Page 10 of To Ensnare a Duke

Irun my fingers down the front of my promenade dress as Greyson and I stride forward. Portswell hangs back, his eyes darting to and fro. Though I have no earthly idea what he's looking for, he seems very intent in his quest.

More than likely, he seeks a duchess. As he should. But then, the bored expression, purely at odds with his intense stare, would drive any woman away. Dragging my attention away, I take in the men and women as we stroll, sizing them up as they pass by.

My brother, no doubt, has designs for me, and one of these gentlemen might be the fixation on which I'm forced to bind myself. Thankfully, none seem overly decrepit in age. Though much older than me, they still seem spry as they flit about in the cool London air.

Dragging in a deep breath, I allow the chill to still my nerves. Though my attentions earlier left me depleted enough for my mind to engage, there's still this underlying need, this undercurrent of want that has no name. Huddling into myself, I let my mind drift as I stretch my legs, forcing the air in and out of my lungs in a steady rhythm, a mantra almost.

"I have asked you for a walk for a reason."

Turning to Greyson, I blink up at him, curiosity eating at me as I note the concern on his face. "You mean for some other reason than to show me off to the men of the Ton looking for a bride?"

A red tinge graces his cheeks for a moment as he ducks his head. "Am I that transparent?"

My lips hover into a ghost of a smile as I wrap my arms around his and squeeze. "You never were good at hiding anything. Even when you were younger. But this seems far more serious than who I make a match with."

This time, his lips turn into a fierce scowl. "Nothing is more important to me than you finding a good match. It's imperative I seek out someone worthy of you."

"Now, now, brother. I applaud the gusto in which you care for my wellbeing, but I also know a thing or two about what I want. Let me help shoulder this burden."

The vehemence in which he shakes his head causes his arm to jostle underneath mine. "No, my dear sweet sister. As your brother and the current viscount, it is my duty to see you properly matched. Besides, you know nothing of the men of the Ton. With their faces, they put on a grand show, but it's a farce hiding secrets, debts, and vices. Better to let me find who you need."

My shoulders slump as I look out over The Serpentine, watching the various fowl and their antics. Oh, to be free like them. Coming and going with no one stopping them. Free to mate with whomever smells the best.

They care nothing of fortune or stature. The only thing that matters is if they can protect and provide. In truth, I, too, care nothing about fortune. At least I don't care as much as my brother probably wishes I would.

And as for protecting… If given a chance, I feel as if I can protect myself. Perhaps it's an inflated sense of ego. Perhaps it's the feelings of destructive spiraling that make me think this way. Whichever it is, whether ego or destruction, I find the idea of letting loose far more appealing than I should.

Maybe Bedlam is the place for me then. Running my hands up and down my arms, I continue to watch the animals, my heart filling with such a longing I can barely even name. How I wish there was someone I could confide in, could ask questions of. Mother would understand.

"I miss them too, you know," my brother murmurs, joining me, his arm wrapping around my shoulders. "Every damn day I worry I'm not doing right by you, by my title… everything."

Tears mist my eyes as we share this moment, both of us in one accord. It's rare, really, for us to be so like-minded. But then, I suppose grief has a way of binding the most jagged pieces together to make an improvised whole.

"I must away back to our estates." The deep rumble of his voice shatters the tranquility between us.

For a moment, hope springs in my heart. "Am I to away with you as well?"

"No, my dear. You must stay and be seen. Finding you a husband is top priority. Besides, you will only cause me to split my focus between our people and your wellbeing. I'd much rather have you here, where I know you're safe and cared for."

"I understand." My heart jumps into my throat at the knowledge that I'm stuck here while he gets to be free.

"Come, love. It's not all bad. You're getting a new wardrobe. You've already been invited to all the best balls. Aunt Amelia will ensure you're well taken care of."

The doldrums threatening to weigh me down lift for a scant moment. "It is only she who will look after me? None other?"

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about." Bending low, he grabs a pebble and tosses it into the water. "I have asked Portswell to ensure all doors are open to you. You will also defer to him in matters of balls and who you interact with."

Resisting the urge to snort, I shake my head. "Sounds as if it would be easier to just marry me off to him and be done with," I tease.

"No." His tone is dark and emphatic, drawing my gaze to him.

Normally, he's usually so mild-mannered and gentle. At least with me. Hearing him speak with any amount of vehemence makes me take pause.

"But he is our friend, is he not?"

"Yes. One of the best. But-"

"He is a duke, is he not?"