“That’s a ‘no’ then,” Alex added with a smug smile. “Goodness, and everyone saysI’mterrible at understanding people. But it’s been clear to me since we were children.”
Will sat back in his chair, dazed.All that time.
“I guess I never really considered it,” he said. “She was always so much younger. But then that last summer, before I left, I began to want…”
Something. Anything.
Everything.
He let the unfinished confession hang in the air between them.
“You never told me.”
“Because once I found out I was the heir, it didn’t matter,” Will insisted.
Alex scoffed. “Hogwash.”
“It didn’t seem like that at the time. And I haven’t made a decision without first considering how it would affect the dukedom since,” he admitted, as pathetic as it sounded. “I think that’s why these last few weeks with Phoebe have been so… so exhilarating. I’ve felt more like myself in her company than I have in years.” Then he shook his head. “But she’s made it veryclear the prospect of becoming a duchess holds absolutely no appeal to her.”
“Isn’t that preferable though? Someone who actually wantsyouand not the title?”
Will let out a sigh and stared up at the study’s ornate painted ceiling of Zeus on the throne surrounded by all the lesser gods and goddesses. It was meant to reflect the late duke’s political ambitions, but the painter had possessed more vision than talent. A chubby cherub with bulging blue eyes stared down at Will. Lord, he really did hate this room. “I’m not sure who I am anymore without it.”
“Oh, rubbish,” Alex groused and moved to stand. “If you’re going to be dramatic, I’m leaving.”
“Please don’t.” He managed a weak smile. “I’ll be good.”
“Well, then. What will you do now, Your Grace?”
“I have no idea,” he said. “My plans have all fallen apart. I haven’t a bloody clue what comes next.”
But perhaps he’d start by getting that hideous ceiling painted over. Will let out a gasping laugh. Why had he waited so long to do something so simple?
Alex, unaware of this train of thoughts, looked appalled. “I can’t think of anything more horrid.”
“I’m sure. But even you can’t control everything.”
“I knowthat,” she snapped. “That’s why I came here to begin with. But might I suggest you start by being true to yourself, instead of worrying so much about that blasted dukedom? Your fellow aristocrats certainly don’t worry half as much about how their actions reflect on their legacies.”
“It’s different when you’re born to it,” Will grumbled.
“Yes, andyou’redifferent because you weren’t. So stop trying so hard to be like them and embrace who you are.”
Will’s mouth curved. “You’re quite clever, you know.”
“Yes, I do. And everyone would be much better off if they’d only listen to me. Shall I speak to Phoebe?”
Will shook his head. “No, she was right to reject me like you said. I need to become someone she’d actuallywantto marry first. At least one who knows his own mind.”
Alex rose. “Then you’ve got some work to do.”
“And you have a fake fiancé to find. Just be careful you don’t break some innocent young man’s heart.”
She scoffed again. “I highly doubt that.”
“You’ve always underestimated your appeal.”
Alex avoided his gaze as she tugged on her gloves. “You know why.”
