Perry’s eyes took in his brother, the perfect image of a duke, well-dressed and stylish without being too fanciful. Serious and focused on bringing the new generation of Bridgewaters into the future. Though the frightful and cruel duke had been gone for a little over a year now, there was much to do to restore the family name and remove its association with Beau’s predecessor.
A desperate thirst seizing him, he stood, making a direct path to the crystal decanter of port that beckoned him. He poured several fingers of the ruby-colored beverage into the delicate glass. The liquid burned a path down his throat, warmth blooming within his chest. How lovely it was to feel something other than regret or emptiness.
“I will do my best. It is a hard path to wander when one hasn’t a goal to reach for. I would rather dwell in my aimlessness until my purpose in life becomes clear once again.” Tipping back his glass and swallowing the remainder of his drink, Perry stared at the ruby dot that remained, contemplating a refill. What reason did he have not to get drunk this early in the day? He could sleep it off or continue with his moping at the club once hewas done with Beau. He desperately craved the end of this conversation.
“Do you miss your wife?” Beau asked, reaching for a glass and giving them both a serving. Clinking his glass with Perry’s, Beau watched him. Too closely.
The question seemed ridiculous, given the state of his marriage.
Beauregard had no way of knowing of the estrangement between Perry and Eliza.
Any signs of unhappiness had been promptly hidden, the traitorous emotions of loneliness and bitterness quelled to maintain their position in society. Eliza would have been mortified to ever be the subject of gossip. She was the perfect countess, after all.
Perry was reluctant to lie to his brother.
“I cannot truly say I miss her. At times, it seemed as if I hardly knew her. Our marriage was arranged. A transaction which left me titled as Earl of Winchester and much wealthier than a second son could ever expect to be. For that, I am grateful.”
Frowning, Beau seemed to contemplate Perry’s words.
Good. His brother was listening and might allow him to wallow in his misery in peace.
“If you are feeling lost, this task will help you. A purpose. I cannot leave the city right now; I have responsibilities that keep me from absenting myself. I need you to be my eyes and ears and discover if there is any truth to Mrs. Boots’s words. The situation seems quite dire. As far as I knew, everything at Bodmin was running smoothly, and there was no pressing need to visit. I have been overwrought with tending to the many estates and responsibilities attached to the title.”
Perry swirled his glass as he considered.
Some time away from the city would do him some good. It had been a long time since he had visited Bodmin. Painful memories forced him to avoid the place. He wondered if running from his memories kept him from moving on.
From seeking happiness in the future.
“A little time in the country might help you seek other ways to find comfort. It would give thetontime to find a new rake to gossip about,” Beau suggested. “Perhaps you will even find yourself a new wife. Someone to give you what Eliza could never.”
Perry snorted, tossing an impatient glare at his brother. Seating himself back in the plush chair, he glowered. “I don’t think I’m made for marriage. I made a Devil of a mess with my last one,” he admitted. “Why would I want to torture another woman with my presence? Eliza barely tolerated me.”
Beau served himself another glass and returned to his seat across from Perry.
Frowning, the duke blew a breath. “Next time, if the bride is of your own choosing, your marriage might prove more successful. More fruitful,” Beau delivered the last sentence with a cock of his eyebrow and a smirk.
“Perhaps you should focus on your own upcoming nuptials rather than convincing me to undertake a second one. You’re thirty-three and have yet to produce a much-needed heir for the estate. It appears you have neglected your own duties of late.” Perry gave a quick laugh and took a swallow of his port.
That would silence his busybody brother.
“I am responsible for this family. Our sister is successfully wed, and it matters to me that you are cared for as well. Easing the pain of your mourning with women, excess liquor, and throwing away money at cards can only work for so long. If you provide me with some assistance, I will leave you alone to your wallowing. Does that convince you?”
Raising his eyes to the ceiling, Perry huffed.
Beau could be rather convincing.
“I will do it for Mrs. Boots, not for you.” It had been nearly a decade since he had set foot on Bodmin estate.
“Excellent. Here are the updated accounts I have received from the steward, where all seems well. Mrs. Boots’s letter tells anotherstory. Your discerning eye and intelligent mind will quickly discover what is going on, I’m confident.” Sliding a stack of papers in Peregrine’s direction, Beauregard grinned like a fool. The duke had accomplished his goal by maneuvering Perry until he agreed.
“Thank you for blessing me with this task, Your Grace.” Perry gave a slight nod.
Beau rolled his eyes at the use of his title.
With a heavy sigh, Perry rose. He ran a hand through his hair, which was a touch too long according to society norms. The gossips loved to prattle on about how he cared little for his appearance anymore. His shirts were often undone at the collar, giving him a careless mien. It made sense.
He didn’t care about anything anymore.
