The Cursed Countess (The Daring Drake Sisters #1)(4)

Tessa held her head high and linked her arm with Louisa as they moved away from the entrance. She would show them that their whispers meant nothing to her.

At least the duke was a friendly sight. His smile broadened as they approached while Tessa felt a frown tug at her mouth. It had only been a few months since she'd seen him but he had aged in that time. His hair was now more white than brown and there were tired lines around his brown eyes that hadn't been there the last time she'd spoken with him. He looked dreadfully pallid, almost like her first two husbands. She wondered if he'd taken ill while in the country.

"Your Grace," she said with a deep curtsy.

"Lady Stanhope, I am so pleased to see you here tonight. I worried you would not make an appearance, but Miss Drake assured me she could influence you to attend."

She flashed a smirk at her sister. Influence? Guilt drove her appearance here, as Louisa knew it would. Her sister only shrugged and smiled.

"Thank you, Your Grace. You are correct. Louisa convinced me that I could never miss Emma's ball."

"I am pleased she persuaded you." He squeezed her hand. "And even more pleased that you decided not to wear your mourning rags. You look beautiful tonight, my dear." The duke glanced over at Louisa and cleared his throat. "As do you, Miss Drake."

Louisa smiled. "Thank you, Your Grace."

Turning his attention back to Tessa, he said, "I do hope we shall have the chance to talk later. I have missed our conversations, my dear."

"As have I, Your Grace." Tessa glanced about the room. "Have my mother and sister arrived yet?" 

"They are both upstairs waiting for the appropriate time to make their grand appearance," he said with a kind smile.

"Thank you for allowing Mamma to have the ball here." She took a fleeting look around at all the people in the room. "This crush would never have fit in her home."

"I was happy to help out. With Harry still in India, it is nice to have people fill this big place."

"How is Ha-Lord Langport?" Louisa interjected. "He has been away for ages."

"Very well, I suppose. He has decided to sell the estate and return home." He leaned closer. "He wrote that he has news he can only share in person. I fear he may return with one of those heathen women. Lord help us if that happens."

Tessa pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. "I am certain he shall do the right thing."

"I do hope so." His attention turned to a couple entering the ballroom. "You must go and enjoy yourself, my dear. You too, Miss Drake," he added as if an afterthought.

"Thank you, Your Grace." While Tessa doubted she would enjoy herself tonight, at least she had made an appearance for Emma's sake.

"Louisa," she whispered as they walked away, "have you heard anything about the duke being ill?"

"I heard he was quite ill this winter with some stomach issues. He looks much older than in August when I saw him last. Perhaps his health is the reason Harry is returning from India."

"I do hope there is nothing seriously wrong with him. He is such a kind man." His symptoms reminded her again of her late husbands. All three had become quite pale and complained of stomach issues and headaches before they passed away.

Louisa nodded. "I shall get us both a glass of wine before Mamma comes down and scolds me for drinking in public. Why don't you pick out a man to seduce while I'm gone?"

"Louisa!"

As soon as her sister departed, Tessa felt as if everyone was staring at her again. She examined the room to find no one in particular gawking at her, save one. One lone man stood against the back wall with his arms crossed over his wide chest and Tessa could swear he was looking straight at her. She had no idea who the man was or why he would take an interest in her. Most likely, he had heard the gossip regarding her and found it fascinating, though why she couldn't imagine.

The man appeared to be exactly what her sister believed Tessa needed. Even leaning against the wall, she could tell he was taller than most of the men in the room. He had wide shoulders and a strong build. What had Louisa said...? Virile. The man exuded virility from across the room. But she had caused enough gossip over the past five years. Having an affair with a man would only make it worse.

Trying to ignore the man's steely stare, she circled the floor, taking in all the beautiful gowns. She smiled at a few people she knew, only to have them give her the cut direct. Apparently, she was a persona non-grata amongst the ton now. At least, Louisa and Emma still seemed to be well received. Perhaps she should leave soon so her reputation didn't affect them. But as she watched the first of the dancers approach the floor, a soft sigh escaped her lips. She had missed dancing, and now that the waltz was becoming more popular, she wanted to dance it again.