Page 61 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

He came toward the upset child and knelt, recalling how Sera had done the same to be on the boys’ level. “I am your uncle, Freddie. And Charlie’s uncle.”

Freddie vigorously shook his head. “No. Why didn’t you tell us? Back in London?”

“Because I was afraid,” he admitted.

“Afraid of Charlie and me?”

He nodded. “I didn’t like my brother much. We weren’t close as you and Charlie are. Terrance was eight years older than I was and destined to be the Duke of Woodmont. He didn’t pay a bit of attention to me. Neither did my parents. Unlike your mama, who loved you very much.”

“How did he die?” Charlie asked, leaving his chair and going to where Win knelt.

He wondered how much he should tell them. A sanitized version of the truth now, he supposed, and more of it when they matured and could understand more.

“In a fire. Last year.”

“Last year?” Freddie’s face scrunched. “But Mum said he was dead. That he was called Mr. Sawyer and he died before we were born.”

“Your mama was trying to spare your feelings,” he explained. “My brother was a selfish man. He didn’t want to marry your mama and he didn’t want children. He wanted to keep all his wealth for himself.”

“He sounds mean,” Charlie said, his bottom lip sticking out. “I don’t like him.”

“I didn’t either,” Win agreed. “Terrance always thought of himself and no one else. He wasn’t a nice man and he certainly wasn’t a good duke. When he died in the fire, I got a letter telling me I had to come home because I was the new duke.”

“Where were you?” Freddie’s mouth trembled.

“I had gone into the army and was an officer fighting in England’s war against Bonaparte. I had to leave the military and return here to take care of Woodbridge and the other properties that belong to the family. I heard that my brother may have had a child and went searching. Mr. Blumer helped me find you. I am sorry I didn’t know about you before. I came as soon as I knew.”

“And then Mum died,” Charlie said, downcast.

“I know. The doctor I brought with me told me she was very sick and there was nothing he could do to save her. She had consumption. Many people have died from it.”

“Maybe I’ll be a doctor and fix people who have it so they don’t die,” Freddie said fiercely.

Win placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “I would like nothing better than to see a doctor in the Cutler family.”

Charlie frowned. “But our name is Sawyer.”

“That was your mama’s last name. But you are Cutlers, as well, even though your father did not wed your mother.” He paused. “I would like very much if you both would take the Cutler name. Would you think about it?”

He glanced from Charlie to Freddie, who said, “We’ll think about it.”

“There is no rush,” he told them. “And no pressure to do so. If you want to stay Sawyers, I will respect that choice.”

“You really were afraid?” Charlie asked, his voice small.

“I was. I didn’t know if you would like me, especially since it was my brother who was your father. He did not treat your mama well.”

“You’re not mean, Win,” Charlie said, guilelessly. “It doesn’t matter if our father was. I’m glad he’s dead. But you love us. Don’t you?”

For the first time in his life, a tear rolled down Win’s cheek.

“I really do.”

Suddenly, both boys were in his arms and the three of them were laughing and crying at the same time. Feeling them cling to him made his heart want to burst with pride and love in this pair. Terrance may have sired them but Sandra Sawyer had done all the hard work and produced two lovely children.

Freddie pulled away. “We can call you Uncle Win anytime? Even in front of the servants? Or anybody?”

“If you don’t call me Uncle Win, I might have to tan your backside,” he teased playfully.

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