Page 2 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

“I think Minta will make an admirable marchioness and that you will be just as much in love as the other Second Sons are.”

Percy winced and Win found that interesting.

“Do you love Minta?” he pressed.

“Unfortunately, I do. But I don’t feel I deserve her.”

Win frowned. “I had the impression that you were a love match as the other Second Sons and their wives are.”

Percy shook his head vehemently. “No words of love have been spoken and none will ever be spoken on my part.”

Win’s eyebrows rose and he said. “So, you intend to have a typicaltonmarriage?”

His cousin looked uncomfortable but nodded. Win didn’t think it would last long. His cousin already loved his new wife and from what he could tell, Minta returned those feelings. Perhaps she had been wise to keep those words to herself, knowing how withdrawn her new husband could be. Still, Win thought by the next time he saw them, come June when Sera Nicholls arrived in London, that it would be a different story.

He introduced himself to Lord and Lady Westlake and had a pleasant conversation with the pair. Then it was time to wish the happy couple goodbye. He walked out with them and returned inside just as the Westlakes were also taking their leave.

Win had something on his mind and he told Ev he needed to speak to the Second Sons for advice.

Ev grinned. “You think a conversation will go on in which our wives are left out? Think again, old friend.”

Ev’s words startled Win. He was used to women being ornamental, left in the background. His mother had an almost nonexistent role in her two sons’ lives and he’d had no sisters. He had spent his entire adult life in the army, sampling the wares of the traveling whores and, every now and then, coupling with a pretty widow in a village the army passed.

“I am not certain they wish to be included in this conversation, Ev.”

Ev laughed aloud. “Then you don’t know my Addie, much less Tessa or Louisa. They are a part of us, Win. The three of us—and now Percy—have married strong, independent, intelligent women. None of us would ever shut them out from an important conversation.”

Ev’s words were clear and so Win nodded in acquiescence. “Then let us join them and I will tell you about my dilemma.”

They went to the drawing room and Ev told the others that Win had something he wished to share with them.

“I am seeking your advice on whether to pursue a matter and if I do choose to do so, how to go about it.”

He glanced about the circle. “I assume everyone present knows how my brother died. Violently, in a fire.” He watched them nod and continued. “Terrance was a horrible man and I have heard rumors that Terrance has a few bastards which he did nothing for. I think the right thing to do is to find them and provide for them,” he stated.

“I think that is admirable, Win,” Tessa said. “You are displaying honor and concern, which speaks highly of your character. You will bring luster back to the Woodmont name.”

“I agree,” Louisa added. “Who knows where these poor children are living and how they are being provided for, if at all. You taking responsible for your brother’s issue is admirable.”

“I suggest that you hire a Bow Street Runner,” Adalyn said. “They have connections everywhere and have a good success rate in matters such as these.”

He found it interesting that all comments and advice were coming from the women and not his friends. He glanced about and saw the three men nodding their approval.

“I am not familiar with what a Bow Street Runner does, I’m afraid. I thought they were some type of police force here in town. Would you explain it to me and tell me how I might go about hiring one?”

“It is true in the past that Bow Street and their magistrates worked more to round up criminals,” Owen said. “They still have a Day Patrol, which does not wear a uniform. These men walk the streets in various jurisdictions and the Foot Patrol takes over for them during the evenings until midnight. These men who walk the streets make certain connections with those citizens as they are out and about.”

“There is also a Horse Patrol,” Ev noted. “Although they might not be as helpful in this instance.”

“Where Bow Street used to focus on crime, they now investigate other matters,” Spence said. “From national security to social disorder.”

“Yet they still take on cases for members of theton,” Adalyn emphasized. “Finding the by-blows the previous Woodmont sired would be something they would be likely to investigate. Their offices are on Bow Street, Win. You should speak to the chief magistrate and see if he believes this is an issue the runners might pursue.”

He nodded slowly. “Yes, I believe a private investigator is what is called for in these circumstances. I have spoken to several of the servants, both here and at Woodbridge. From the little they know, it seems they believe there are two children out there with Terrance’s blood running through their veins. I think it is the right thing to find them and see to their needs. Their mothers, as well.”

“The runners will use the information you have and take to the streets. They have sources in every walk of life and at every level of society,” Owen confirmed. “They most likely will look into foundling homes since the children might have been placed there.” He paused. “There is the possibility that they did not survive their births, though. Life is harsh for unmarried women.”

Determination filled him. “I think I will go to Bow Street now and talk to this chief magistrate.” He stood. “Thank you for listening to my quandary. Your advice will help me take the next step in finding these children.”

“If you do find them, Win, remember they are not merely children. They are your nephews and nieces,” Louisa reminded.

He hadn’t given the matter that much thought beyond wanting to right whatever wrongs Terrance had perpetrated and seeing that his bastards had roofs over their heads and clothes on their backs, as well as food on their tables.

“Do you think I should bring them to Woodbridge?” he asked, shocked by the idea.

Tessa, who sat nearby, placed a hand on Win’s sleeve. “You will know the best thing to do when the time comes.” She squeezed his arm reassuringly.

Win hoped she was right.

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