Page 81 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

Jane reached out and placed a hand on his sleeve. “Have you told them how you’ve saved me twice now?”

“I’m afraid it hasn’t come up.”

“No?” she asked. “What do you talk about, then?”

Lord Evan shifted his gaze over her shoulder, then revealed, “After university, I joined the army and advanced rather quickly through the ranks.”

“That is admirable.”

“You would think so, but I decided to leave the army after a few years, much to the chagrin of my family.”

“Do they not believe you have a right to have the future you envisioned?”

“It is not that simple when you are the son of a duke,” Lord Evan remarked. “Just like you, I have responsibilities that I must live up to.”

She let out a puff of air. “My only responsibility is to marry well.”

Lord Evan glanced down at her hand on his sleeve, and Jane realized that she was still touching him in a familiar way. She released her hold and clasped her hands in front of her.

“My father wished for me to make a career out of the army, but I failed him in that regard,” Lord Evan shared. “Now, he wants me to help run the duchy with my brother.”

“Is that something you wish to do?”

“It is not,” he replied. “I am content with the way things are.”

“Have you tried explaining that to your father?”

Lord Evan grinned. “I have, but my father can be rather pigheaded at times.”

“That is most unfortunate,” she said.

“Frankly, my brother is not much better, either,” Lord Evan revealed. “He is guilty of the same vices as my father.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“I have no doubt that Simon will squander the family fortune, but that is his right as the heir,” he said. “After all, I am just the spare.” His words were curt.

“Why do you say it like that?”

“My whole life, I have been reminded that I am second best to my brother.”

“That is awful.”

“While my brother was instructed in our properties and investments, I was relegated to the schoolroom to work on my studies,” Lord Evan explained. “My father made it very clear who his favorite child was from a very young age.”

“I’m sorry you were forced to endure that,” she said. “Did your mother treat you the same way?”

“Heavens, no. My mother has always loved me, unconditionally.”

“I am glad to hear that, especially since I believe you to be an honorable man.”

Jane saw a flicker of doubt come to his blue eyes. “How can you be certain of that?”

“Because when I needed you most, you were there,” she said.

“That was just luck.”

“Perhaps, but it doesn’t diminish the fact that you didn’t just stand by when I was in trouble. You chose to act and save me. You are my hero.”

---