Page 8 of The Duke Who Loved Me (The Duke's Estates 1)

“I thought we agreed that you would not call me that.”

“Can’t resist.” Henry appropriated the chair opposite James and signaled the steward, pointing at James’s brandy glass. “How does it feel to have paid off all your bills?”

“Oddly unsatisfying,” said James. “Rather a feeling of game over.”

“Poor old you.” There was that trace of bitterness in Henry’s voice again. “Happy for you, you know,” he added, as if he had heard it as well.

James nodded. He knew it was true. Henry was a good-natured fellow, quick and convivial, which should serve him well among the diplomats. Had he needed some specific sum of money, James would have offered it. But that wasn’t the issue. Circumstances were pulling them apart.

“I’ve been trotting Stephan Kandler about town,” Henry went on, in a clear bid to change the subject.

“Who is he?” James asked, conceding the shift.

“Aide to a German princeling who’s having a look around Europe.”

“Some relative of the Regent?”

“No,” Henry replied. “Nothing close anyhow. They come from one of those small countries south of Prussia. Not important enough for the government to pay attention. My uncle asked me to lend a hand.” He shrugged, not needing to say more. Henry’s uncle, well established in the Foreign Office, was important to his possible future there.

The second brandy arrived. They sipped together and talked of mutual friends and upcoming races, passing a pleasant hour before Henry said, “I must go. It’s Lady Castlereagh’s ball tonight. I’m ordered to support my sister’s come-out.”

James felt himself stiffen again.

Henry held up his hands, palms out. “Steady on, James.Nota hint. You wouldn’t like her. She wouldn’t like you.”

“Are you certain? They all like me now.” James heard the bitterness in his tone this time.

“Not Charlotte. She despises everyone. Almost everyone.”

James laughed. “An unusual girl. Perhaps I’ll come with you.” He didn’t want to become a recluse. The idea made him think of his great-uncle and shudder.Thatwould never do. Besides, he liked many things about society, or hehad. Surely if he kept appearing and fending off all advances the marriage mart would recognize the futility of pursuit?

“Oh, do. Think how it will add to my consequence to be seen with the new Duke of Tereford.”

“Useless fribble, you have no consequence.”

“Exactly why I need to ride your coattails,” answered Henry with a grin.

Laughing, they went out together.

***

The third set at Lady Castlereagh’s grand ball was a waltz. Cecelia was about to accept an invitation to join it when James appeared and overawed the young man who had bowed before her. “You will dance with me,” James said to her. The first gentleman faded back into the crowd without a word.

Cecelia was both piqued and amused. “Is that a command,Your Grace?”

“I will beg, if you like.”

She gave him an inquiring glance, which also noted that he looked particularly handsome in his evening dress. The black hair and blue eyes were always a striking combination, and he had the face of an ancient statue. Apollo. Or perhaps Mercury. No, Mercury was too…willowy. Definitely Apollo with that body strengthened by all forms of sport. And why in the world was she thinking of that?

“If I am dancing with you, no ambitious mama can try to shove her hopeful offspring at me,” he said.

“Your flattery puts me to the blush.”

“Why should I flatter you?”

“Why indeed?”

He offered his arm. She took it, and they walked out to join the other couples. The music began. He set a hand at her waist, held the other in warm fingers, and they whirled away. Cecelia was aware that her gown of pale-rose gauze looked very fine. She also knew from past experience that their steps were well matched. She sank into the pleasure of waltzing with him. It was a delight, floating across the floor, guided by a sure hand, closer than they came in any other way. She felt her cheeks warm with more than exertion. Once again she was required to remind herself that she didnotlove James Cantrell. That would be an exceedingly foolish thing to do, and she was not a fool.

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