Page 37 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

“I have wanted to kiss you for some time,” he admitted, trying a different tactic. “You are a very beautiful woman.”

“But not duchess material,” she said softly.

He swallowed. “I have told you that I will not be as the Second Sons. I do not expect to love my wife. Or in truth, even be friends with her. I view marriage as a business arrangement.” He paused. “I like you, Sera. I want to be your friend. If I made you my duchess, you would be very unhappy. You deserve a man who will love you. I can never do that.”

She turned to him, tears glistening in her eyes. “I understand. And I do want love, as impossible as that seems. If I cannot have it, I will refuse to wed.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“I do,” she said, fire in her eyes. “Either I will marry on my terms or I will remain alone.”

Win didn’t want to see her that way. “I hope you do find love, Sera,” he told her, though the thought of another man touching her made him grow ill. “Remember that you might find a kind gentleman and that after you wed, love may grow between you.”

“Is there anything else you wish to tell me about the boys?” she asked, her tone wintry.

“No. In truth, I know very little about them.”

A storm brewed in her eyes. “Then that is the first thing that you should remedy.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“They are your nephews, Win. Your flesh and blood. They are family. You should treat them as such.”

“I haven’t told them we are related,” he protested.

Her eyes narrowed. “Then perhaps you should. If they knew they had a relative—someone who cared for them—they might not behave in such an atrocious manner.”

He shook his head. “I will have to think on that, Sera.”

“Perhaps you should address me as Miss Nicholls.”

“Why?”

“It is how the boys and the staff will. I want you to do the same.”

He realized her pride was wanting to put distance between them. It probably was a good idea. It was already going to be hard enough having her stay under his roof. The sooner he got it through his thick skull that he had made a mistake and Sera was forbidden fruit, the better.

“All right,” he agreed. “Am I to tell Freddie and Charlie that you are their new governess?”

“Let me do the talking,” she said succinctly and fell silent, once more staring out the window.

Less than a minute later, the carriage turned onto the drive that led up to the house.

Win didn’t know what he was feeling. Or rather, he was feeling too much. Guilt. Lust. Sadness. Anger. Sera had turned him inside out. Or rather kissing her had done so. If he hadn’t opened Pandora’s box with a kiss, they would be speaking pleasantly toward one another. Instead, she was as cold as an icicle, while turmoil roiled within him.

The carriage arrived at the house and came to a halt. He waited a moment as the footman set the stairs in place and opened the coach’s door, then he sprang outside. Farmwell stood on the gravel, ready to greet him. He nodded to the butler and then turned to help Sera down. His footman had already taken her hand and helped her from the vehicle. She smiled and thanked him.

Win cursed silently, jealous of a bloody footman.

He looked to the butler and said, “Farmwell, Miss Nicholls is the boys’ new governess.”

Relief flooded Farmwell’s face. “It is wonderful to have you at Woodbridge, Miss Nicholls.”

“Thank you, Farmwell. I am looking forward to meeting my charges.”

The servant regained his composure. “I hope you will meet with success, Miss Nicholls.”

“There is only a small valise for now,” Win said. “The rest of Miss Nicholls’ things will arrive in a few days.”

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