Page 24 of Not the Duke's Virgin

Percival furrowed his brow anxiously. “Yes, rumors of an engagement are swirling. But Lord Oliver does not seem the marrying type. You suspect an ulterior motive?”

Simon nodded. “The family’s finances have suffered since Father’s passing. I believe Oliver aims to claim his prize and seize control of the estate.” Resuming his seat, he continued grimly, “You and I both know he is ill-suited to managing finances responsibly. He would run the estate into the ground within a year.”

Percival shifted uneasily. “What will you do? Once they wed, Lord Oliver will gain immediate access to the inheritance. There will be no reversing the transfer of assets.”

Simon pressed his fingers together contemplatively. “You confirm there are no legal measures to prevent it?”

“None,” Percival affirmed regretfully.

Simon was silent for a long moment before finally speaking, “Then I am left with only one possible solution—I must personally intervene and stop this engagement.”

Percival’s eyes widened. “Your Grace, what exactly are you proposing?”

Rising, Simon clasped his hands behind his back. “It is simple. To prevent the money from defaulting to Oliver, I must prove this engagement is a fraud, utterly devoid of real affection.” He pinned Percival with an intense stare. “And I aim to do so by making Lady Victoria fall for me instead.”

Percival lurched forward in alarm. “Simon, seducing Lady Victoria could bring grave scandal!”

“Calm yourself, Percy,” Simon said. “I know what I am doing. Have faith, I do not intend to ruin her.” Beginning to slowly pace, he explained, “If Lady Victoria so easily transfers her affections to me upon our first meeting, it will confirm neither she nor Oliver have any true feelings toward each other, as opposed to what the amended will requires.”

Halting before the fireplace, he turned back to Percival. “I aim only for some light flirtation. A few passionate words, a daring embrace perhaps. Nothing compromising.”

Percival still appeared extremely uncertain.

Simon resumed his seat and adopted a casual, congenial tone. “Come now, it is merely a bit of sport, however much I act the scoundrel. Lady Victoria’s honor will remain intact, you have my word.” Leaning forward intently, he continued, “The truth is, Lady Victoria is likely a willing conspirator in this deceit. What woman of virtue would accept a fake engagement? No, she is after wealth and status.”

Reclining back, he took a nonchalant sip of brandy. “Therefore, she cannot be allowed to make a fool of me. I will expose their ruse and send her packing.”

Setting his glass down, he addressed Percival earnestly. “I promise you, Lady Victoria will not be irrevocably compromised. Once their deception is revealed, she will return home unharmed.”

Percival still appeared troubled.

Rising, Simon came around the desk to grasp his shoulder reassuringly. “My friend, you know me to be a man of honor. This is merely a necessary measure to protect the estate and the Reynolds legacy. Please, put your faith in me.”

After a prolonged hesitation, Percival finally nodded reluctantly. “Very well. I cannot claim to approve of your methods, but I trust your intentions are honorable. Only promise me you will take great care.”

“You have my word,” Simon vowed solemnly.

Just then, the mantel clock chimed three.

Simon straightened. “But come, we have talked long enough. I must ready myself for this evening.”

Moving toward the door, Simon added gravely, “I want you to understand, Percival. I did not decide on this course lightly. I take no pleasure in such maneuvers.” Pausing, he turned back to Percival. “But I see no other way to uphold my duties as the Duke and guardian of the estate’s welfare, which currently teeters on the brink.”

Percival rose slowly. “I understand. Desperate times can sometimes warrant difficult decisions. Let us hope cooler heads prevail.”

Simon smiled warmly, shaking Percival’s hand. “Thank you for your wisdom and support, my friend. Wish me luck.”

With an uneasy smile, Percival took his leave. Alone again, Simon moved to stand before the large portrait of his father hanging above the mantel.

Gazing up solemnly, he spoke, “Father, I apologize for the unseemly methods I must employ tonight. But I promise you, I will protect our family legacy and restore dignity to the Reynolds name.”

Turning, Simon straightened his dinner jacket and headed for the door, shoulders set with determination.

The night’s events would require a delicate balancing act—just enough roguish charm to turn Victoria’s head without causing irredeemable scandal.

Simon scoffed under his breath. Women were rarely immune to his charms for long. A few flattering words, a smoldering look, a strategically placed caress… this would all be over swiftly.

Still, as he descended the grand staircase, the echo of Percival’s warnings lingered in his mind. He shook his head, casting the doubts away. Poise and self-assurance were vital now.

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