CHAPTER SIXNext morning Lady Hatton was in ecstasies over the diamond necklace.
“It’s practically a declaration in itself,” she sighed.
“Yes it is,” Louisa retorted. “And that is why I don’t want it. I tried to refuse it, Mama. Why didn’t you help me?”
There was a passing look of unease on her mother’s face before she recovered her poise enough to declare,
“Because I have your best interests at heart, my dear. I will not allow you to throw away your future on a moment’s weakness. Now run back upstairs and dress properly.”
“I am going riding, Mama.”
“You are not. Lord Westbridge will almost certainly call this morning to make you a formal offer and you will be here to receive him.”
“But Mama, I have already refused him.”
“What!”
“Last night I told him I would not marry him. He cann
