Hunter cracked open an eye to see one of the men who had been sitting diagonally from him lower the paper and fold it neatly before he set it aside. He snorted. “Darwood. And here I thought you might be sleeping off the effects from Vauxhall last evening.”
The viscount stood and moved to sit across from him. Once he was resettled, he said, “As if anyone could sleep with two younger sisters and a mother in attendance that gab incessantly from dusk to dawn and all through the night.”
Hunter sat up a bit straighter as the waiter returned with his drink and then departed. “Indeed?” he said, taking a hearty sip. “I didn’t realize Celeste and Editha were old enough to make their debut.”
His friend smiled as he pointed out, “Just because you leave the country doesn’t mean the rest of us cease to exist. My twin siblings actually made their curtsy last spring and have received several offers, and yet, they continue to plague me with their desire for one more season. It was only at my mother’s behest that I finally gave in.”
Hunter frowned slightly. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here.”
Avion waved a hand, his gold signet ring catching the light from the fire. The spark from the flames nearly matched the unusual shade of amber in his eyes. “There was nothing you could have done to spare me the torment of living with three women. It’s merely my misfortune that my father perished and left me in charge before I was ready to take on the task.”
An arrow of guilt shot through Hunter’s heart as he recalled the death of the earl three years ago, although he had been in India at the time and since he’d had a singular focus, he’d allowed nothing to penetrate the haze of his vengeance. “I suppose I missed the funeral, didn’t I?”
“You did.” Darwood nodded. “But I fear it was quite a sorrowful affair. It was probably for the best you were chasing Lord Gregory across Asia rather than sobbing into your handkerchief with the rest of us.”
Hunterdowned his sherry and set the empty glass aside. He leaned forward and set his elbows on his knees. “I’m sorry I failed our friendship, Darwood. In truth, I feel as if I wasted my time on such an empty pursuit. As long as the Marquess of Highgrove has the king’s ear, I fear Lord Gregory will never stay long in gaol no matter what I do to ensure his guilt.”
The viscount tilted his head to the side. “Is that what brought you out so early this morning?”
Hunter’s drink was magically refilled, so he lifted it to his lips, but he didn’t drink, merely stared into the teasing liquid that promised oblivion, but what he knewwouldonlybefleeting. He set it aside. “Ironically enough, I hadn’t even thought of Lord Gregory until you brought him up.”
“Ah. Then if it isn’t revenge you’re after at this time of day, it must bean issue with a particular female.” The viscount’s lips lifted at the corners.
Hunter laughed. “That’s rather astute of you, actually.”
“Then thisrecentconundrum must have somethingto do with your lovely mistress.”
Hunter had confided many thingstoAvion over the years, but he found that speaking of Persephone would be a break in her trust. However, since he was in need of some advice, he admitted, “The lady does have me tied up in knots at the moment.”
“Isee. Does this mean you’rethinking of breaking things off?”
Hunter frowned. Last night had been a revelationin more ways than one.The idea of sending Persephoneaway to become some other man’s mistressactuallymade him physically ill.Not only that, but he couldn’t ensure her safety if she wasn’t under the same roof. But what about when the time came that he was expected to choose a bride?
Perhaps there was a way he coulddobothat the same time…
He got to his feet. “Ihave to go.”
Darwoodlifted a brow, but said nothingfurtheras Hunterheaded forthe door.
It was time he paid his father a long overdue visit.
Chapter Six
Huntertapped a finger on the chair arm in the king’s private sitting area where he’d been forced to wait for the past half hour. No doubt his father was making him wait on purpose.
When the double doors to his chamber finally opened and he walked inside, he waved off the guard that would have followed. “The Crown has nothing to fear from the Duke of Falcourt.” He lifted a brow. “You are still a loyal subject, are you not?” he addressed Hunter.
“Indeed, Your Majesty.” Hunter bowed low. He’d never called this man his father, finding that it served him better if he offered him the reverence as a monarch instead.
As the doors shut behind the king, he walked over to a settee near the fireplace and, once he was seated, gestured for Hunter to do the same. He was dressed in tan breeches, white stockings and black-heeled shoes,topped bya gold, cutaway coat with silver embroidery, a powdered wig firmly in place. Even though this was a casual call rather than a formal event,Hunter knew that the king had suffered from various fits of maladies in the past and demanded to look his best at all times so that the mental state of his mind was never taken into question during moments of sanity.
“I’m curious as to why you would call upon Us so early in the day, Falcourt.”
He always referenced himself as one with England, so Hunter addressed him as such now. “I was hoping to gain Your favor for a particular request.”
The king sniffed. “I hope this doesn’t have to do with the unfortunate business about Lord Gregory. I’m told he has retired to the country with Highgrove for the time being and is behaving as a model gentleman.” He shook his head. “Really, Falcourt, can you not leave the man to his own devices? It’s been more than five years since your sister’s attack.”
Six, actually,Hunter yearned to correct, but he held his tongue on that matter.“On the contrary, I’m here on another matter entirely.” He took a deep breath. “I wish to have the Crown’s blessing to marry Miss Persephone Welton.”
