His face fell even further. “Of course.”
She wanted to reach out. To touch him again. “I should go.”
His hand stretched toward her. “Before you do, promise me a dance at the ball?”
She sent him a tremulous smile. “As you wish.”
Grateful that Miranda remained silent when she joined her, Honoria’s mind remained on the press of Drake’s lips to hers.
CHAPTER 24
Drake stared at the orange at his feet, his mind reeling back to the kiss.
Fool.
With one word, Honoria could have been his. Miranda had witnessed them together. All he had to do was confess to his inappropriate behavior and offer for her.
But hadn’t her reputation been sullied enough? And just as he wanted her to choose him for him, he would never want her to question that he had chosen her out of love rather than obligation.
He kicked at the orange with the toe of his boot, taking his frustration out on the poor piece of fruit. After substantial grumbling to himself, he peeked around the door of the orangery, and strode back to the house. Perhaps in his own room he would have some undisturbed peace before the ball that evening.
Light laughter caught his attention as he passed one of the parlors. He stopped and peered in. Guests gathered around tables, playing cards, one of them Anne.
“I did warn you, Your Grace,” she said. “My brother is quite competitive.”
Indeed, Andrew Weatherby grinned as he announced, “That’sanother trick for Alice and me. Tally things up, Alice. I believe that’s two games in a row for us.”
“Mr. Merrick,” Mrs. Weatherby called, catching sight of Drake. “Would you care to play? I believe we’ve just frightened Anne and the duke away.”
“Not frightened, Mrs. Weatherby. Simply partnerless,” Simon said. “And although Miss Weatherby is deserting me for her meeting with Lady Honoria and Lady Miranda, Merrick isn’t pretty enough for me.”
Simon rose from his seat, then pulled out Anne’s chair.
Anne breezed past Drake, sending him a curious glance.
Before he could take his leave, Simon stopped him. “Merrick, a word, please.” He turned back to the table. “Mr. and Mrs. Weatherby, I shall do my utmost to find more players for your table.” He chuckled. “Preferably ones with deep pockets.”
“Don’t send Montgomery.” Andrew chuckled. “Or at least send him to another table.”
With a nod, Simon left the room, grabbing Drake by the arm as he exited. “Andrew Weatherby will be a good friend to have if you join one of the London clubs. Although to hear him talk, Montgomery is an even better card player.”
“I doubt he will be so keen to befriend me if he believes I trifled with his sister’s feelings.”
“Balderdash!” Simon’s response was rather sedate, considering his usual choice of words. “The girl isn’t in love with you, if that’s what you’re concerned about. Besides, my plan is working.” Simon stopped, placed his hands on his hips, and studied Drake. “In fact, she asked me point-blank if you had an interest in Honoria.”
“I might know what prompted that question.”
“You do?”
“Yes. But first, what did you say?”
“Only that often when people have romantic feelings for each other, it shows clearly on their faces and perhaps she should observe and conclude for herself.”
Drake couldn’t help but grin. “That’s what Lady Charlotte told her.”
As if someone had planted him a facer, Simon jerked back. “She did?” His eyes narrowed. “And how do you know this?”
Drake relayed the conversation he overhead while in the orangery, leaving out the part where he kissed Honoria.
