A dark look flitted across the Duke’s face, and he ran a hand through his hair, taking a step back from her. “I am not entirely unreasonable. I would be willing to consider the matter of the duel settled. After all, we both fired shots, and that would absolve your brother of the insult he paid to me.”
“Thank you—” Lydia began, but the Duke continued,“—but that does not resolve the matter of his debt.”
The Duke looked at Landon, his eyes narrowing. Lydia resisted the urge to follow his gaze, focusing on the well-muscled man instead.His arms are nearly the size of my head.
“If this is a matter of money, I am sure my brother can repay you.” Lydia frowned at Landon, who was looking at the ground. “Please, all we need is time.”
The Duke’s eyes found hers. “Your brother has had nearly six months to repay me, Lady Lydia.”
Six months?“And how much has he repaid?” Lydia asked as her heart sank, the anger from moments before fading to something closer to despair.
“Nothing.” The Duke’s voice was soft and at odds with the steel in his gaze.
“What does he owe you?” Lydia’s heart thundered, her mind racing as she thought of all the changes to the estate over the last few months.
“Three thousand pounds.” Landon sounded miserable, and it took all of Lydia’s willpower not to gape openly at him.
That is nearly double our yearly income!She swallowed the fury she wanted to direct at her brother—that would not help the situation. The Duke was still watching her, his stony face giving nothing away.
“You see the problem, Lady Lydia? That is no small sum, and your brother’s conduct has done nothing to earn my trust or clemency.” The Duke gestured to Landon.
“There must be some kind of arrangement we can come to, some kind of agreement. If you kill him in a duel, you will never get your money.” Lydia studied the Duke’s face, hoping for some sign of emotion, but it was stony.
Landon made to step in front of her. “Lydia, stay out of this. My sister does not speak for me; she is not the Earl. I am?—”
“Your sister is pleading for your hide, Lord Nittinghill; you would do well to show her some respect.” The Duke’s eyes flashed, and Lydia saw her brother wince and take a step back.
“I do not need you to defend me.” Lydia was not sure if she was talking to Landon or the Duke.
The Duke arched an eyebrow at her, shrugging in a languid way that reminded Lydia of a panther, but he said nothing.
Her mind raced. She had not seen the accounts since Landon had inherited, but from the changes at the estate, she knew they were in a bad way.
Even if she tried to sell anything, she would never be able to pay off that kind of money. But there was at least one pot her brother would not have been able to touch—at least she hoped not.
“I will pay you.” Lydia took a deep breath.
“And how would you do that?” He canted his head towards her.
“My dowry. I will give you my dowry. There is enough there to cover his debt.” She heard Landon’s sharp intake of breath behind her.
“Lydia, no, you cannot do that!” Landon cried.
“It is my dowry, Land. It is my decision. This is no longer your concern.” Lydia refused to look at her brother.
“That would leave you with nothing for your own marriage. It would be nearly impossible for you to find a good match or even a bad one.” The Duke frowned.
Lydia swallowed. “I am aware of just what it would cost me.”
She was not about to explain to this stranger that she had no intention of marrying—not when she had seen how miserable it had made her parents.That is none of his business anyway.
“Would you really give away your future forhim?” The Duke jerked his head in Landon’s direction, his lip curling in distaste.
“He is my brother; I would do anything to keep him safe.”
The Duke’s brow furrowed. “His recklessness has endangered your entire estate, jeopardized your future.”
“That does not mean I think he should pay with his life, nor do I wish for him to go to debtors’ prison.” Lydia let the sadness and fear enter her voice, hearing it shake. “He is the only family I have left.”
