Page 79 of A Duke in the Rough

Coward. The voice inside accused her. How many times had she run away or kept her feelings to herself to avoid conflict?Too many, the voice answered. She had taken a small step when she’d confronted her father earlier. But she needed to face the fact that, unless something drastic changed, Drake and Annewouldmarry.

She had no desire to cause her friend heartbreak, but she vowed she would take one final chance of discerning Anne’s and Drake’s true feelings for each other—no matter how painful the discovery might be.

And if true affection had grown between them, she would have to confront her own feelings and learn to live with the realization that she would always be second best.

Entering the drawing room, she searched for Miranda or Charlotte. Instead, her eyes locked with Drake’s. By his side, Anne was saying something to him, her expression troubled.

Drake finally broke the spell when he turned back to Anne, and Honoria pulled much needed air into her lungs. Before she could makeher way toward Miranda and Charlotte, the Countess of Gryffin approached.

“Lady Honoria. I hope your arrival means all is well. I noticed your abrupt departure at supper.”

“Thank you, Countess. But there is no cause for concern. Simply exhaustion from recent events.”

“It appears Miss Weatherby’s fall has done more damage to others than to Miss Weatherby.” The countess turned her attention toward Anne and Drake—the exact place Honoria hoped to avoid.

Given the circumstances, Honoria struggled for a response. “She is most resilient.”

The countess pointed her cane toward Drake. “What is your impression of Mr. Merrick?”

“He’s a fine gentleman. Honest, kind, intelligent.” She forced a smile. “You can always count on him to do the right thing.”

“Hmph. I seriously doubt marrying Miss Weatherby is therightthing. As I said before, they don’t seem well matched.”

Uncomfortable talking about Drake and Anne, Honoria changed the subject. “I understand this is the first time you’ve met your nephew. I’m sure he is most grateful for your support and will look to your wisdom in navigating society as he assumes his duties as duke.”

“He needs a wife for that.” The old woman tilted her head, eyeing Honoria as if measuring her for a new gown. “I’m not sure that Weatherby girl is the best choice.”

Honoria stared at the countess.The poor thing must be confused again.“Oh, but her attachment is with Mr. Merrick, not Burwood.”

“Is it? The way she flirted with our host at the dining table would lead anyone to believe she has set her cap for him.”

Although Honoria had been taught to respect her elders, friendship demanded she defend Anne. “Miss Weatherby has always been exceedingly friendly. I don’t think she’s ever met someone she didn’t like.”

“Any man she didn’t like, you mean. I’ve read some rumors about her in that scandal sheet,The Muckraker.”

“With respect, Countess, I fear you do her an injustice. Please do not set store by anything that despicable paper says.”

“You don’t like gossip?”

“I detest anything that aims to harm another.”

Lady Gryffin’s sharp blue eyes narrowed. “You, my dear, would make a perfect duchess.” With that, she turned and ambled off.

Honoria could only stare at the woman’s back. What in the world had all that been about?

Once again, her plans to join Miranda and Charlotte were halted when Drake strode across the room. His gaze trained on her, rooting her in place.

“Lady Honoria. Feeling better?”

“I’m much improved thanks to the thoughtful person who sent my favorite confection to my room.”

A lopsided grin spread across his face. “I thought you might enjoy them.”

Coward,the voice whispered.Tell him how you feel.She wanted to shush the voice into submission. However, she had vowed to discern Drake’s true feelings for Anne, so she compromised with her inner creature. “Drake.”

“Yes?”

Her stomach did several flips at his continued grin. She needed to keep this formal. “Mr. Merrick. About Miss Weatherby.”

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