Page 5 of The Seduction of Lord Sin
Devlin took a long drink from his brandy balloon glass. “She’s barren.” At Sin’s raised eyebrow, Devlin added, “That is the rumor. She was married for almost five years and bore Clayton no children. He remarried to ensure a spare, and no children eventuated.”
“And as the late Lord Clayton has two children from his first wife, the issue is not with him.”
Sin looked at Devlin. “No children? No heir? You’d sacrifice that for your estate?”
“I have three brothers. Surely if I can’t deliver a boy, my siblings can. But first, it’s imperative that I have an estate to pass on to someone in my family. If I don’t make a wealthy match, and soon, it won’t matter if I have children or not.”
“Hell, that’s quite the sacrifice you’re having to make for your family.”
Devlin frowned and took a long drink before saying, “I would like children. A son. An heir. Even though I do have three brothers.”
“So, why did you agree to come?”
“Needs must. The creditors are hammering down my door and if I’m to save the family estates, I may just have to marry her. We are friends and she’s more likely to say yes than any other lady.”
It was Sin’s turn to drink. “Why hesitate? I don’t see what a week at this house party will do.”
Devlin laughed. “It’s not over until the bailiff is at my door. I’m hoping for a miracle. However, my father’s scandal sees most rich debutantes, or their fathers, run for the hills if I come calling. I must ensure Lady Charlotte does not turn her favor on someone else.”
“So you are here to scope out your competition.”
Devlin grimaced. “Yes. Not very honorable, is it?”
Sin shrugged. “Your father has not left you much choice.”
He rarely thought about Devlin’s late father, or the whisper of treason surrounding him, but he knew society hadn’t forgotten or forgiven. The war with Napoleon, although won, still rang large in everyone’s mind. Most of thetonfamilies had lost someone. However, he hated the ‘guilty without evidence’ ways of theton.Whatever Devlin’s late father did, or didn’t do, his son should not have to pay the price. Being a Duke gave Sin power, and he had stood by Devlin against theton’sdisapproval.
“So, you are using this house party to see if Lady Charlotte is looking to remarry? And perusing the competition. I suspect you are not the only one in urgent need of funds.”
Devlin squirmed in his chair. “I hate myself right now, but worse still, I hate my father for leaving me in this position.”
Sin rose and filled both their glasses to the top. “Come, let’s drown our sorrows. You never know. Another lovely, rich lady may be among the guests.”
“Don’t bite my head off, but there may be one for you, too. You need an heir more than me. Just don’t pick Charlotte.”
“Hardly. I need a woman I’m positive can provide me with my heir. Arianna died before… My Uncle’s wife never got with child either. This time I’m marrying a widow who has children. Then I’ll know for sure. I already have my eye on Mrs. Mason. She needs protection and is a rare beauty.”
Devlin’s comment about him finding a wife coated his mood in darkness. Several months ago, with his cousin’s passing, he became the last male in his family and itwashis duty to ensure an heir before his demise. Or so his mother kept telling him until his ears almost bled.
As his mother constantly pointed out, he didn’t have to make a love match; he didn’t have to risk his heart and sanity again. Over two years ago, his faithless wife had died in the arms of his younger brother. In one stupid tragedy, he’d lost his wife and the spare his father had seen fit to ensure. The fact they’d been having a torrid affair behind his back cut him to the quick.
The memory of what he’d walked in on that day still made his limbs tremble. He rubbed his chest and downed most of the wine in his glass.
Sometimes he thought the Crown could have his title and estates and be damned! However, his title was the oldest title in the kingdom and he had sworn on his father’s deathbed, he’d ensure its survival. His lands in Kent were one of the largest holdings in England, and Allington Castle was the envy of many.
Sin added, “I blame my father for not ensuring three or more male spares. Three sisters are too much for any brother. Like you, I face a situation not of my making.”
“Here’s to fathers.” Sin drank at Devlin’s toast. As though talking to himself, Devlin softly murmured, “I still have no idea if my father was guilty of treason. He died before I could find out the truth. I’d like to think that father calling Lord Davenport out for his accusations proved he was innocent, but I was told he did not even fire his pistol at Davenport. He simply stood face on and let himself be shot.”
“You are not your father.”
Devlin nodded. “No. I am not. Hence why I place honor high on my list. I hate the dishonor of having to marry for money,” he repeated.
Devlin was right. Without honor, where was a man? “Most of the peerage marry for money or power. You are simply following a long tradition.”
Devlin sighed. “What a pair. We both need children. I need a large wallet more, while you have a large wallet but need a child.”
The irony was not lost on either man. He wondered how long he’d have to stay at the house party. If Devlin did what was needed and proposed to Lady Charlotte, Sin could race back to London to begin his pursuit of Mrs. Mason. He didn’t think it would take long to get her to agree.
