The restored reputation and the title that would come with it.Īnd even as he thought the words, he knew she was right. Instead, she wanted what he could do for her. Her words from the prior evening rang through him as though she stood next to him. I was thinking that I should tell you the truth About her mistakes.īecause she didn’t want his truths. He’d nearly revealed everything… in the hopes that his honesty would unlock her own. When she’d asked where he’d been when he was a child, he’d nearly told her. He’d never told anyone about his childhood. He turned, stalking to the far end of the foyer. He’d never offered anyone what he’d offered her in that dark room. He was thinking of the way she’d closed herself off, resisted his promises and his help even as she vied for his touch.

He was thinking of Georgiana, bared to him, cast in the golden glow of his fireplace, on the edge of his most prized possession – his most beloved location – in the wake of a pleasure that he had never known. Instead, he was thinking of his defeat the night before. Today, finally, West would show his hand and win.Īnd now, after eighteen years of it, he would be able to stop running. He should be elated, finally, finally in possession of something that would free him from the yoke of Tremley’s blackmail and threats. The servant disappeared, and Duncan waited in the great foyer of Tremley House, feeling not nearly as satisfied as he should. “Will you fetch him? Or shall I find him myself?” “He’s home and he’ll see me.” Duncan removed his coat and hat and thrust them into the servant’s hands. “Smart man.” The butler opened his mouth, no doubt to assure Duncan that the earl was not, in fact, in. The butler decided it was better to let Duncan in than to do battle in the doorway, where anyone wandering through Mayfair might see them. You see, I haven’t a reputation to uphold.”

“Strange, as you do not sound sorry at all.” He set a hand to the door, pushing firmly. “I am sorry, sir,” the butler said, attempting to close the door.ĭuncan set his boot in the jamb, preventing his dismissal. Unfortunately, the butler at Tremley House had not been alerted that Duncan West was through with aristocrats turning him away.

The next morning, Duncan handed his card to the butler at Tremley House at half-nine, only to be told that the earl was not in. Perhaps the winter will deliver Lord N- a long awaited son now that he’s quite full of daughters? The lady has been spotted in several storefronts on Bond Street, allegedly purchasing clothing for newborns. … With utter glee, we report that Lord and Lady N- are in town for the Season, an unexpected change for a couple who so rarely leave their house in the country.

Read never judge a lady by her cover