Page 142 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“Yes, my noble brother does not think one should have a mistress,” Simon jested.

Corbyn shook his head. “You cared for Catherine once,” he said. “Just imagine how she must be feeling at this moment.”

“I wouldn’t know, because she retired to our country home.”

“Because of your actions.”

Simon tossed his hands up. “What would you have me do?” he asked. “Demean myself and chase after my wife?”

“Yes.”

“Am I to have no pride, then?”

“There is no room for pride when dealing with matters of the heart.”

Simon huffed. “I daresay you have become far too sentimental, Brother,” he said. “Catherine is not one to easily forgive.”

“She is your wife and deserves to be treated with respect,” Corbyn pressed.

“And what of Beatrice?” Simon asked haughtily. “You would have me be so cold and unfeeling as to cut ties with the mother of my children?”

Corbyn gave his brother a pointed look. “You are a fool, and I do not have time to be caught up in your misery.”

“You think I am miserable?” Simon asked.

“I do,” Corbyn said. “I believe you don’t know what you want.”

Simon put his hands up. “In due time, I will be the next Duke of Weatherby, and this will all belong to me.”

“But will that make you happy?”

“Yes!” Simon exclaimed. “How could you even imply that it wouldn’t?”

“I do believe I gave you too much credit, Brother,” Corbyn said. “If you will excuse me, I need to speak to Father.”

As he brushed past his brother, Simon put a hand on his shoulder. “What do you mean you gave me too much credit?”

“Happiness does not come from material things,” Corbyn revealed. “It comes from within.”

“That is ridiculous,” Simon exclaimed as he lowered his hand to the side. “That’s what poor people say.”

“Perhaps, but I have discovered what truly makes me happy.”

“Which is?”

Corbyn smiled. “Being in love.”

Simon knitted his brows together. “Who exactly are you in love with?”

“Lady Jane Radcliff,” he revealed.

Simon let out a loud laugh. “I daresay Lady Jane will never give the second son of a duke a chance,” he said. “You have no title or fortune.”

“I would agree with you,” Corbyn responded. “I am not worthy of her, but that won’t stop me from offering for her.”

“I am beginning to think that you are the fool, not me,” Simon scoffed.

“Perhaps, but it is a risk I am willing to take.”

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