Page 74 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

Minta frowned. “Without even saying goodbye to Win?” Then she paused, understanding dawning in her eyes. “Oh. Win is the problem. The boys never were.”

She nodded, tears filling her eyes.

Her twin stood. “Come, Percy. We need to return to Kingwood immediately.”

Sera glanced at her brother-in-law and saw disapproval in his eyes. Still, he was wise enough not to comment as they left the drawing room and made their way downstairs.

The footman on duty opened the door for them and they stepped outside, the door closing behind them. Percy motioned and the stairs were placed down. He helped Minta into the carriage and then held out a hand to Sera. She took it.

“Is this the way you want to end things?” he asked softly.

She nodded and he handed her up, following behind her. The door to the carriage closed and, moments later, the wheels began to turn.

As they drove down the lane, her tears began to flow freely. Minta moved next to Sera and wrapped her arms around her, saying nothing, just letting her cry.

She knew she didn’t have long and so wiped at her tears. Looking to Percy, Sera said, “I know I haven’t long. When we reach Kingwood, Percy, might I have the use of your carriage to take me back to London?”

“Of course, Sera. I will go with you if you wish.”

“No, that isn’t necessary. I want to go to Aunt Phyllis and Uncle West.”

“That can be arranged. This time of year it remains light for a long time. Once the carriage drops you at the Westlakes, I will see that it stops overnight at my townhouse in order for the horses to rest.”

Minta squeezed her hand. “Will you tell us why you want to leave, Sera?”

She sighed. “I have fallen in love with Win,” she told them, swallowing down the thick emotion causing her throat to tighten.

“I would think that would be marvelous,” her twin said. “Apparently, it isn’t. Tell me why. Please.” She tightened her hold on Sera’s hand. “Is it because he does not return your feelings?”

“He doesn’t know how I feel because I haven’t told him.” Sera sniffed. “Oh, Minta, you must understand. He is a duke, for goodness’ sake. A leading member of theton. I am bashful. I clam up around anyone I do not know. You know how reticent and private I am. Going totonevents will make me feel as if I am a lamb led to the slaughter. Win is genial and gregarious. He possesses a conviviality which is the complete opposite of my nature. I know the Duchess of Woodmont must be an equal to him in order for her to be a leader in Polite Society.”

Tears poured down her cheeks. “I could never be what he needs—or wants. And I want him desperately.”

She burst into heaving sobs and pressed her face against Minta’s shoulder. Her sister stroked her back and murmured soothing words.

The carriage began to slow and Sera realized they had already reached Kingwood. She pulled away from Minta and met her twin’s gaze.

“If I am going to survive, I need to cut all ties with him. With those precious boys. I cannot be around him anymore without making a fool of myself.”

“Opposites do attract, Sera,” Percy said quietly. “Look at Minta and me. Win might have feelings for you.”

She shook her head. “Even if he did, I am all wrong for him, Percy. If I stayed at Woodbridge, I would start hoping for things I can never have. Attending the house party and seeing the vivacious, elegant woman Adalyn decides will be Win’s perfect match would push me over the edge.”

Sera turned back to her sister. “I cannot go to the house party. I cannot be around Win. He needs to find his duchess and wed her.”

“But—”

“I know you hoped to help me find a match at this house party, Minta. I simply cannot attend. I would be miserable. I will wait and my make my come-out next Season. Hopefully, I will gain some confidence by then. I know how our aunt and uncle prefer town to the country so I should be able to meet a few people and practice opening up and getting to know others.”

“What about the baby?” Minta said, her face showing her distress. “I wanted you here for the birth.”

“I will think about it,” she said. “But I need time and distance away from Win. I don’t want him right next door to me. It was bad enough when I used to constantly run into Mrs. Marsh and all she wanted to do was cling to me and talk about Edward.”

Resolve filled her. “I am doing the right thing for me, Minta. I have never put myself first.”

“All right,” her twin said, giving in. “But you are to write to me three times a week.”

“I will,” she promised, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief Percy handed to her.

Minta kissed Sera’s cheek. “Tell Aunt Phyllis and Uncle West hello for me. I may try and come to town in a couple of weeks to see how you are and spend some time with you.”

“I’d like that,” Sera said. “Goodbye.”

Minta kissed her again and then allowed Percy, who had exited the carriage in order to give them a more private goodbye, to hand her down.

The door closed and she moved to the window. Pasting on a smile, she waved as the carriage started up again, knowing Percy must have given the coachman his instructions.

Settling back into the cushion, Sera allowed herself to weep for the next hour.

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