Page 26 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

Chapter Ten

Percy left hissolicitor’s office with two recommendations regarding a business manager. He would bring up the subject when he saw Ev and Spence in a few minutes. He directed his coachman to the Camdens’ townhouse and climbed inside his vehicle, settling against the plush cushions.

Closing his eyes, he lost himself—again—in his kisses with Minta. The young woman haunted him by day. Percy only wished she would invade his dreams and banish the nightmares that continued to grow in both length and severity. He awoke in the middle of the night, terrified, afraid to go back to sleep. When he finally did, usually dawn was breaking and what little rest he did receive did not leave him refreshed. With the odd hours of the Season approaching, he hoped he would be so exhausted that he would fall into bed in a dreamless sleep.

He arrived at Ev’s townhouse and went inside, finding his friend in his study along with Spence.

“Have a seat, Percy,” his friend told him. “Spence and I were discussing Win.”

“I still cannot believe Win is back among us,” he admitted. “I hope Owen is doing a good job of showing him the ropes at Woodbridge.”

Spence chuckled. “Who would have thought Owen would have become so responsible? Louisa has done a world of good for him. He has settled nicely into his role as Earl of Danbury and even more so into the roles of husband and father.”

“Who is the next of you to travel to Essex?” Percy asked.

“I have decided it will be me,” Ev stated. “Adalyn is becoming increasingly busy with the Season about to begin. She definitely is looking upon you as her next project, Percy.”

He flushed, uncomfortable with the attention being focused upon him, especially regarding marriage. Although he saw how happy his friends were in their marriages, he still believed himself to be poor husband material. He had even toyed with the idea of not attending the Season and merely waiting for the house party Owen and Louisa would host in late-August.

“I see that look in your eyes, Percy,” Spence said. “Do not even think of backing out of attending the Season. Not after all the work the Three Cousins are putting in on your behalf.”

Spence’s astuteness did not surprise Percy. “You know I am not fond of social situations,” he said.

“You don’t have to be,” Ev declared. “You have three Second Sons and our wives in your corner. We will help you through any situation that comes up. That includes introductions to the right women. Trust Adalyn and the others in this matter, Percy. She really does have a knack for putting the right people together.”

But Percy didn’t want to be put with any women.

Because he yearned for Minta Nicholls.

Pushing that thought aside, he asked, “When are we leaving for White’s?”

Both his friends looked startled and Spence said, “We were only waiting for you to appear before we left. I am surprised you wish to go. Owen had to drag you to the club the other day.”

Owen had taken Percy to White’s and introduced him to a handful of peers. They had settled into deep, leather chairs, called for a brandy, and Percy had picked up a newspaper, keeping his nose in it the entire time they were there. Occasionally, he would give surreptitious glances about the room and was relieved that no one seemed to be paying a bit of attention to him.

“We might as well take my carriage,” he offered. “It is waiting outside. I just came from my solicitor’s office. He recommended two different business managers to me but I wanted to talk it over with the two of you. And Owen, when he returns to town since he seems pleased with his man.”

They left the townhouse and talked business in the carriage. It pulled up at White’s and they descended from it, entering the gentlemen’s club.

Mr. Orr greeted them and asked if there was anything special they might like. Ev looked to his companions and then told the host, “Only coffee for Lord Middlefield and me. Please bring tea to Lord Kingston.”

They went inside and Ev introduced Percy to a few other peers in the room. They took a seat and Percy started to reach for the newspaper on the table. Spence shook his head. Their beverages arrived and already White’s knew exactly how Percy took his tea. He supposed that was one of the many perks of being a peer of the realm and member of the most exclusive club in London.

“Your Grace, Lord Middlefield, how good to see you here.”

He looked up and saw two men standing nearby and rose as his companions did the same.

“It is good to see you, my lords,” Spence said. “The last time we truly spoke was when we attended the house party given by Their Graces.” Spence turned and indicated Percy to these newcomers. “Might I introduce you to a dear friend of ours, the Earl of Kingston. This is Viscount Boxling and the Earl of Markham.”

Percy greeted the two men with his usual reserve and they joined them, both asking for a brandy, which appeared almost immediately. He supposed it was the usual drink of the pair and had already been poured before they’d even requested it.

The handsome viscount met Percy’s gaze and said, “I am sorry for your loss, Kingston. I was friendly with your brother. We boxed several times in bouts at Gentleman Jack’s. He was an incredibly honorable man.”

His throat tightened with emotion. “Thank you for your kind words, my lord.”

Talk shifted to Percy’s estate and both Viscount Boxling and Lord Markham asked about it and his tenants. Boxling mentioned he had come into his title just over two years ago and still mourned his father’s passing deeply.

“Will you be attending the Season, Kingston?” Lord Markham asked.

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