“And yet, you’re here.”
She pursed her lips. “He’s my brother, but that doesn’t mean I agree with him. However, I suspect that’s why Middlebury has been hovering like a pesky insect. Not only to keep an eye on me, but to report back to my brother. So once again, I thank you for your intervention.”
Perhaps Lady Charlotte could be an ally, countering Stratford’s objections and persuading Honoria to stand her ground. A genuinesmile tugged at his lips, and the words he delivered were heartfelt. “My pleasure.”
They’d almost made the full circuit around the room, nearing the place where Middlebury stood alone.
She slowed her steps, and Drake reduced his long stride to match hers. “If we’re being completely honest with each other, Mr. Merrick, might I enquire as to your intentions toward Lady Honoria?”
At that, he stopped completely. “My intentions?”
She faced him fully. “Let me be clear. Lady Honoria is my dear friend. I don’t want to see her hurt. She’s admitted to me and Lady Miranda about your previous . . .friendship.”
He tamped down his anger at the suggestion he would hurt Honoria, when he risked his own heart. “Friendship?” He choked on the word. “Is that what she called it?” Was that all it had become to her?
“I’m trying to be delicate, Mr. Merrick.”
He wiped a hand down his face. “Honoria—forgive me—LadyHonoria made it clear eight years ago severing our relationship was—in her words—for the best.”
“That was eight years ago. Her parents no doubt objected because?—”
“Because I wasn’t good enough for her. And still would, I surmise. Have no fear for your friend, Lady Charlotte. Lady Honoria’s heart is safe from me.”
His idea to gauge Honoria’s interest misfired on him with unexpected force. As rude as it was, he started walking again, anxious to return her to Lord Middlebury and remove himself from the interrogation about Honoria.
But as luck would have it, moments after he reached his destination, Stratford slithered like a snake toward him.
“Merrick. I demand a word.” Foregoing any semblance of courtesy or politeness, Stratford forced his way in front of Drake, the look in his eyes deadly. His icy tone alone sent a shiver of unease down Drake’s spine.
Drake stared at the man, who, years ago, he hoped would be his father-in-law. Back then, he’d liked Stratford. He’d been a fair andgenerous employer to Drake and his stepfather, treating them with respect.
At least until Drake had asked for Honoria’s hand. Then everything had changed in the man’s eyes. Instead of a loyal, trustworthy, and dependable groom, Drake became a fortune-seeking scoundrel, only intent on soiling the marquess’s daughter’s reputation for the sake of money.
The man couldn’t have been more wrong. Other than a few kisses—albeit wonderful, exciting kisses—Drake had never laid a hand on Honoria. He loved and respected her too much. Even eight years later, he still hadn’t sullied his love for her by being with another woman.
A fact Simon never failed to tease him about at every opportunity.
And as far as Honoria’s dowry, he hadn’t given a fig about it other than it would provide her with some of the comforts to which she was accustomed. And in direct opposition to the law, he would have insisted she retain complete control over it. He wanted none of it.
Stratford had called him a liar, going so far as to dangle a commission in the cavalry in front of him. “To better yourself without destroying my daughter,” the man had said. Drake had refused, at least until Honoria had rejected him. Then he accepted, if only to get as far away from her and his heartbreak as possible.
But nothing had changed. Stratford’s current haughty demand confirmed it. The man still despised him.
The feeling was mutual.
“What is it, Stratford?” Drake hoped his delivery had been equally cold.
The man arched a brow. “As Burwood’s man of business, I would suggest you address members of the peerage appropriately.”
“Very well. What do you want,LordStratford?”
“If you care at all about my daughter’s reputation, stay away from her. I’ll not have that nasty gossip dredged up again.” Delivered with the same coolness, his demand was clear as the fine crystal currently holding the glasses of sherry.
“Would you have me refuse Burwood? It was at his request I sang with Lady Honoria.”
“Hmph. I have no objection to you following orders. It was the way you were looking at her I have issue with.”
“And justhowwas I supposed to look at her? It was a love song.”
