Page 35 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

Baldwin chuckled. “That it does.”

He grew serious, then revealed, “My brother came by to see me last night.”

“How did that go?”

“He informed me that my father is rather sick and believes he is on his deathbed.”

“I am sorry to hear that,” Baldwin said. “I have noticed the Duke of Weatherby’s absence from the House of Lords.”

“Simon wants me to return home and help run the duchy with him,” Corbyn shared.

Baldwin eyed him warily. “Is that what you want to do?”

“Heavens, no!” Corbyn exclaimed. “I have no intention of leaving my post, for any reason.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Baldwin said. “Do you intend to visit with your father?”

“I suppose I must.”

Baldwin nodded. “It would be for the best.”

“Would it?” Corbyn asked. “After all, my family has only ever considered me a grand disappointment.”

“That can’t possibly be true.”

“I’m afraid it is,” Corbyn replied. “The only decision my father ever supported me in was when I joined the army and was assigned to the Ninety-fifth Rifle Regiment. But he was horrified when I was discharged a few years later.”

“You were assigned to the Ninety-fifth Rifle Regiment as a cover while you worked secret missions for the Crown.”

“I am well aware, but my father doesn’t know that. Instead, he said I embarrassed the family by not making a career out of the army.”

“Your father was wrong to say that,” Baldwin said.

“Perhaps, but it doesn’t change the fact that my father thinks so poorly of me.”

“Regardless, you need to attempt to make amends before he passes,” Baldwin advised. “You don’t want to live with any more regrets than you have to.”

Corbyn sighed. “You are right, of course.” He rose from his seat. “I will meet with him when I am able.”

“Just don’t put it off for too long.”

Corbyn tipped his head in acknowledgement. “I’m afraid I have stayed long enough. I need to get back to work now.”

“I wish you luck.”

“Luck has nothing to do with my job,” Corbyn replied as he walked over to the door.

Jane sat insidethe dark coach as it rolled towards Lady Greenan’s townhouse. She was listening to her mother and Madalene conversing politely back and forth, and she felt no need to speak up. She was dreading this ball. Her mother would expect her to dance every set, and she had no desire to do so.

There was only one man that she wanted to dance with, and she wasn’t even sure if he would be in attendance. She stifled her groan. Her attraction to Lord Evan was becoming quite irksome. It seemed to have only intensified since he had saved her from those two men in the rookeries. But it mattered not since Lord Evan had never showed her any favor. None. Why was that?

Gentlemen showered her with attention whenever she went to social gatherings because of her beauty, dowry, and lineage. Perhaps Lord Evan didn’t find her attractive.

Madalene’s voice broke through her musings. “Did you hear me, Jane?”

She gave her a sheepish grin. “I’m afraid I was woolgathering.”

“About what in particular?”

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