Page 58 of To Ensnare a Duke

The women gather around, no doubt talking about the wedding. The men, however, have a far different nature of conversation that must happen.

"When you returned home, did you receive a peculiar correspondence?" I inquire, wishing to know just how far this corruptor is spreading their net.

"Yes," the others agree, their expressions sober.

Whiteport rolls his shoulders and pops his neck. "Seems as if we've all received one then. Including Lord Hardon simply by being associated with Portswell."

"So we are indeed being targeted," Birchleigh murmurs, glancing behind at his wife. "Any new word?"

"No. It is as if they are dead," I muse, looking out over the other people walking about.

Whiteport runs his fingers over his lips. "Parliament is heating up. I'm sure if there is an actual threat, more word will come anon."

"It's that bastard Lord Harhall," I growl, the possessive urge to grab Augusta and haul her to my side beating at me.

"You have proof?" Whiteport asks. "Or is it your cock that comes up with that answer?"

I snarl and turn away, not wishing to answer him. Unfortunately, my silence is answer enough as snickers of laughter fill the air.

"Let's forget about all this unpleasantness," Foxford booms, sliding in next to me. "Tonight is your last night as a man not yet leg shackled. We must celebrate with a stag night."

"Hear hear!" they all cry clambering around me.

"But what of the women?"

Foxford waves me off. "They will amuse themselves. Besides, I think they're rather smitten with your intended. They will, of course, wish to know everything about her. It should be Miss Hunt you worry about and not our wives."

Birchleigh grinds his teeth. "Have you met your wife, my good sir? We should all worry as to what mischief they might come up to."

"My wife?” Foxford cries. “And yours? Do not act as if yours is so innocent."

Next to them, Blackport preens. "Thankfully, my wife will be in attendance. She will, of course, be a good chaperone to the group."

Birchleigh and Foxford turn on him, their eyes narrowing. "And yet, yours was disciplined far more than ours. The woman misbehaved on purpose."

"Yes," he seethes, "but that was only because she didn't understand her needs and wants. I assure you. She's far more placid and well adjusted."

"Good Lord," I cry out. "Listen to you all. Is this what is to become of me? Clucking about like a hen after her chicks?"

"Yes," Foxford grins. "Only about a thousand pounds lighter. Speak in earnest. Is that the reason you did not tell us?"

"As if a thousand pounds is enough to frighten me away," I snort, rolling my eyes at the stupid bet we all made. "It's more the nature of how I became engaged."

"I trust you will tell us the tale at your stag party. Correct?" Blackport asks before glaring at Norhaven, Whiteport, and Redleigh in turn. "And I suppose you three will offer an explanation as to why none of you said a word as well?"

Norhaven shrugs. "I assumed Portswell would do it. It isn't my news to tell."

"I've been far too busy keeping my ward in line to truly care about the nuptials," Redleigh supplies.

Whiteport gives them a lascivious grin. "And I've been far too busy in lady's skirts to inquire as to your knowledge of these happenings."

"Fair enough," Blackport sighs. "But tonight, I wish to hear all of it. And we will discuss the other matter in a bit more detail where listening ears and wagging tongues may not carry news off into the wind."

We all sober and walk in silence as the women titter behind oblivious to the burden we carry. They will never know, because that Sisyphean boulder is ours and ours alone. Tossing a glance over my shoulder, I meet Augusta's gaze.

Her cheeks are red with mirth as she smiles and laughs along with the others. For their company, I am grateful. Even now, as I watch her, my heart constricts with an odd sensation. Could it truly be love?

No more do I wish to sit at my pianoforte and bang away on the keys as ennui drips through my veins. She gives me something to look forward to, an excitement I never had before. Being married to Augusta Hunt is sure to change my life forever. Hopefully, for the good.