A single branch of candles burned on the massive desk where Austin sat in silence until the heavy wooden doors opened and Dominic stepped in, freezing at the sight.
“You’re finding a wife,” Dominic said, voice laced with amusement, “andyou’re in the gossip column? How is this going to help?”
Austin tossed the paper onto the side table. “Gossip will help me on my search. And hopefully teach me how to be virtuous.”
Dominic snorted, crossing the room to pour himself a brandy. “You? Virtuous? Thetonwould faint from shock.”
“Careful,” Austin drawled. “I’m a changed man. Next, I’ll be taking cold baths and writing sonnets dedicated to chastity.”
Dominic dropped into the opposite chair, grinning. “Sonnets. Now I know you’re ill. Shall I send for a physician?”
“Only if he brings more brandy.” Austin lifted his glass off the side table in salute.
“I’m in awe that the man who once fled a house party because Lady Montrose cornered him with a sprig of mistletoe is now determined to wed.”
“That mistletoe incident was a misunderstanding,” Austin protested mildly. “She was armed.”
“With greenery,” Dominic deadpanned.
“Deadly greenery.”
Dominic shook his head. “God, it’s good to have you here,” he said, swirling his brandy. “Though I half-expected you to vanish into London the moment the first debutante batted her lashes.”
Austin’s mouth curved. “Tempting. But I’m staying the full week.”
Dominic’s brow lifted. “The full week? You really are serious about this wife business.”
“Deadly.” Austin took a sip.
“And how go the troubles?” Dominic asked quietly, all traces of humor vanished.
“Which troubles? The trouble of finding a wife or the trouble of losing my title as the Duke of Windemere?”
Dominic rolled his eyes. “The latter. Is someone still digging into your past?”
Austin placed his glass down carefully. “They are persistent. But I don’t believe that they found anything concrete. My solicitors are watching, but it’s like chasing smoke.”
Dominic swore softly. “If you need anything. Investigators or influence with the Lords?—”
“I know where to find you,” Austin said gratefully. “Always have.”
“Block out the whispers.”
Austin laughed, but there was no humor in it. “The whispers about my mother’s past haven’t quieted and never will. Someone’s still stirring the pot and trying to ruin me. I believe they found just enough to keep certain lords interested.”
Dominic’s expression darkened. “Persistent bastards.”
Austin agreed.
“That is why a respectable marriage is the quickest way to make pursuing it inconvenient.”
Dominic chuckled. “The search must be going well for you.”
“That’s the funny part. Women throw themselves at me, yes. But to find a wife is harder than I thought.”
“I agree. A good wife is hard to find,” Dominic said, leaning back with a wry grin. “You should ask for help. Grandmother would be deliriously happy to poke her nose in your search. She lives for this sort of thing.”
Austin’s mouth twitched. “Actually, I already have some help.”
