“I wish I could say the same,” the viscount returned dryly. “I feel as if you don’t care for me anymore.”
Hunter chuckled as he clasped his chest. “You should know you are the only man I carry in my heart.”
The viscount grinned broadly. “Then I daresay my pride is soothed.” As he began walking, Hunter fell into step beside him. “I heard about Lord Gregory’s release. I assume that’s what brought you out this evening?”
Hunter shook his head. The man was always rather astute. “You miss nothing, do you, Darwood?”
“Not generally, no.” He paused. “And you seem to forget I’m one of the few peoplewhoknow ofLouisa’s…condition.”
The very mention of his sister’s name caused a wash ofred-hot anger to course through Hunter’sveins. After six years of chasing Lord Gregory to ensure he paid for what he’d done, his furyhad yet tosubside. But then, Louisawas in a permanent state of unrest because ofthe blackguard’sfoul misdeeds.
“I’m afraid to be the bearer of bad news.” Darwood’s voice brought Hunter back to the present. “But I heard Lord Gregory was summoned to his father’s estate. I can only assume it’s so he can finally receive a proper reprimand from his sire.”
“I’m sure it will be nothing more than the slap on the wrist he’s received in the past,” Hunter noted sourly. “The fact that the marquess doesn’t see what an evil man his youngest son is would give me cause for concern about his sanity as well.”
The viscount shrugged. “You should know as well as I that the mistakes of the peerage are often swept under the rug. It would have to be something truly heinous in order to command the attention of the king. Although now that the hostilities between Britain and France have been suspended by the Treaty of Amiens he might be in a more amicable state of mind to listen to your grievances. However, I would not delay in making a new case against Lord Gregory. The king’s mental health has been in decline for the past several years. If he is declared insane, you realize that George will take over as Regent and then any hope you might have of appealing to the Crown will be over.”
Hunter’s lips twisted. “He never has been very fond of me, considering I’m theonlybastard ever acknowledged by the Crown. He also blames me for the king’s decline, because of thetemporary liaisonhe had with my mother, but he fails to see that I had anything to do with that. The king met Queen Charlotte on the day of their wedding, but it was my mother he’d wanted to marry.”
Darwood nodded. “My father told me that George was quite smitten with Lady Sarah before her marriage to Bunbury, butthenafter heraffairin which shebore your half-sister, Louisa,and then you,itincitedhisgrounds for divorce.”
“Yes.” Hunter sighed. “I remember Bunbury quite well in my youth. He would come to call upon my uncle’s house where we lived and demandthatmy mother accept the terms of the decree. It wasa nasty affair. Even more so every time he saw me or my elder sister, Louisa, for it was glaring proof of her infidelity.”
Hunterpaused at the edge of the grounds. He glanced around and noticed they had made a full circle back to where they were. His eyes instantly sought out the wealth of red-gold hair and the lines about his mouth softened slightly when he saw she was safe, surrounded by her mother’s ladies.
“At least my mother is happy now,” he murmured, keeping his focus on Persephone. “She remarried and moved to the country where she remains with her eight children. Of course,Louisaand I chose to remain with our uncle in Londonuntil we came of age.” His mouth tightened once more. “AfterLouisa’s assault,I sent her tomycountryestatewhereI spent months looking after her, until it became…too much and I was forced to hire a full time caregiver.” He paused. “I haven’t seenherin years, finding it too…painful to do so, althoughher nursekeeps me abreast onLouisa’s progress through regular correspondence. During my time in India, it wasthat knowledgeand Miss Welton’sfamiliar handthat kept me sane.”
“Yes,” his friend notedperceptibly. “I have noticed your infatuation with your mistressthis evening, in which I would exercise caution. The king would likely not take too kindly should you turn a courtesan into a duchess.”
His shoulders stiffened as he turned to the viscount. “It’s not as if it hasn’t happened before, but rest assured I’m not prepared to marry now, perhaps never. But if the time should come, it’s not my father’s choice, but mine, who Itakeasmy bride.”
Darwood inclined his head. “I admire your determination, Falcourt, but don’t say I didn’t warn you, especially if you wish tocontinue toplead your caseto the Crownabout Lord Gregory.”
With that parting remark, the viscount strode away, giving Hunter even more to consider.
Chapter Four
“You’re awfully quiet.” Persephone couldn’t stand the silence anylonger. They were nearly home, but the tension in the carriage was starting to frustrate her. If Hunter wasn’t going to start a conversation, then she would, as well as intending to make him talk whether he wanted to or not. “Are you upset that Lord Gregory wasn’t there tonight?”
The duke was looking out the window, and while he replied, he kept his focus on the passing scenery. “I was rather disappointed, but I fear I have other things on my mind.”
She waited, but when he didn’t elaborate, she asked softly, “I have a good listening ear if you need one.”
Finally, he turned his head to look at her, but while there was a smile on his face there was a touch of melancholy behind it. “You have truly become a remarkable woman, Miss Welton. I regret that I wasn’t here to see you blossom. It would certainly have been preferable to chasing some reprehensiblecriminal all over the continent.”
Sephy didn’t know what to say to that, but as the carriage rolled to a stop and the duke climbed out, the moment passed.
As she stepped to the ground, the groom rushed over to her. “Miss Welton!” He was a boy of no more than sixteen, but Sephy hadcarried onmany conversations with himover the past year since he’dbeen employed. He had a mop of unruly red hair that curled over his forehead and a face dotted with freckles. He paused, and glanced at the duke and bowed respectfully. “Your Grace.”
Sephy grinned, for she could tell his eagerness to relay some news was making it difficult for him to stand still. He practically vibrated withtheenergy he was trying to withhold.
“What is it, Henry?”
He rocked back on his heels and wore a rather smug expression. “Lady had her puppies.”
Sephy instantly clapped her hands together. “Finally!”
“Come on!” Henry could no longer contain his enthusiasm as he led the way to the stables where the white and rust colored Springer Spaniel was laying on her side in an empty horse stable surrounded by straw with a litter of about six various colored puppies rooting around her belly, hoping for sustenance.The groom’syouthfulface was wreathed with brilliance. “I’ll go fetch some water.”
