Page 12 of Not the Duke's Virgin

Simon remained unmoved. “I see. And in all this ‘time together,’ have you learned anything meaningful about her? Her character, her dreams, her innermost thoughts and feelings?” He leaned forward. “Or have your interactions consisted merely of empty flirtations and frivolous amusements?”

Oliver’s confident expression wavered. “I—well, that is?—”

“Yes?” Simon arched an eyebrow.

Oliver straightened his spine. “You underestimate the strength of the connection between Lady Victoria and me. Ours is a true understanding of the minds and hearts.”

Simon merely looked at him silently until he flushed.

“Blast it, Simon!” Oliver burst out angrily. “I don’t have to prove a damned thing to you! I know what Lady Victoria and I share, and I’ll not have you questioning it.”

Simon remained infuriatingly unruffled. “Calm yourself, Brother. I merely make the point that a handful of polite outings hardly constitute a love match. At least not to any objective observer.” He added pointedly, “If you wish to establish the validity of this attachment, much more will be required.”

Oliver’s hands clenched at the implied challenge in Simon’s words. “Rest assured, I intend to do precisely that,” he bit out. Rising, he braced his hands on Simon’s desk and leaned in aggressively. “Mark my words, Lady Victoria and I will soon announce our betrothal. And there is not a blasted thing you can do to stop it.”

Simon met his glower steadily. “We shall see.”

With a noise of frustration, Oliver pushed off the desk and began pacing. “Damn it, Simon, I don’t know why you’re being so stubborn about this. You’re certainly not in love with the girl.” He shot his brother a shrewd look. “Could it be you’re afraid I may succeed in securing both Father’s fortune and a pretty bride in one stroke?”

Simon answered coolly, “As I have no designs on Lady Victoria, her charms are irrelevant to me. No, I am simply holding you to the terms of Father’s will, as is my duty.”

Oliver threw up his hands. “Ever the dutiful one, aren’t you? Well, go on doubting all you like. You’ll see soon enough that Lady Victoria and I are the very picture of love’s young dream.”

His mocking tone made Simon’s jaw tighten. But all he said was, “We shall see.”

Sneering, Oliver turned away. But then he paused, a sly gleam flickering in his eyes once more.

“Although…” He glanced back over his shoulder. “Perhaps you’re right that a handful of polite outings is hardly a foundation for true love.”

Simon tensed warily as Oliver sauntered back toward the desk.

“It occurs to me,” Oliver continued lightly, “that you’ve scarcely had a chance to make Lady Victoria’s acquaintance yourself.”

Simon remained silent, mistrusting his brother’s suddenly affable demeanor.

Oliver spread his hands expansively. “How can you judge the sincerity of our attachment when you do not even know the lady? Why, she might completely charm you, were you to spend time in her company.”

Simon was unmoved by this transparent ploy. “Somehow I doubt that.”

“But you cannot know for certain, can you?” Oliver pressed. “No, clearly the only solution is for you to meet Lady Victoria properly. Become better acquainted.” He smiled like a cat who got the cream. “I believe a small house party here would be just the thing to clear the air.”

Simon went very still. He saw the calculating glint in Oliver’s eyes and understood his true aim. His brother meant to use this party to stage a performance with Victoria, believing the manufactured intimacy would convince him at last.

Leaning back, Simon steepled his fingers, quickly considering his options. Refusing the party outright would only lend credence to Oliver’s claims that he was being obstinate. Clever of his brother to maneuver him into this position.

But perhaps Simon could turn the scheme to his advantage. He had suspected from the start that Victoria was a fortune hunter colluding with Oliver. If he had the opportunity to observe them together at close range, their deceit would be that much easier to uncover.

Yes, he decided, permitting this little charade for now might prove illuminating. But Oliver would find that Simon was no fool.

Having reached this conclusion, Simon met his brother’s expectant gaze. “A house party is not a bad idea,” he conceded mildly. “It would afford me a chance to get to know Lady Victoria… more intimately.”

Oliver’s smile faltered slightly at the subtle emphasis. But he rallied quickly. “Precisely! So we agree, then?”

Simon inclined his head. “It appears so. I shall make the arrangements.” He paused, then added casually, “Do extend a warm invitation to Lady Victoria on my behalf. I look forward to… becoming better acquainted with her.”

Unease flickered in Oliver’s eyes, but his tone remained nonchalant. “Of course. I’m sure she will be delighted.”

Simon suppressed a grim smile. No doubt Victoria would prove willing enough if she thought it gained her access to the family fortune.

---