Page 66 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“You will, someday, and it is important that you choose wisely, especially since this woman will most likely become your duchess and bear your children.”

“Catherine is still young and has many childbearing years ahead of her,” Corbyn attempted.

His father waved his hand dismissively. “I do not wish to speak about Catherine anymore. She has failed this family, as you are doing.”

Corbyn rose. “And with that sentiment, I feel it is time for me to depart.”

“Will you return soon to speak to me?” his father asked hopefully.

It was on the tip of Corbyn’s tongue to refuse him, but he knew he couldn’t deny his father this simple request. “Yes. I will come by at my earliest convenience.”

His father offered him a strained smile, looking somewhat vulnerable. “That pleases me.”

“Goodbye, Father.”

“Goodbye, Son.”

Corbyn walked over to the door. As he stepped into the hallway, he felt a twinge of guilt at leaving his father in his condition. But he had work that he needed to see to.

Jane turned apage of her book and attempted to ignore her mother chatting with Madalene and Emmeline. She had no desire to speak about Percy, but her mother was rather insistent on the subject.

“Do you suppose we will have a wedding shortly?”

Jane lowered the book to her lap. “Truly, Mother?”

The woman gave her an innocent look. “I hadn’t realized you were listening to our conversation.”

“What else can I listen to?” she asked. “You have been speaking about Lord Brinton for quite some time now.”

“I just find it encouraging that he is coming to call soon.”

“We are only going on a ride through Hyde Park,” Jane said, “and we aren’t even going during the fashionable hour.”

Madalene spoke up across from her. “But you may be seen together, which no doubt will get the busybodies going.”

“That may be true,” Jane admitted reluctantly.

“Well, I, for one, think that Lord Brinton is an excellent choice as a suitor,” her mother said.

Jane knew she was going to regret this question, but she asked it anyway. “And why is that?”

“I am dear friends with his mother, and you have known each other since your youth,” her mother pointed out.

“We are just friends,” Jane asserted, “and I have no intention of accepting his courtship.”

Emmeline smiled. “Oliver and I started out as friends, as well.”

“Our situation is entirely different from yours,” Jane pressed.

“Perhaps,” Emmeline said as she reached for her teacup on the table. “But you must not dismiss Lord Brinton so quickly.”

Jane lifted her brow. “Why?”

“Because sometimes love comes in the most unexpected circumstances,” Emmeline remarked, her smile still intact.

“Lord Brinton and I do not love each other, and it is ludicrous to even imply that we do.”

Madalene gave her a knowing look. “Just promise us that you will at least open yourself up to love.”

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