Page 26 of Lucien's Gamble

“You look terrible, son.”

“So I’ve been told. Repeatedly.”

“Your father thinks Lady Julienne would be perfect for Haverston,” Amanda murmured.

“What?”Lucien’s eyes widened in horror. There was one way for his life to become more hellish than it presently was, and that was for his younger brother, Charles, the present Marquess of Haverston and future Duke of Glasser, to court or (heaven forbid!) marry his Julienne.

His Grace shot a glance at his longtime paramour. “Seems you were correct, love,” he conceded dryly.

Amanda smiled with triumph. “Am I not always?”

The duke grunted and bent to kiss her upraised cheek. “I must depart. Carolyn is having some sort of soiree this weekend, and I’m expected to attend.”

“Of course,” she replied, showing no sign of hurt or dismay at the mention of the Duchess of Glasser. After all their years together, she was confident in the extent of the duke’s love for her and was aware that after the birth of Charles, the heir, he had never touched his wife again. “Return to me at your soonest.”

“Never doubt it.” Magnus kissed her again.

Lucien watched the exchange as he had often done over the years, but today the scene held new poignancy. It was a harsh reminder that people did not marry below their class. If he were honest with himself, he would admit that the most he could hope for would be to become Julienne’s lover after her marriage. The arrangement could almost be perfect. He would not have to marry, and Julienne could have the title she deserved. But Lucien knew he could never share her with another man, and Julienne would never consent to such an arrangement in any case. She took her responsibilities seriously and would never betray her husband, even if that husband were unfaithful to her.

After the duke left, his mother returned her attention to him. “Do you intend to allow Lady Julienne to marry Fontaine?”

“I have no choice.”

“Why not?”

“I offered to marry her, and she refused.”

“Lucien!”Amanda’s brow creased with a frown, something she never allowed herself to do because she feared it would cause wrinkles. “You love her.” It was a statement, not a question.

Lucien lifted his cup. “I lust for her.”

She sighed. “For heaven’s sake, darling, I am your mother. You cannot lie to me.”

“That’s not a lie.”

“Surely there’s more to it than that.”

“Such as?” he muttered. First Marchant, now his mother. Was everyone determined to meddle in his life?

Amanda set her clasped hands on the edge of the table. “Such as why she was so quick to rush to your defense? Against her brother, no less. And one hundred thousand quid, Lucien? You would never have allowed Montrose to become so far in your debt without a motive.” Her eyes lit with discovery. “Are you planning to use the earl’s misfortune to obtain his sister? Something so underhanded sounds just like you.”

“Thank you for the glowing estimation of my character, Mother.” But what an interesting idea. He was surprised he hadn’t come up with it himself.

Amanda pounced on his telltale smile. “What is your plan?” she queried eagerly.

“I don’t have a plan. I was biding my time until one presented itself.”

“Come now. You always have a plan. ‘Tis how you acquired greater wealth than your brother.”

“Mother,” Lucien began with quiet emphasis, “I’m not certain what impression you received from Julienne last evening, but I can assure you, she is not in charity with me at the moment.”

His mother frowned again. “Do you want her?”

“Of course,” he admitted. “I just don’t know in what way I want her. Or for how long, which is why she refused my suit.” Of course, he’d botched the entire affair by accusing her of things she wasn’t capable of and then storming out …

“Tell me what was said, and I’ll tell you where you erred.”

He laughed. “Why is the mistake assumed to be mine?”

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