The duke looked at him for a few heartbeats, intensely considering. As if calculating the possibility that he might refuse. He wasn’t sure what he saw on his face, but he finally sighed and said dejectedly, “No. I could never do that to you. Especially not after my actions provoked the ruinous estate of your earldom. I started buying up the debts years ago, shortly after you inherited and long before I had conceived of this plan. I always intended to give them back to you. It was my way of atoning. I’m just asking for your help in this matter.”
“But if you don’t plan to use the mortgages as leverage, what makes you think I would agree?”
“I will also give you the loan you need. I know you applied to the banks and got denied. The money will be yours with no interest and no conditions. Pay it back when you can.”
The duke was certainly well informed of his affairs. And he knew where to place his darts. To be able to save his estate...it was now more important than ever. Maybe Gabriel was an impostor. He didn’t deserve the title. Not yet. But if he kept the earldom from ruin, it would make him more worthy of it. Some of his thoughts must have shown on his face, for triumph shone in the duke’s eyes before he swooped in with the final stroke.
“Besides, I don’t think it would be too onerous for you. I know you fancy Hannah.”
“Sir! I would never...”
“I know, I know. You would never, you have never. You and she are alike in that sense. Both of you are so honorable. But I have observed you together. There’s something there.”
“But that doesn’t make it any easier. On the contrary. Do you understand what it will cost me to give up my child?”
“Don’t give him up, then. I’ll name you the child’s guardian.”
“You make it sound so simple, but I suspect this would be anything but. We’d be setting in motion events with consequences that neither of us can predict or control.”
“Life is like that, son. Predictions are nothing more than wishes and guesses. And control is an illusion.”
“And yet you are trying to control future events.”
“Merely trying to influence them. Do my best to fulfill my duty to the title. I understand a lot of things are beyond our control. Hannah might not conceive, or the child might not be male. Life is full of uncertainties. We can only hope for the desired outcome when we chart a course.”
Gabriel went again to stand by the window. He looked out at the serene landscape, wishing he were anywhere but here. “I’ll need to speak with her first. In private.”
“Of course. Do you want me to send for her?”
“Not now. I’ll seek her out at the right moment. I need to think about a few things first.”
“At least you are not saying no. Thank you for considering it.”
Brentworth just made a non-committal sound without turning from the view. Stanhope rang for the servants.
“I’m afraid I need to retire now. I’m rather fatigued. My strength isn’t what it used to be. Dinner will be served at eight. I hope to see you there.”
At that moment, two footmen entered, wheeling in an invalid chair. They helped Stanhope transfer into it and then wheeled him away. Gabriel was struck again by how fragile the old duke appeared.
The duke. His father.
Damn.
CHAPTER 7
THE NEXT MORNING, GABRIELwas getting dressed for riding. He had not brought his own horse, but there was no shortage of magnificent mounts in the duke’s stables, and he was planning to avail himself of one of them.
A ride always helped him think. And if nothing else, the exercise, the pure air, and the sense of freedom to be found on top of a horse flying over the terrain always lifted his mood.
And he needed to clear his mind. Last night’s dinner had been an uncomfortable affair. He had seen the duchess, and while she had been as lovely as ever, it was obvious she was ill at ease around him now. The joviality and warm friendliness with which she had always treated him were gone, and in its place, there were forced smiles and a touch of challenge. As if she were trying to cover up her awkwardness and unease with a fake display of confidence.
But she didn’t fool him. He was so attuned to her he could feel her emotions without even trying. It was unsettling. He had never felt this sort of affinity with another woman. But there it was, and now he was supposed to get her with child. And while his blood raced faster at the thought of bedding her, he would do well to keep his head and remember they were in a highly irregular situation.
He needed to talk to her in private, to determine her true feelings about this scheme. If she had been pressured or manipulated into something she didn’t want, he wouldn’t go through with it.
Just then, a lonely figure on a horse went galloping by from the direction of the stables. Hannah... He recognized her at once. Her impeccable posture showcased her slim silhouette, and the way she moved spoke of her deep connection and understanding of the animal. Back straight, head held high. The flowing fabric of her riding habit trailed behind her, becoming a banner as she picked up speed. She was magnificent atop a horse.
He was sprinting towards the door before he even finished the thought. He had seen the path she had taken. With any luck, he could catch up to her. This was the perfect opportunity to speak to her in private, away from the house and the influence of the duke.
