Page 27 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

Chapter Ten

Win’s carriage pulledup at the front door of Kingwood. From the moment the vehicle had crossed onto Percy’s lands, a calm had settled over him. He had spent many a happy time here as a boy. Percy’s parents had been kind to him and Lady Kingston had always made certain her cook baked treats that Win enjoyed. Rupert, who had been three years older than Percy and Win, was willing to spend time with the younger boys, showing them the best places to fish and how to bait their hooks. He also took the pair riding. Win had looked upon Rupert as more of a brother than Terrance, who had never paid the slightest mind to his younger brother.

When word had reached the front that Rupert had drowned in a sailing accident, Win had worried about Percy’s state of mind. Though the brothers had not seen each other in years, thanks to the war with Bonaparte preventing officers from returning home for even short leaves of absence, Rupert and Percy had corresponded regularly. Win had hated that Percy had to go home to an empty house and only memories of his family and loving brother.

At least he had found Minta. It still surprised him that the sparkling, outgoing beauty had taken the time to learn of the true Percy, the kind, quick-witted, loyal friend who only opened up around the Second Sons. Thank goodness she had. When Percy had confessed to Win of loving his wife, he had hoped his cousin would share that with his bride. Thank goodness Percy had. Win had witnessed the newlyweds being very affectionate when he had seen them in London the day Sera arrived. The looks exchanged between them spoke of a deep, abiding affection and bond that would only grow over the years. He knew his cousin and wife would be excellent parents.

It caused him to think once again of having children of his own. His and Percy’s children would grow up together, much as they had. Their families would celebrate holidays. The boys would go off to the same school. Possibly even fight alongside one another in war one day though Win hoped that would not be the case.

Thoughts of children led him back to Sera Nicholls. He really needed to stop thinking about her. She was far too shy for his tastes. That alone would make her a poor duchess. Besides, he truly liked her—and he really didn’t wish to like his wife. Especially if they were going to live separate lives. He needed to simply put himself in Adalyn’s hands and let her choose a suitable woman. If she got along with the wives of the Second Sons, that would make him feel moderately better, as if he hadn’t totally abandoned her.

But after all he had seen in the war, coupled with the appalling example of marriage he had witnessed from his parents, Win didn’t feel he was capable of the kind of marriage his friends had made. He would do his duty and sire the needed heir and spare but he wanted to be able to go his own way, pursuing the activities—and women—that came across his path. That alone was reason enough to avoid Sera. He wouldn’t want to hurt her and face the wrath of Minta. Probably Percy, as well.

He climbed from the carriage and knocked on the door, being greeted by Bailey.

“Ah, it is so good to see you, Your Grace,” the butler said.

“And you, as well. How is Mrs. Bailey?”

“She is doing well. Thank you for asking, Your Grace. Lord Kingston did not tell me you would be calling today.”

“It was a spur of the moment decision, Bailey. Is he out on the estate?”

“Yes, Your Grace. Both he and Lady Kingston are visiting tenants.” Bailey glanced at the grandfather clock standing in the foyer. “They are to return by teatime. Since it is only an hour away, would you care to wait for them?”

Win thought he should be productive and go see Rowell, the former steward to the Earl of Newcombe, who was now Percy’s estate manager. Since Win’s own steward, Kepler, would be retiring in the next few months, he should go and find Rowell and see if he knew of anyone who might be looking for a new position.

Instead, he said, “I will wait. Is Miss Nicholls available?”

Bailey smiled. “She is in the drawing room, Your Grace. Practicing her violin.”

“She plays?”

“Quite well. In fact, I have never heard a more talented musician. Mrs. Bailey has to stay on the maids because they linger as they dust, wanting to hear Miss Nicholls play. The compromise has been for the door to remain open as Miss Nicholls practices so the servants may enjoy the music if they are nearby.”

“Very good. I shall go up and hear her myself. No need to announce me, Bailey.”

Win excused himself and headed up the stairs, intrigued by the idea that Sera played an instrument other than the pianoforte, as all young ladies in England seemed to do.

As he reached the top of the stairs, he heard the strains of the music and paused, listening to the piece.

Sera Nicholls was more than talented. She was a virtuosa.

Making his way along the corridor, he saw a maid dusting a statue, a wistful smile on her face. Then she saw him and straightened, moving down the hall in the opposite direction.

Win entered the drawing room and saw Sera at the far end. She perched in a wing chair that faced the large bay window looking out on the gardens. He moved deeper into the room but did not want to disturb her play, slipping into a chair without making a sound.

He wished he could see the expression on her face as she played. The beautiful music almost moved him to tears, which shocked him.

Because Win had never shed any before.

As a boy, tears had been frowned upon. As a man, he had tamped down his emotions every time he lost a soldier in battle. Any grief he felt was bottled up inside him. The letters that reached him on the Continent that informed him of his parents’ deaths hadn’t affected him in the slightest. Only hearing of Rupert’s death had brought a tightening to his throat and chest, which he immediately disregarded, wanting to be strong for Percy.

Sera finished the haunting piece. Her bow stilled and she lowered both it and the violin.

“That was remarkable,” he said quietly.

She startled at hearing his voice, whipping around. Her eyes went wide and he saw the deep green of them.

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