Page 10 of When the Duke Met His Match

“Allow me to introduce my son, Theophilus Clough,” his father said at last, gesturing toward him. “And this is Miss Bordeaux, whom I’ve told you plenty about.”

Theophilus wanted to scoff to himself since his father had offered nothing on the young lady.

Regardless, Lady Ariana smiled pleasantly at him, and they were soon acquainted. She looked pretty enough with her brown eyes and matching hair pulled back in an intricate braid.

But they aren’t blue like those of my firecracker prisoner.

He forced himself to shake off the absurd thought and returned his attention to the meal that was swiftly served to them. Various roasted slices of meat piled on the dishes set around the table and buttered vegetables sprinkled with herbs and wine to wash it all down. After waking up that morning feeling nauseous and running on an empty stomach the whole day, Theophilus wasted no time digging in.

Lady Ariana’s mother chatted aimlessly about their kitchen staff, unaware of how disengaged the rest of the room was, despite being too polite to say so.

“I was informed that you hold the position of an officer," Lord Bordeaux said after some time, lifting a brow in Theophilus’ direction while he cut through a slab of beef. “That is an honorable position.”

Quickly swallowing what was in his mouth, he returned his gaze to the lord. "Indeed, it is an honor to serve my country in this capacity."

Lady Ariana’s father nodded as if contemplating the thought of her daughter marrying a soldier and officer for the English crown. However, perhaps he was more interested in the dukedom he would soon inherit instead.

“Theophilus made quite the name for himself there,” Theophilus’ father began. He gave his son a look from the corner of his eye that only the two of them understood.

The name he tarnished from drinking and spending far too much time with women, it said to him.

Theophilus swallowed discreetly and busied himself with his dinner.

“My eldest son, Harold, was to inherit the dukedom, but as you know, he served gallantly in the war,” he murmured solemnly with a shake of his head. “What a shame.”

“I was not aware he fought in the war,” Lady Ariana said, looking between Theophilus and his father with interest. “That was noble of him to risk his title for our country.”

His father smiled at that. “That was only half of it. Harold didn’t possess a single selfish bone in his body. He was a true leader through and through. A day doesn’t go by that we don’t think about him.”

“I could not fathom the thought of losing a child to such a gruesome yet necessary cause. We will forever be in debt to him and his courage,” Lord Bordeaux said with sympathy etched into his features.

“Indeed. However, I imagine Harold would prefer if we celebrated his achievements rather than his loss,” his father continued, eyes twinkling with their usual pride when it came to speaking about his eldest son. “Did I ever tell you about the first arrest he ever made?”

Theophilus sat in silence while the stories continued, reminding him of how exceptional his brother was and how easily their father recounted it. As usual, dinner revolved around Harold and every joy he brought their family.

While he loved his brother and was just as devastated when the news of his passing was shared, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of inadequacy. It washed over him in waves each time his father roared with laughter or began speaking with such enthusiasm that Theophilus wondered if stories of his own conquests would be talked about in the same fashion when he was gone.

He thought it was unlikely, which left a sour taste on his tongue.

“The chase occurred through the streets of London?” Lady Ariana asked, far more enchanted by the retellings than he had expected. “Surely, the people were thankful once the arrest was made.”

“Why yes, I do recall Harold received quite the praise for capturing the culprit before the situation could worsen. To everyone’s surprise, however, that arrest led to the unraveling of an organization responsible for a great deal of thefts in the area. His promotion came so swiftly that Harold was the youngest officer at his rank!”

Lady Ariana seemed astounded by Harold’s accomplishments, yet she said naught to the man she was supposed to get to know that evening.

The way his father retold those tales with such vigor and enthusiasm made Theophilus question if he would ever be seen in the same light. Was he capable of being as great as his older brother?

He knew his father had high hopes for him, just as he did for Harold, but he had a sinking feeling he’d never live up to those expectations. He would forever remain the degenerate son who could never accomplish the minimum of what was asked of him.

Harold remained the topic of interest as dinner progressed, and Theophilus’ eyes hardly moved beyond his plate or the bottom of his glass. He tried to force polite smiles for their guests, but hearing about Harold’s bravery and willingness to put all others before himself made it an impossible challenge.

“He would have made a fine duke,” his father murmured after serving the final course. He nodded to himself while the others agreed.

Theophilus found a hidden meaning in those words, whether they were intended or not. Harold would have been a perfect duke if he were the son still alive.

The thought made him swallow the dryness in his throat. It was true he would never be Harold, but he wished to be granted the chance to step out from within his brother’s shadow.

“Was Harold advised to serve on the front lines?” Lady Ariana asked thoughtfully as she gazed upon his father like he had every answer she desired.