Page 14 of The Duke's Second Bride
“That is very kind of you, but we have to leave.”
“What’s more, you should be gentler with him.”
Christian froze, then looked back up. Those proud hazel eyes were hardened to steel, as though she were already anticipating his response.
“I beg your pardon?” he said.
“No need to beg it.” She raised her chin. “He is a child, and a very sweet and intelligent one, at that. I am assuming you’ve seen his drawings?”
Christian began to feel his impatience welling up again inside him. “Well, I know you certainly have,” he said. “I heard about your meeting in the park.”
“Yes. He spoke of how excited he was to get home and show you his sketches. I’m sure you’ll agree he is very talented.”
Christian straightened to stand taller. “Lady Dunfair, is it?” he asked. “Christian Adler, Duke of Richmond. I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced.”
“No.” She cocked her head. “You’ve always been too busy bloviating for us to have the chance.”
Christian felt his face heat. “Yes, because you have always been acting presumptuously with my son. It is not your place to decide how I raise my child.”
“I mean no presumption, Your Grace, only to suggest that you look beyond the ways you believe heshouldbehave, and see the spirit and life of the boy! Luke is a wonderful child, from our few meetings. If you worried more about whatLukewanted, and less about your own public perception, then perhaps?—”
“You are out of line, Lady Dunfair,” he hissed, all but forgetting everything around them as he took a step closer. “Since the first time we met, I have known you only to be the most meddlesome woman. If we weren’t in public, I would?—”
“What? What would you do?” she asked, an unfairly charming twinkle in her eye.
“I would give you a piece of my mind, using language unfit for the ears of ladies and children.”
“Don’t speak like that to Lady Dunfair!” Luke said firmly.
Christian realized with a moment of shock that he hadn’t stutteredat all.
Looking up, he saw a similar expression of surprise on Lady Dunfair’s face.
Before either of them could say anything, however, a new figure approached.
A man, tall—though not quite as tall as Christian—with blonde hair and sharp eyes. His gaze was fixed on Lady Dunfair as he approached, and Christian at once had a bad feeling about the snide expression on the man’s face.
“My dear Ava! I have been looking for you, but I see you’ve already found other company.” He gave a nod to Christian. “Good day to you, sir. I’m Brandon Warren, Earl of Dunfair.”
“Christian Adler,” Christian responded.
Ava, he thought. That was her first name. It suited her.
“Ah, the Marquess of Drake. Charmed, I’m sure.”
“Well—”
“Or, no …” Brandon pressed a finger to his lips before his eyes lit up in recognition. “Oh! I do know of you, old chap. You’re the new Duke of Richmond, are you not? After all that nasty business with your cousin. My condolences. Though of course, he was a rather nasty piece of work himself—I can only imagine you’d be an improvement?—”
Christian cleared his throat and did his best to keep his disdain off his face. “I would thank you not to speak so around the lady and—” He cleared his throat and placed a hand on Luke’s shoulder, not pleased by the idea of a man with such cruel energy speaking to his son.
His fears were misplaced, however; Lord Dunfair barely even threw a glance at Luke, which seemed equally cruel.
“Hm. Of course. My apologies, Your Grace.” Lord Dunfair gave another unpleasant smile that sent a chill crawling up Christian’s spine. “If you wouldn’t mind excusing me and my sister-in-law? The two of us have some matters to discuss that are better spoken of in private. Family matters, you understand.”
“Of course,” Christian said. “Come along, Luke.”
Luke shot a wary glance up at the newcomer, hesitating. It was clear he didn’t like him—and didn’t want to leave Lady Dunfair alone with him. Though Christian hated to admit it, he felt much the same.
