Page 7 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

He didn’t think a small, white lie would hurt. It was true Minta did want her twin to stay in the country. And Percy was so besotted with his marchioness that he would agree to anything. Win was actually glad his cousin had told his new wife how he felt about her. Percy had written to Win of it and how Minta returned his love. He couldn’t be happier for the pair. Percy had always been so reserved, unless he was around the Second Sons. It pleased him how Minta was bringing Percy out of his shell.

Win wondered how Miss Nicholls’ launch into Polite Society would go. Her shyness would lead many to ignore her—even mark her as a wallflower. Of course, he could make a difference. If he danced with her next Season, that would garner plenty of attention. Merely being a duke and seeking her out to partner in a dance would draw interest from others to her. He would have to remember to do so when she made her come-out next spring.

Hope filled her eyes. “You truly don’t think Percy would mind hosting me?”

He chuckled. “Kingwood is an enormous estate. You will be given an entire suite of rooms. Why, you could even be given your own wing if you so desired. I know it would make your sister happy to have you with her. She mentioned you will not make your debut until next year.”

Miss Nicholls grimaced. “Oh, that.”

“You are not eager to join the members of theton?” he pressed, still wanting to learn about her.

She winced. “Not a bit. Minta was always the one talking about having a Season. Aunt Phyllis promised both of us one but we were stuck in Ontario when that time came. I would prefer not to move among theton.”

“You are bashful. Retiring.”

She nodded. “Very. In case you haven’t noticed.”

He noticed she smiled now, albeit one that was hard to catch since she kept her eyes focused on her hands in her lap.

“I haven’t been out in society myself,” he shared.

Her head snapped up. “Why not?”

“I am the last of the Second Sons to return to England.”

When she frowned, he realized she did not know the term.

“There are five of us. Percy and I grew up on neighboring estates and knew each other from the cradle. Ev, Owen, and Spence went to school together. We all met up at Cambridge and became fast friends, dubbing ourselves the Second Sons of London because our older brothers were the first sons and heirs apparent.”

“Go on,” she encouraged, for once looking him in the eyes for more than a few seconds.

“We five had commissions purchased for us and went off to war together. Fortune smiled upon us, as we were all placed in the same or neighboring regiments.”

“As officers?”

“Yes. Then, one by one, odd circumstances touched each of our lives, and we returned to England to claim a title never meant to be ours. Spence was the first, followed by Ev, then Owen, and finally Percy. I brought up the rear.” He smiled. “I preferred to learn about my estates instead of gallivanting about during the Season. My friends each spent time at Woodbridge, tutoring me regarding my responsibilities and position in Polite Society. I have spent the entire Season on my estates, learning.”

Her brows knit together, puzzled. “Then why are you here today?”

“Because Percy means the world to me. I told him and Minta I would come to town to welcome you back to England.”

What Win didn’t mention was that he already had plans to come to London since he had received word from Jack Blumer. The Bow Street Runner told him he had located Terrance’s two bastards and that it was important for Win to hurry to London. They were to meet tomorrow morning, where he hoped the detective would be able to give him information about Terrance’s by-blows.

“That was most kind of you, Your Grace. You must care for your cousin a great deal.”

“Percy is more brother to me than cousin,” he shared. “My own brother cared little for me. He was over eight years my senior and had nothing to do with me. He was a terrible man. A blight on the Cutler name.”

Miss Nicholls looked taken aback by his vehemence.

“Forgive me. I am still angry at many things my brother did. When I returned from overseas after I resigned my commission, I found Terrance had neglected his tenants and country estates, spending most of his time in town, deep in his cups. Fortunately, the Woodbridge steward, Kepler, and the stewards on my other estates kept things running smoothly.”

Her jaw dropped. “You have...more than one estate?” She blinked rapidly several times. “I suppose...-well, you are a duke. I knew they were wealthy but…” Her voice trailed off.

He smiled. “It has taken a little getting used to on my part. After all, I was destined to spend my entire adult life in the army. An officer, even one of high rank, is not paid handsomely. To come back to so much has made my head reel at times, never thinking any of it would be mine.”

“What rank did you attain, Your Grace?”

“I was a colonel,” he told her, a bit of pride soaring within him.

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