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Alexander made no comment. His liaison with her had only been for one night over three years ago. They had both understood they were scratching an itch and had made no promises for more. That was a thing he would never do. Make promises to a lady, simply because he found those dramatics damn well annoying and unnecessary.
Instead, he reached for the bat and moved to take his place. They had done this as lads at Eton and then later on at Cambridge. Snuck from their rooms and played a three-man cricket game late into the night. Beaumont held out a flask of whisky, which they shared at intervals to chase away the chill of the night. They played for almost an hour before Beaumont left them, saying he could feel his wife’s need of him.
“Lucky man,” Raymore murmured, watching their friend retreat into the main estate.
The envy in his friend’s tone surprised Alex. Raymore always seemed to celebrate his bachelorhood. “Are you thinking of finding a bride?”
Raymore smiled, and his eyes darkened with an indefinable emotion. “I have been thinking it is time.”
“Congratulations.”
“I thought you would have offered condolences,” his friend said with a rueful chuckle.
Alexander chuckled. “To each his own. Have you found your bride already, or do you plan to start searching?”
“I have a lady in mind who I believe will make me a fine countess.”
Alex lifted the flask Beaumont had left behind to his mouth and took a healthy swallow of the whisky. “Is it Minerva?”
Raymore scowled. “Good God, man, you know her to be my mistress!”
“I know her as a woman you’ve had in your life for the last five years, and at times you appear a man thoroughly besotted with her charms. It was a fair assumption.”
The earl sighed and raked his gloved hand through his sandy hair. “It is not Minerva.”
“Who is the fortunate lady?”
“I would rather not say until she has accepted. But I do plan to make her an offer soon.”
Alex arched a brow, wondering at the secrecy. “Do you intend to give your current lover hercongé?”
Raymore grimaced, a pensive look entering into his dark green eyes. “I have not yet sorted my thoughts on the matter. I highly regard Minerva…and…”
Alexander considered his friend for long moments. “My father had a mistress. For many years it pained my mother and made her unhappy with her lot in life.”
Raymore scowled. “Good God, man, do you mean to guilt me?”
“No.” Alex took another sip of the whisky. “If you wish for a happy marriage, do not shame your wife with your unfaithfulness.”
Raymore dealt him an astonished stare. “When did you become an authority on the damn matter? If I recall it, you have no wish to marry. Have you changed your mind?”
Alex grinned. “Men of our ilk marry for their heirs and spare. I have both in my younger brothers. What need do I have to put on the old ball and chain?”
Especially when he had seen it make so many people damn miserable. Though if he were fair, he also saw a fair amount of people contented with their unions. And Alexander considered himself fortunate in that regard. He was not in the position where he had to marry or ever wade through the marriage mart wondering if he was making the right decision. He could remain a bachelor for his life and go on to his rewards, knowing he had sound heirs who would fulfill their responsibilities to the title. Now, his duty was to see that he left behind a profitable and wealthy estate worth inheriting.
Raymore slapped him on the shoulder. “I thought the same thing, but the lady I am thinking to make my countess is delightful.” A wistful sigh left him, and a flash of hunger entered his eyes. “She is witty, intelligent, and extraordinarily charming.”
Alex was about to insist on knowing the name of this paragon when something caught his attention. “I believe something has happened,” he said, lifting his chin to a footman who hastened toward them.
“My lord,” he began upon reaching them, handing a missive to Raymore. “A letter came for you, my lord, and the rider said it was most urgent.”
He took the note, the footman bobbed his head and left. The earl quickly tore into the letter and read. Even in the shadows, Alexander noted that his friend paled. Still, he did not probe, for it was not his way to be intrusive into other’s affairs.
“Minerva is with child,” he bit out harshly.
“I cannot tell if I am to offer congratulations or condolences,” Alexander said drolly. “The latter, I think, considering your demeanor.”
Raymore barked out a laugh. “This is a damn mess and the last thing I need. If you will excuse me, Chisholm, I believe I shall find my bed.”
