Page 59 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

“What are we going to read, Sera?” Charlie asked.

“I have an idea of something you might enjoy,” Win said. “A copy is in the library. I’ll bring it up to you once I locate it.”

“Very well, Your Grace,” she said, rising. “Mouths and hands wiped. Napkins folded and set down.”

The boys did as asked and Freddie looked at the duke. “Can we call you Win? Just when it’s the four of us?”

Sera held her breath, thinking Win would bristle at Freddie’s impertinence. Instead he surprised her.

“Only when it is the four of us. And only outside,” he cautioned.

“Why outside?” Charlie wondered.

“Dukes are very important people. Rarely does anyone call them by their given name. Even within their families, they are referred to by their titles.”

“Where is your family?” Freddie wanted to know.

“They’re all dead.”

Charlie took Win’s hand and squeezed it. “I’m sorry, Win.”

“Thank you, Charlie. Now, run along with Sera. And it’s Your Grace in the house. We don’t want any servants to overhear you. Save Win for our outdoor fun.”

The boy nodded and Sera took both boys’ hands and led them from the drawing room back upstairs to the schoolroom. She worked with them on writing numbers on their slates and taught them a few simple sums.

All the while, she thought of Win and how his attitude continued to change toward his nephews.

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