Page 8 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

“I was friendly with a captain,” she said softly. “He... was killed in battle.”

Win kicked himself mentally. He recalled Minta mentioning that her twin had a sweetheart who perished in the war with the Americans.

“Were you close to this friend?” he asked.

She nodded. “We had only known each other a short while when he left for the front.” She shook her head. “He died almost two years ago.”

“You still miss him.”

Her head tilted and she pursed her lips. “I think I miss the idea of him.”

“What do you mean?”

Her cheeks flushed with color, making her beauty glow. “We had danced together at a few assemblies. He noticed me. Everyone always noticed Minta first. But Captain Marsh sawme. It was the first time that had ever occurred and I will admit, a heady feeling. He promised to court me when he returned. Obviously, he never did. I can only wonder if we might have suited and if things would have worked out between us.”

Win studied her, drawn in by her words, as well as her loveliness. “Did you love him?”

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “I did like him, though. I suppose my lingering sadness is for what might have been. I hate that he was cut down in the prime of his life.”

He hated that only one man had seen her. He could understand why other gentlemen—or even women—had always been drawn to Minta. She was vivacious and friendly and would attract attention easily. On the other hand, her sister was reserved and quiet and others would miss how deep she truly was. It was a shame that only one person outside her family had recognized her worth—and that he had been cut down by the enemy.

It had been the same with Percy and him their entire lives. Win was the one who drew attention because he was full of life and demanded others pay attention to him. Percy had always held back and lurked in Win’s shadow. He had always brought his friend and cousin along everywhere with him but he could see now how Percy might have resented Win or even been jealous of him.

Percy had Minta now. He was coming into his own, happiness filling his life.

Sera Nicholls deserved the same.

Win vowed then to help this woman rise to her potential.

The carriage slowed and he looked to Percy and Minta. He realized he had been so wrapped up in his conversation with Miss Nicholls that he had forgotten they were even inside the carriage.

“Oh, it looks as if we are almost home,” Minta declared.

“I have told your sister that you desire her company when you and Percy retreat to the country later this week,” he said.

Minta looked hopefully at her twin. “Would you come with us, Sera? Please?”

Win glanced at the woman next to him and saw her hesitate.

“I told Miss Nicholls that Percy wouldn’t mind in the least having his new sister-in-law at Kingwood,” he said firmly, his gaze connecting with his cousin’s.

As always, they could speak volumes without words and Percy immediately understood.

“I won’t take no for an answer, Sera,” Percy said. “In fact, Iexpectyou to come to Kingwood. Besides the fact that Minta and I will both enjoy your company, there would be no point in you staying in town. Lord and Lady Westlake will continue to attend Season affairs. You would be left at home with nothing to do—unless you want to make your come-out this late.”

“No,” Miss Nicholls said, biting her lip. “Next Season will be plenty fine with me.”

“Then it is settled,” Minta said. “We get you all to ourselves. I am going to need you to stay with us until next Season.” She glanced to Percy and he nodded eagerly.

“You see, we are going to have a baby,” Minta announced.

The carriage stopped as Miss Nicholls squealed with delight. Both sisters leaned forward and embraced, then they drew apart and began babbling quickly. Win saw Percy smile indulgently at his wife and then his cousin looked to him.

“What do you think of our news?”

Win thrust out a hand. “Congratulations, Percy. I hope you’ll have your heir.”

His cousin shrugged. “Frankly, I would prefer a redheaded female who would twist me about her smallest finger.”

The words shocked Win. Didn’t every peer of the realm want an heir first and foremost?

Then he looked to the twins, still chattering away as the door opened and a footman set down the steps.

Win suddenly found himself wishing he had a wife of his own who was carrying his heir.

Then Sera Nicholls turned, her flushed face full of happiness. “Isn’t it the most marvelous news?”

He nodded, his gut tightening. His heart had never uttered one word to him—but now, after thirty years of silence, it screamed at him.

It told Win that he wanted Sera Nicholls as his duchess.

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