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Trenton’s shoulders were shaking. “He’s your son, Ariana. Inspired by flowers and animals.”
“I beg to differ with you, Your Grace,” Ariana retorted. “Alexander’s propensity for getting into trouble is inherited from you. I was, and am, serene and content.”
“Content, yes—after a fashion,” Trenton concurred, having given the matter proper consideration. “But serene? Not until I’ve worn you out.”
“Nevertheless,” Ariana hastily interrupted, blushing as Dustin disguised his chuckle with a cough, “Alexander’s devilish resolve is a Kingsley trait. Like all of you, he’s intense, impatient, and perpetually in search of a challenge. I should know. I’m surrounded by Kingsley men.”
Dustin stood to replenish his drink. “Why, Ariana, you cut me to the quick. Intense? Impatient? And here I thought I was remarkably easy to get along with; far more charming than Trent, and not nearly as moody or volatile.”
“Normally, I’d agree.” Trenton joined his brother at the sideboard. “But not this week. This week you’ve been testy as a bear and unsettled as hell.”
Groaning, Dustin lowered the bottle with a thud. “First Ariana, now you. Well, you can both stop worrying. To my knowledge, nothing is wrong. Other than the fact that my trainer is retiring and my last three jockeys have been totally unable to win races.” He shrugged. “Maybe I’m just becoming intolerant in my old age. Or maybe, as I told Ariana, it’s time to go searching for new horses and horsemen to fill my stables.”
“Yo
u have the finest thoroughbreds in Surrey—perhaps even in England,” Ariana inserted quietly. “’Tis their owner who is out of sorts, not they.”
Silently, Dustin traced the edge of the mahogany sideboard. “Perhaps you’re right,” he acknowledged.
That did it. Ariana’s decision was made.
Rising, she transferred Alexander from Trenton’s arms to her own, giving her husband a meaningful look. Talk to him, her eyes pleaded. You’re the only one who can.
Wordlessly, Trenton nodded.
“Once again, I’m going to attempt to put Alexander to bed,” Ariana stated. “And, given that it’s after eight o’clock and his eyelids are drooping, perhaps I’ll succeed. After which we can take a chance and sample our dinner. Since Clara was unable to get through Bembridge’s flooded roads, I tackled the job of preparing today’s meals. I’m encouraged by the fact that Dustin has consumed two of them and continues to live—a hopeful sign indeed. With a modicum of luck, we’ll all survive the ordeal.”
“You’re a superb cook, misty angel.”
“She’d be even better if you’d allow her more time in the kitchen,” Dustin suggested, his mischievous grin revived. “Between satisfying Alexander’s continual needs and your exhaustive ones …”
“That’s it.” Ariana scooted toward the door, her cheeks aflame. “I’m off to the nursery.”
“Hurry back,” Dustin called after her rapidly retreating back. “I look forward to continuing our discussion of your culinary skills.”
Still chuckling, he turned to his brother. “She’s quite a prize, Trent. Open and honest and so bloody in love with you that it’s humbling. You’re a lucky man.”
“I know.” Trenton sipped his madeira, his gaze fixed on Dustin’s. “Care to talk about it?” he asked bluntly.
Dustin didn’t pretend to misunderstand. “I would if I knew what it was.” He sighed, humor eclipsed by uncertainty. “All I know is that lately everything seems so meaningless—the day-to-day rituals, the business arrangements, the competitions.”
“The women?”
“Yes—them, too.” Dustin abandoned his drink. “All in all, my life has become utterly tedious and predictable.”
“Predictable?” Trenton’s brows rose. “This from the man who changes partners more frequently than he changes clothes?”
“That’s just sex, Trent, nothing more than a pleasurable distraction. Gratifying, yes, but distinctly unfulfilling.”
“I could name a dozen women who’d be thrilled to convert that distraction into a lifetime commitment.”
“Marriage you mean?” Dustin shook his head. “I’m afraid you’ve spoiled me, Brother. After seeing what you and Ariana share, I won’t settle for less. The women you’re referring to regard me as a coveted prize. They like my money and the title Queen Victoria granted me. Well, perhaps that’s enough for some, but not for me. At least sex is honest. Fleeting, but honest. It assuages the body but circumvents the heart. Surely you recall?”
“Yes, I recall,” Trenton murmured with the quiet insight of a man who, thanks to his miraculous wife, knew the difference between lovemaking and sex.
“Then there’s nothing else to say. I’m drifting, and I know it. But for the time being, I see no alternative.”
Trenton nodded, shifting to another unsettled aspect of Dustin’s life. “You mentioned several upsets in your staff. I know Banks’s retirement comes as no surprise. Still, he’s been training your thoroughbreds since you began breeding them to race. His resignation must pose a major setback.”
