Page 34 of The Duke of Kisses
“Your father thought so.”
David flinched. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Before Walter could respond, David went back to Ware, who had just extricated himself from the group. “Where are you going, Ware?” a young buck asked.
“It’s a mystery. Why don’t you all place bets?” Ware’s mouth curled into a sardonic smile as he collected his hat from a footman and exited the town house.
David took his hat from the same retainer—how they were managing accessories for people was beyond him—and followed Ware into the cool night.
“Will they really place bets?” David asked as they descended the steps to the pavement.
“They might.” Ware shook his head. “Bloody ridiculous lot.”
“But they hang on your every word.”
Ware sent him a look heavy with cynicism. “Which is why they’re ridiculous. Who the hell am I?”
Ware led him up the line of vehicles to a carriage with bright yellow trim. The coachman nodded at Ware and opened the door.
Ware climbed inside and sprawled on the forward-facing seat. David followed, depositing himself on the opposite side. “Thank you. Where are we headed?”
“I was considering a brothel, but perhaps that isn’t on your agenda.”
“Er, no.” Since he was presently torn between two women, he didn’t think he could possibly entertain a third, even if it was only for physical release. “I thought I’d go to the club.”
“Fine by me.” Ware turned to the open door and instructed the coachman to drive them to Brooks’s. The door closed with a snap. He set his hat on the seat beside him. “We can gamble a bit, and if you change your mind about joining me for feminine companionship—well, notjoiningme, but accompanying me to an establishment—you are welcome to do so.”
“I appreciate the invitation.”
Ware cocked his head to the side as the coach jostled forward. “Do you? I think you’d rather stick a needle in your ear than come along.”
“I’m a bit overwhelmed this evening. Too many women on my mind already.”
“Well, that could be either wonderful or bloody annoying. Sounds as if it may be the latter.”
“I find myself in a predicament and am unsure how to proceed.” He knew how he ought to proceed—spend time with Miss Stoke and see if they would suit. In the meantime, he should stay far away from the temptation of Fanny. “The business of finding a wife is more complicated than I would prefer.”
Ware twitched. “Don’t ask me for advice. I have none to offer.”
“Right, you don’t plan to take a wife. Aren’t you concerned about passing on your title? Your legacy?”
Ware snorted. “Trust me when I say no one would really want it.” He waved a hand. “There’s an heir somewhere along the line. I’m not concerned about the future of the title. Perhaps you shouldn’t be either.”
David wasn’t sure if there was an heir besides himself. Uncle Walter had never married and had no children, and he and David’s father had been the only sons in that branch. They must have cousins, but David didn’t know who they were. Not that it mattered since David had every intention of doing his duty. But just the idea that he could choose a different path… He looked over at Ware. “You don’t feel beholden to provide an heir?”
“Absolutely not. I’m aware that makes me an aberration, but there are many things that do that.” His lips twisted into an enigmatic and almost sinister smile. “Now, tell me you’re going to drive that stunning new phaeton in Wednesday’s race.”
The thought of racing again eclipsed his preoccupation with Fanny and Miss Stoke. Perhaps that was what he needed—a distraction. A calm stole over him, and he leaned back against the squab with a small smile.
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
