produced sound choppy and strained. She’d almost prefer another rousing game of blind man’s buff.

Why had they even come to this dreadful house party?

Her panic must have been evident, for sympathy shone in Drake’s eyes as he approached her. He was one of the few people she could sing for and not become paralyzed with fear.

“Pretend it’s only the two of us. Don’t think about them,” he whispered as they walked side-by-side toward the piano.

“I can’t do this,” she whispered back, her voice already trembling.

“You can, and you will. I’ll sing especially loud and drown you out.” He grinned at her, and the tension in her throat eased—somewhat. “Everyone will focus on my off-key howling. They won’t even hear you.”

“Promise?”

He grew serious. “On my honor.”

Her skills felt too mediocre for the beautiful grand piano, so she turned and scanned the crowd.Thank heaven!“Lady Montgomery, would you mind accompanying us?”

Beatrix Townsend smiled, said something to her husband, and they both approached. “I’ll have Laurence turn the pages for me. What would you like to sing?”

Burwood chose for them. “You both should knowWilliam and Mary. I’ve laid the music out already.”

“Oooh, lovely.” Lord Montgomery gazed adoringly at his wife. “Although no page turning is necessary for that one.” Still, he remained by her side.

True, it was a beautiful song about true love, but singing it with Drake seemed too on point. How much had Drake really told Burwood?

Burwood’s words reverberated in her mind.You have an ally in me.

---