Free The Duke's Legacy by Wendy Soliman

familiar figure at Tattersall’s. He prides himself upon being able to recognise good horse flesh. He buys youngsters and breaks them to the harness himself. He also loves to hunt and is, so my cousin Bea would have it, a frequent visitor to Gentleman Jackson’s Saloon.”
    Sebastian upgraded his mild suspicions in respect of Charles Wilsden. Purchasing and maintaining horse flesh was an expensive exercise. Boxing and curricle racing required a substantial amount of ready blunt because no one indulged in those sports without also placing heavy wagers.
    “And these other gentlemen on the list. In what manner are they related to you?”
    Lady Abigail blushed. “They are a few of the gentlemen in our circle whom I meet quite regularly.”
    “And who have designs upon marriage to you?”
    She shrugged. “Possibly, but my uncle agreed I should be presented and enjoy one season before I settle down and do what’s expected of me. That being the case, he won’t entertain any offers for me unless I tell him I’ve had a change of heart.”
    “Lord Evans finds particular favour with your uncle?”
    Her shoulders lifted. “Possibly.”
    “What are your feelings for that gentleman?” Sebastian shifted his position to gain a clearer view of her features as she pondered the question.
    “That he might very well do,” she replied casually.
    Sebastian was stunned. Never in all his years had he known a girl of Lady Abigail’s age who didn’t harbour grand romantic dreams. With her exceptional beauty she had every right to anticipate being swept off her feet. Damn it, she was only eighteen! She had no business displaying such a mature attitude to such matters. Sebastian itched to change her opinion, to demonstrate by deed rather than word just a little of what she was missing, but couldn’t risk starting down that path. He hid his disapproval behind a casual expression and disciplined himself to make no comment, other than asking one simple question.
    “Do you entertain feelings for him?”
    The glance she sent him was full of wisdom and had no place on such youthful features. “Does it matter? From what I’ve observed most married couples within society bear little love for one another. Their unions are often arranged for reasons of monetary gain or social advancement, with scant regard for compatibility, or the finer feelings of either party involved. If my uncle is of the opinion that Lord Evans would make a suitable husband for me, then I’ll be guided by him. After all, he’s done for me I owe him not only my duty but gratitude, too.”
    “Does Evans know you feel this way?”
    She shrugged. “Not to my knowledge.”
    “Hmm.”
    “And what’s that supposed to mean?”
    “It means, m’dear, that Evans may not know but perhaps some of your other suitors have an inkling, which could explain their collective anxiety to pursue you.”
    “Yes, but your argument defeats itself. If they covet my fortune, they wouldn’t wish to see any harm befall me. If I’m no more, then their aspirations perish with me.”
    “True.” He conceded the point with a nod. “Acquaint me with the rest of these people on your list, Lady Abigail. I don’t recognise all the names.”
    “They are mostly neighbours of ours in Cornwall.”
    “Sir Michael Parker. What are your objections to him as a potential husband?”
    She shuddered. “Too old and set in his ways.”
    “Unforgivable.” Sebastian knew Parker was only a little older than he was.
    “Laura and Simon Graves?”
    “More neighbours with whom we’re especially intimate. They are the son and daughter of Lord Sykes and Laura and I are firm friends.”
    “But Simon, presumably, wishes to be more than a friend to you? What deters you from returning his regard?”
    Lady Abigail grinned. “He’s portly, tells tediously long stories and is already a slave to gout.”
    “How lamentable.” Sebastian was charmed by her spontaneous laughter, her love of life and the irreverence