Page 31 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

Friend...

“All right,” she wavered, rising. “Do you have any idea what you wish to play?” she asked her sister as Minta moved to the pianoforte and Sera retrieved her violin.

Minta told her and Sera nodded, agreeing with the choice. She took a seat and allowed her sister to begin playing before she joined in. Minta also sang as they played, her low alto rich.

Usually, Sera became lost in the music anytime she picked up her instrument. On this occasion, though, she sensed Win’s gaze penetrating her. It didn’t make her nervous, however. Instead, it emboldened her. Her fingers felt nimble. When the last note sounded, Sera believed she had played the best she ever had.

Win and Percy applauded enthusiastically, with Percy kissing his wife’s cheek as they returned to their seats.

“That was fabulous, my love. The two of you together could go on the stage.”

“Thank you, Percy. I must say that Sera always gently pushes me to new heights. I play and sing better when we perform together.”

“That was exceptional,” Win said. “I feel fortunate to have heard the two of you. I won’t soon forget how your performance moved me.”

He looked at her. She looked at her teacup.

As tea continued, though, she opened up. Despite her nerves being around Win, he also made her want to speak up more. Somehow, she felt more confident in his presence.

“What advice are you seeking?” Percy finally asked.

Win looked taken aback for a moment and then laughed heartily, the rich rumble in his chest causing her mouth to go dry.

“Sorry. It is not a laughing matter. I am at the end of my proverbial rope, however.”

“What’s wrong?” Percy asked, looking concerned.

“Thanks to the Bow Street Runner I hired, Terrance’s by-blows have been located.”

Sera frowned. She wasn’t quite sure what a by-blow was but didn’t want to volunteer that information.

Win must have sensed her discomfort and turned to her. “The day Percy and Minta wed, I shared with the others that my brother had sired a few children out of wedlock,” he explained, making very clear the meaning of what a by-blow was to her. “I later shared this with Percy.” He grinned. “Which means Minta most certainly knew.”

“I most certainly did,” her sister said saucily. “We tell each other everything.” Minta grew serious. “So, you have found them. How many are there?”

“Jack Blumer is fairly certain there are only the two. That Terrance must have taken more precautions. There is also the possibility that my brother didn’t even know about the second one.” Win sighed. “Let me tell you everything.”

Sera sat, spellbound, as Win told of his brother’s mistress, an actress who had become with child, much to the duke’s displeasure. Her nails dug into her palms as she heard not only how the duke had rejected Miss Sawyer—but how he had assaulted her dresser, who had also found herself carrying the duke’s illegitimate babe.

“Sally died in childbirth shortly after Miss Sawyer had delivered Freddie. She took in Charlie as her own and the two boys believe they are brothers.”

“Instead of half-brothers born on the same day,” Percy commented.

“Thank God neither boy favors Terrance,” Win said. “If I didn’t know the story, I wouldn’t think they were his. Freddie is dark-haired and green-eyed. Charlie has both brown hair and eyes. My brother was blond and blue-eyed,” he explained for Sera’s and Minta’s benefit.

“Since you’ve discovered them and know their story, will you give Miss Sawyer a monthly stipend to help with their care and education?” she asked.

Win raked a hand through his hair. “That was my original plan. Unfortunately, Blumer took me to Miss Sawyer, who was dying of consumption. She barely got out her tale of woe when she died. I had brought a doctor with us and he said nothing could have been done to prolong her life. I paid for her burial expenses and brought the boys to Woodbridge. I thought to have a couple on my estate raise them. They have no children of their own and it seemed the right thing to do.”

“When did this happen?” Minta asked. “And do you seek advice on their schooling?”

“Or are you wishing to keep quiet about their relationship to you?” Percy pressed.

“They have been in Essex almost two weeks. Unfortunately, the Birdwells decided not to parent the boys.” Win’s hand raked through his hair again and Sera thought that a telling gesture. “They... gave them back.”

“They gave them back?” she echoed. “Did I hear you correctly?”

Win nodded. “You did. Freddie and Charlie spent two days with the couple. They were so incorrigible that the Birdwells told me they couldn’t care for the pair. In fact, they wouldn’t wish them upon anyone.”

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