Page 20 of Courting the Wrong Duke

He had no intention of repeating Lady Rosalind's accusations. Whatever she believed, he would not give them voice inside his own home.

“Our families have known one another for years,” he said instead. “When we were children, Lady Rosalind and I spent half our summers chasing frogs around the ponds at Aldermere. Whatever society chooses to believe, she should not be made to answer for rumors surrounding her father.”

The room fell quiet.

Algernon regarded him for several long moments, his expression betraying nothing.

At last he said, “Very well.” He set his glass upon the mantelpiece. “The Institution reserves several guest invitations for my use each Season.”

William looked at him expectantly.

“Take one,” Algernon said. “Lady Eastmere and Lady Rosalind may have it.”

William released a breath he had not realized he was holding. “Thank you.”

His mother smiled with quiet approval. “I am glad someone in this family still remembers what kindness costs.”

Algernon offered no reply. He merely rested one hand against the mantel, his gaze settling on the flames as though the conversation no longer concerned him.

She watched him for a moment before abandoning the effort altogether. Reaching Algernon had always required patience. Lately, even that no longer seemed enough.

“Speaking of young ladies...” she said, turning her attention to William instead.

He groaned softly. “Mama.”

“Do not 'Mama' me.” Amusement danced in her eyes. “I took the trouble of preparing a list of perfectly respectable young ladies, and unless I have been grievously misinformed, every one of them remains blissfully unacquainted with you.”

“I have read the list.”

“Reading it was never my concern.”

William settled into the chair opposite her, already recognizing the familiar battlefield. “Your concern was that I should court one of them.”

“Precisely.”

“And I have disappointed you.”

“Entirely.” She folded her hands neatly in her lap, her expression becoming one of studied innocence. “As it happens, Lady Sophronia will be attending tomorrow's private viewing.”

William narrowed his eyes. “Will she indeed?”

“She will.”

“What an astonishing coincidence.”

Her smile broadened. “I thought so.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “You arranged it.”

“Naturally.”

“Poor Lady Sophronia.”

“Nonsense. She is charming.”

William considered that. “She is certainly convinced of it.”

His mother’s laughter filled the drawing room, warm enough that even Algernon's mouth threatened the faintest suggestion of a smile before disappearing as quickly as it had come.