Page 71 of A Duke in the Rough

Then it dawned on her that perhaps an announcement was forthcoming, and Drake wished for them to be present.

Juliana’s face split into a smile. “Honoria!”

Mrs. Merrick admonished her daughter. “LadyHonoria, Juliana.”

Anne glanced quizzically from Drake to Juliana, and finally to Honoria. “Do you know Miss Merrick?”

“I do. Hello, Juliana. Mrs. Merrick.” Honoria smiled and nodded to the two women who, at one time, she hoped would be mother-in-law and sister-in-law.

“My husband served as steward for Lord Stratford,” Mrs. Merrick said, her gaze trained on Honoria before turning to Anne. “Didn’t Drake tell you? My son served as a groom.”

Anne blinked. “Oh. I thought you were in the military before you became Burwood’s man of business.”

“That is true, Miss Weatherby,” Drake said. “But I had a life before the military.”

Burwood slapped a hand on Drake’s shoulder. “Of course, Merrick’s life really started when he met me. Which is undoubtedly what the lovely Miss Weatherby had in mind.” The man winked at Anne, and she blushed.

Once, during one of their rides, Honoria had casually mentioned that her father suggested a match for her with the heir to a viscountcy. When she said, although she’d only met him once, she found the young man handsome, Drake had grown sullen, muttering something unintelligible.

However, Drake ignored Burwood’s obvious flirtation with Anne and instead smiled.

Odd.

“You’re delusional, Your Grace,” Drake said.

Juliana moved from her mother’s side and slipped her arm through Honoria’s. “LadyHonoria and I played together. Although she’s older than I, she has always treated me as a friend.”

“Because you were a friend.Arestill a friend, I hope.” Honoria took Juliana’s hands, holding her out so she could look her over. “Has it really only been three years since I’ve seen you?”

Dressed in a fashionable gown of creamy ivory, the fabric a finely weaved muslin, Juliana glowed. It spoke well of Drake that he saw to his mother’s and sister’s needs since his father had died.Burwood must pay him exceedingly well.

“Drake tells me there is to be a ball. It will be my first.”

“Then we must make it especially memorable,” Burwood added, sending another wink Anne’s way.

What was the man up to?

“I have something very special planned regarding the dancing. I do hope to have one with Miss Weatherby.” He winked again. “Maybe two.”

Something most definitely was afoot.

Her fan whipping furiously, Anne blushed. “Of course, Your Grace. Who can refuse a duke?”

A roguish grin broke across Burwood’s face. “It’s what I tell Merrick all the time.”

Still, Drake did not object to Burwood’s obvious advances toward Anne. Did he refuse to do so for fear of losing his position? Yet, how did that bode for Anne if she married Drake and lived under the duke’s roof?

As if reading her mind, Anne asked, “Could I have a word in private, Honny?”

Honoria nodded, and as she and Anne moved toward an unoccupied corner of the room, she could hear the surprised voice of Mrs. Merrick behind her. “Honny?”

“I really dislike that name, Anne.”

Anne pursed her lips in a little pout. “Drake has asked me to stop calling you that as well.”

Honoria’s heart twinged upon hearing Anne speak Drake’s Christian name. Apparently, their relationship had grown to allow such familiarity. Another reason to support her argument against marrying Burwood. However, Burwood’s attentions seemed to have shifted to Anne. She intended to approach the topic delicately, but she gave Anne preference. “What did you wish to speak with me about?”

Anne darted a glance over her shoulder toward the group they’d just left. “Burwood.” She sighed. “Perhaps it’s my imagination—goodness knows Andrew says it’s vivid—but he seems to beflirtingwith me.”

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