Page 11 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

Leo recalled the glimpse he’d caught of her face in the lamplight-fine features, full lips that had parted in surprise at his touch.

“And her circle of friends?”

“Small but loyal. Lord and Lady Clarkshire seem particularly devoted to her. Most of society keeps her at arm’s length because of the scandal.” Noah paused. “She does still receive invitationsto certain events. The hostesses know an infamous guest adds spice to any gathering.”

“So, she navigates society but barely.” Leo stared into his glass, thinking. “Vulnerable yet resourceful enough to create a secret career.”

“Precisely.” Noah leaned forward. “Though I have to ask—what exactly is your plan here? You can hardly challenge a widow to a duel, and a public confrontation would only confirm the stories about you.”

“I have already confronted her privately,” Leo reminded him.

Noah’s grin was insufferable. “Given that you’re here asking about her the next morning, I’m guessing it did not go well.”

Leo glowered at him. “She’s stubborn. Claims she has to write about me though she wouldn’t elaborate why.”

“Fascinating.” Noah looked positively delighted. “So, the widow resisted your infamous charm? No wonder you’re in a quandary.”

“She’s endangering my search for William,” Leo said sharply. “Every day I spend in London dealing with this nonsense is another day my brother slips further away.”

Noah’s amusement faded. “Where was the last place they were spotted?”

“Matthews sent a message saying they were in Brussels two months ago, but they were gone before he could get there.” Leo clenched his fist. “Ten years, Noah. How they have evaded me…”

“It’s time to consider that William doesn’t wish to be found,” Noah said gently.

“When I hear that from his own lips, I’ll believe it.” Leo stood abruptly, unable to sit still with the familiar restlessness that thoughts of his brother always brought. “William may be a fool where Felicity is concerned, but he’s still my brother.”

“And Lady Asquith?”

“Is an obstacle I intend to remove.” Leo moved to the window, looking out at the London morning. “I’ll call on her. With her identity known, she can hardly hide behind anonymity any longer.”

“And if she refuses to stop writing? You can hardly keep her under lock and key.”

A dangerous idea flickered in Leo’s mind that he quickly dismissed. “Everyone has a price. I simply need to discover hers.”

“Take care, old sport,” Noah warned, all traces of his earlier teasing gone. “Desperate people are unpredictable. And a woman who has lost everything once, may not fear losing again.”

Leo turned back to his friend with a grim smile. “Then it’s fortunate I am not a man accustomed to losing.”

CHAPTER 5

“My dear Marina, you’ve scarcely heard a word I’ve said these past ten minutes,” Caroline chided gently as they strolled along the fashionable paths of Hyde Park. “One might think the swans were more compelling than me.”

Marina blinked, forcing her attention back to her friend’s concerned face. “Forgive me, Caroline. My thoughts were elsewhere.”

“Clearly.” Caroline exchanged a glance with her husband, who walked beside them with measured steps. “Harold and I have been quite concerned. You’ve been distracted since we collected you.”

“Practically jumping at shadows,” Harold chimed in, his kind eyes studying Marina’s face. “Is something amiss with your household? You know we would help if only you?—”

“No, nothing like that,” Marina hastened to assure him. “Truly, I am perfectly well.”

Her friends looked unconvinced but were too well-bred to press further.

The afternoon was mild for April, drawing out the fashionable set for their ritual parade around the park. Marina was painfully aware of the sidelong glances that followed her. The scandal of her husband’s death might have faded somewhat, but her presence still provoked whispers.

“Good heavens,” Harold muttered suddenly. “Is that Lady Ponsonby headed this way? Quick! Pretend we’ve spotted something fascinating in that direction.” He gestured wildly toward a cluster of trees.

Caroline smothered a laugh. “Harold, you can’t possibly still be avoiding her after all this time.”

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