Page 5 of Disguised Desires of a Scarred Duke
Byrd had admonished the shaking footman and welcomed the duke inside.
Having a much calmer disposition from his many years living with aristocrats and their drama, Byrd didn’t even flinch when he saw the scarring on his lordship’s face. Yet it did take a moment to realize that strapping grown-up William was the same person as the timid boy he’d last seen nearly 20 years ago.
“Thank you, Your Grace. Please trust that it won’t happen again,” Byrd said, then opened William’s black double-breasted vest so the duke could slip his arms inside. “Of course, you can also count on us to be discreet. No one will know you have returned to London until you say so.”
“Thank you, Byrd. I am grateful for your loyalty and service. Now, where did Edward disappear to?”
William was preparing to meet with the solicitor of his family’s estate that afternoon. He hadn’t worn this fine of clothing in years but assumed he would be taken more seriously in a business meeting if he wore a style more suited for London society.
However, the newest Duke of Ashbourn much preferred his well-worn coarse kersey jacket and comfortable breeches over a fancy man’s attire. Today’s dark waistcoat and vest over a crisp white high-collared shirt made him feel like a damn dandy.
William ran a hand through his wavy black hair and wished he’d had it cut. Then he shook off his reservations about his appearance and decided to try and get through his first outing in London as smoothly as possible.
The duke didn’t look forward to showing his face, but he was used to walking with his eyes downward to keep his awareness of people’s shock at a minimum.
Edward would accompany him for the latter part of the day. But the duke’s friend would first venture out on his own to discover new investment opportunities.
“I’m right here, Your Grace!” Edward, full of his usual boundless energy, entered Willam’s dressing room without knocking and collapsed into a leather lounge chair in the corner. “It’s a beautiful day to spend Father’s money, would you agree?”
William chuckled under his breath and shook his head. “Aren’t you supposed to beearningsome of those funds by rejoining your father at the helm of his savings and loan?”
“Fustian nonsense! While my father is stuck in an office, I prefer to raise money in more exciting ways. Out enjoying the fresh air.” Edward smiled and leaned back with his hands clasped behind his head.
“You mean you prefer to spend your inheritance while tipping your hat at pretty women all across the globe.” William grinned back at his friend.
“That too,” Edward replied. “Though I might be ready for just one special lady now that I’m home again. What do you say, Your Grace? Shall we find some sweet wives and fill their bellies with babes?”
William choked and nearly bit through his tongue. “Are you ape-drunk? Never mention the word wife to me again! I am not long for this town, Montrose, and you know it. I’m already trapped enough by my father’s title. I’ll not become a tenant for life to some society marriage. Now shine your dusty boots, and let’s be on our way.”
The duke thanked Byrd for his assistance and dismissed him. Then he returned Edward’s rude middle finger gesture, and both men laughed.
“My boots are fine. You just don’t like anything that makes a man look domestic.”
“Domestic doesn’t bother me. But you, my friend, look like a farm animal compared to me. If you don’t clean up now, I’ll have to keep all the eligible ladies to myself,” William said.
Edward saluted the duke with a grin, then stomped off to change clothes. “Can’t a man enjoy a little gardening in the spring?” he called out as he disappeared down the hall.
“I’d rather drown at sea,” William mumbled, then shook his head again and laughed at his friend’s childlike nature. Only Edward would spend his morning tending bulbs after months of hard labour at sea just for the fun of it.
How Edward would ever find a wife that could tame or understand him was beyond his comprehension. It was puzzling enough that he’d want a wife at all.
…
The duke’s coachman dropped both men off downtown. Edward headed in one direction while William walked in the opposite. As usual, the duke avoided eye contact with passersby by looking down at the street while his hat rested low on his forehead. This made it much easier to prevent any greetings that might stir up suspicions about his identity.
Staying incognito for as long as possible was still William’s plan. He hoped to blend in without notice until he’d had a chance to visit family first.
Lost in thought about his meeting with the solicitor, the duke didn’t see a young lady coming around the corner until they smacked into each other.
“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorr …” The woman stopped speaking in midsentence as she held tightly to William's arms and stared with shock at his face.
Used to this kind of reaction, William tried to ignore her lingering gaze. “Are you all right? I must apologize. I didn’t see you there.”
“I … I … oh my. You have … you …”
The young woman with a hat adorned with blue flowers and a blue ribbon tied at her chin couldn’t peel her eyes away as she hopped on one foot.
“Miss, are you hurt? Please, let me help you. If only to stop you from gawking at me like a circus act.” William couldn’t help the slight. The woman was staring at him so intently it was beyond rude and bordering mean.
