Free Love's Promise by Cheryl Holt Page A

for the pleasure of asserting himself. Michael might act on any wild urge before the Duke could discourage him, and if Michael decided against Rebecca, it would be impossible to persuade him otherwise.
    “When your nephew arrives,” Rebecca was nagging, “what will you do with him?”
    “I haven’t worked out the details,” Michael replied.
    “Well, it wouldn’t be proper for him to reside with your father, so where will you put him? In an orphanage?”
    “An orphanage! Good Lord, Rebecca, I never would.”
    “Why not?”
    “He’s my nephew.”
    “Just barely.”
    “We own many fine mansions. I’m sure we can find a place for one small boy.”
    “But far from London.”
    Apparently, Rebecca was as disturbed by Thomas as the Duke was, himself. Maybe more so. She wasn’t about to welcome the little bastard, and in that respect, he and Rebecca were in complete accord.
    The Duke had devised numerous schemes regarding the lad, but none that would actually benefit him.
    Once the Duke had control of the boy, he’d have control of the boy’s money, and there were many ways to guarantee that not a single farthing was ever spent on him.
    If it had been up to the Duke, the windfall would have remained a secret, with the Duke keeping John’s bequest for his own use, and the boy living out his life in squalor and poverty. But there had been too many witnesses at the reading of John’s will, so the inheritance was common knowledge, with everyone expecting it to be honored.
    He would pretend the boy was being provided for, would make it appear that he was wallowing in John’s largesse, but the Duke had other plans for that fortune.
    “I had considered,” Michael was telling Rebecca, “purchasing my own home, so Thomas can live with me.”
    There was a stunned pause, then she laughed. “You’re teasing me, aren’t you? And trying to get a reaction? I mean, what would people say if they found out?”
    “Why would I care what they say?”
    “But Michael, imagine the scandal.” She changed the subject, fake cheer in her voice. “Have I mentioned that I’m off to Bath with my cousin? She’s invited me to take the waters with her, and I promised I would.”
    “That should be enjoyable.” Michael sounded bored to tears.
    “But after I return, I’ll have several months free. I’m available for...well... whatever.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind.”
    They walked on, and the Duke listened as Michael escorted her to the door and sent her on her way. Shortly, he trudged into the library, and he proceeded to the sideboard and poured himself a brandy. He swilled it down, shuddered, then collapsed onto a chair. He looked pale and haggard.
    “Long night?” the Duke noted.
    “Yes, and an even longer day. I’m so hung-over that I feel as if the top of my head might simply blow off.”
    “Then I suppose it’s the worst time to converse on any serious topic, but what is your answer?”
    “To what question?”
    “Will you have Rebecca or won’t you?”
    “You heard her chattering, and you’re correct: This is the worst possible time to ask me.”
    “When would be better?”
    “How about when I’m not so aggravated by her?”
    The Duke snorted, poured his own drink, then sat at the desk, facing his beleaguered son.
    “Trust me on this, Michael. I’ve wed four of these girls. I’ve courted dozens more, and I’ve copulated with even dozens more than that. She’d no different from any of them.”
    “High praise, indeed.”
    “At least she’s pretty.”
    “Is that all that matters to you? That she’s easy on the eyes?”
    “Of course not. There are also her dowry and ancestry.”
    “It just seems a silly reason to wed.”
    “What would be a more appropriate reason?”
    “How about finding a mate with whom you’re a bit compatible?”
    “Egad, Michael, if you want a chum ¸ buy yourself a dog.”
    The Duke was furious, but he didn’t dare show any anger. He’d learned from hard experience that