Page 6 of A Duke for Hire

Tristan had been the only friend brave enough to visit him in Merrivale. Brave enough to withstand the truth. When Hugo had told him that changes needed to be made to the house in order for him to make the move, his friend had readily agreed to take over the project on his behalf.

“Thank you again for doing this for me,” Hugo said as Tristan got out of the carriage.

“It really was no trouble at all, old boy,” Tristan replied, patting him on the back. Again, those uncomfortable needles.

“Your staff is entirely new, so no old faces to run into,” Tristan went on as they walked up the steps, “and the designers had an absolute ball redecorating. No antiques, as you suggested; all completely new furniture built by some of the best woodworkers in London. There is not a stitch of your father left behind.”

Tristan then opened the front door with a flourish, illuminating the front steps with a welcoming light. Still, though, Hugo wavered at the threshold. Tristan said nothing, knowing this moment was about patience, acceptance.

Flashes of how it looked years ago shot through his mind, and he had to close his eyes for a moment to force them away. He had taken many trips to London with his father. Learning from him to be the next Duke while simultaneously surviving his crueler instincts.

He took a steadying breath, stepped in, and when he opened them, he smiled, genuinely, at the light that surrounded him. No more dark colors. No more dead animal heads on the walls. Instead he was greeted by pearly white walls, gold trim and matching sconces, and paintings of lush greenery. It was a complete transformation.

“I owe you a great debt,” Hugo said, his dark green eyes roving around the bright foyer.

“I was hoping you would say that,” Tristan said, his tone enthusiastic.

Hugo ventured a chuckle.

“So you wish payment?” He asked with a smirk.

Tristan’s lips twitched into a smirk of his own.

“In a manner of speaking. As you know I have moved into my own house. I love my parents and little sister dearly, but I needed my own space.”

“Yes,” Hugo answered slowly, wondering what his friend was up to. “You mentioned that.”

“Well I am hosting a dinner party on Friday to celebrate, and it would mean a great deal to me to have you attend.”

Hugo balked. Friday was only two days away, and he had hoped to wait a little while before easing back into society.

“I’m not sure, Briarwood,” he replied. “It’s been too long since I have been among theton.”

“Which is why this would be a great way to wade back into it,” Tristan urged. “It’s a small gathering, only a dozen people or so. It shall give you an opportunity to socialize on a much smaller scale than that of a ball or such. Besides, the men I am inviting are more apt to be curious about your lands and investments—, not your past.”

Hugo shifted on his feet. He appreciated his friend’s optimism, but he very much doubted that latter part to be true. Everyone was curious about his past. And the reputation attached to it. Still…

“Very well,” he agreed begrudgingly. “I suppose you are right. I shall attend. But Tristan, I am only coming to make contacts. If anyone asks about my reputation, I am out.”

“Marvelous!” Tristan praised, smiling from ear to ear as he loudly clapped his hands together.

Hugo almost winced at the explosion of sound, but caught himself.

“Well I shall leave you to get settled,” Tristan went on matter-of-factly. “

“I shall see you tomorrow at ten in my office?” Tristan asked, nodding toward him. “We have much to discuss regarding our new investment endeavor, and I want to see that edge you hold that has made Merrivale flourish.”

Hugo’s concern vanished as he pulled on a confident smile. Bad reputation or not, he had become very good at quite a few things. One of which was being ruthless and successful when it came to making money.

“I shall see you then.” Hugo agreed.

“Welcome back, Fenwick,” Tristan sighed happily, heading toward the door, “London welcomes you with open arms.”

CHAPTER TWO

“Amelia, Rose!” Seraphina let out a breath of relief as she saw her friends.

Tonight was the night she would change her fate. After they’d left the ball the other evening, her mother had grown more adamant about setting a trap to gain her a husband. The more she spoke of it, the less worry she felt about Theo’s new—if strange—plan to find her a suitor.

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