Page 9 of A Duke for Hire

“Hugo Fenwick, Duke of Merrivale,” he answered with an air of authority. “And you are?”

The man’s confident smile slipped. His left eye twitched. His hand did not rise to shake Hugo’s.

“Hugo- You are- good heavens, you are-”

“Duke of Merrivale,” Hugo repeated, not backing down from the handshake, “And I assure you I am only a monster across a desk or in the bank. Now tell me, who are you?”

The frightened look on the man’s face remained, but only for the briefest of seconds before he let out a breath, reached for Hugo’s hand with a smile.

“What an introduction, Your Grace,” he praised. “I am Chancy Howard. I deal in the diamond trades in Africa and have the pleasure of working with many of fine London gentlemen. Please, though, call me Chance. I do despise my given name.”

Knowing all too well how that felt, Hugo agreed.

“I had heard word you were coming back to town,” Chance went on, “The turnaround of the Merrivale property is legendary.”

“Now that is a rumor I will allow, as it is true,” Hugo chuckled.

“Come, Your Grace,” Chance urged, “Allow me to introduce you to some others. I am most curious to speak with you regarding some trade, as I am sure they will be too.”

Hugo gave Chance a curt nod, and as he was introduced to some other gentlemen- some noble, some merchants- he received similar looks as Chance’s when his name was given. His confidence and air of authority rose over them, however, and soon, just like Chance, they were talking with him not of the rumors, but of management and investments.

I have forgotten this,he mused to himself as he carried on the conversation, part of his mind wandering back to his bout of solitude.I had forgotten how easy it is to take control of these people. To make them do what I want.

At one point, Hugo looked up from his conversation and saw Tristan and his sister chatting excitedly with the woman who had approached him on the patio. A flicker of feeling, one he could not identify, traveled through them as Tristan smiled widely down at the woman.

Suddenly he lost interest in the talk of money, and focused on the new sight.

“Excuse me a moment, gentlemen,” he said, taking a step away from the group.

“I cannot believe that was him!” One whispered.

“Frightening face, but brilliant mind,” another added.

“Do you think he is as brutal as the rumors state?”

Hugo rolled his eyes as he heard their gossip, but paid it no mind. At least they did not say it to his face.

A growling threat would bring the conversation to an immediate stop, but instead, he took another step toward Tristan and the woman.

“Why, Seraphina,” He heard Tristan muse, taking her hand and giving her a spin, “You are somehow lovelier without the shadow of your mother. Tell me, how did you manage to convince her to come alone?”

“It was sheer luck,” the woman giggled, then leaned up to whisper something in Tristan’s ear.

Hugo watched as Tristan’s smile grew wider, and to his surprise, he felt a flicker of possessiveness from within. It startled him. He barely knew the woman.

“Luck, indeed,” Tristan chuckled as he pulled away. “Well enjoy your moment of freedom, would you, and keep my sister from preaching her blue-stocking politics too much, yes? I do not want her scaring my guests away.”

“I do not preach, brother,” Theo replied curtly, throwing him an annoyed glance, “I educate.”

Tristan laughed as he patted his sister’s shoulder, then moved away to greet his other guests. As he did so, both Theo and her friend took a look around the room. Seraphina’s eyes landed on him, and he watched her aquamarine irises glitter with excitement as she gave him a knowing but furtive nod.

“How goes it, old man?” Tristan teased, appearing at Hugo’s side.

“Better than expected,” Hugo replied, his gaze still locked with Seraphina as his mouth formed a sly grin.

“You were right, Tristan,” he went on, “This party was a good idea.”

“Which one is he?” Amelia whispered.

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