Austin was lost. He questioned whether he was truly his father’s son, and if he was not, then is the rightful heir blackmailing him? But he knew that whoever it was, he would find them, and if they were wrong about his legitimacy, he will bring them to their knees in surrender.
The door to the breakfast room creaked open. Austin’s attention shifted. He was hoping to find Deena at the entrance, but instead her nephew burst in, dragging along his governess. Both were damp from the morning drizzle, and Percy’s little cheeks were flushed. Selina followed shortly, looking slightly harried but amused.
“Uncle Austin!” Percy skidded to a halt beside Austin’s chair. “You’re frowning again! Grandmama says frowning gives you wrinkles and then ladies won’t like you!”
Austin’s mouth twitched despite himself. “Is that so?”
Percy nodded vigorously
“It’s time for your lessons darling.”
Percy hesitated, then leaned closer to Austin, lowering his voice to a dramatic whisper. “Uncle Austin, are you sad because you didn’t catch a duck yesterday? I told you we should’ve used bread!”
If only it were that simple.
Austin chuckled, ruffling the boy’s hair. “Ah! Yes, I should’ve used bread.” He tutted. “I think the ducks won that round, little man. But I’ll take you out later and we’ll bring bread.”
Percy beamed. “With jam?”
“Ducks eat bread with jam?” Austin asked with a raised brow.
Percy laughed wickedly. “Yes, with tea too!”
“These are very demanding ducks, but I will do my best to see that they get what they want,” Austin said in the most serious tone, adding a firm nod.
Percy giggled while Selina slid into the seat opposite Austin. “All right, Percy. Say goodbye to Uncle Austin.”
The distraction was well needed, but the governess was already leading him off, and Percy looked back and pouted. Austin chuckled at the boy’s expression.
“I’m curious to know what’s gotten you frowning so early in the morning,” Selina whispered so only he could hear her,
Austin shook his head and smiled coyly. When Selina entered Dominic’s life, he automatically gained a sister, but he was still getting used to her kindness and attentiveness.
“I will never get used to the fact that my friend is a father and husband,” he murmured, trying to steer the conversation to safer grounds.
“Don’t change the topic,” Selina saw right through him. She reached for the teapot. “How did the Gallop go?”
Austin exhaled long and slow, reviewing the parade of eligible ladies in his mind like a general surveying a troop who had failed to impress.
“Where do I begin?” He let out a long sigh of resignation.
“Who did you sit with first?” Selina beamed at him as she poured herself a cup of tea.
“Well,” he lowered his voice and Selina leaned in curiously, “Lady Amelia was… enthusiastic as ever. As you know.” Selina nodded. “Lady Ann had excellent posture but a terrifyingmother. Miss Langley, although she was highly recommended, was so composed I half expected her to be carved from marble. And Miss Waldron—” He paused, almost smiling. “Miss Waldron was sharp. Quick. But still… not quite.”
Selina froze with her lifted cup of tea, watching him over the rim. “Not quite what?”
“Not quite…the one,” he said firmly.
Selina let out a snort of laughter that did not surprise him.
“What, pray do tell, is so funny?” Austin feigned irritation, but Selina’s laughter was highly contagious.
“Since when does theVelvet Duke, who is now famous for his exploits, require ‘the one’? I thought your motive was simply to marry, and any unimpeachable lady would serve.”
Austin groaned. “Does my friend ever keep any secrets from you?”
“No!” Selina said proudly.
