Page 97 of Stolen and Seduced By the Duke

Nathaniel's expression sobered. "Nothing, I suppose."

"Exactly." Pierce's jaw tightened. "I need to know who did it before they have another opportunity."

For several moments, neither man spoke. Then Pierce exhaled slowly. "But that is not the only reason."

Nathaniel waited. Then he said, "You are a very powerful man. It is unlikely that someone would attempt to go against you to take your son."

Pierce hated what he was about to confess, yet there was little point pretending with the one man who had known him for years.

"There is another matter for which I would like an answer. I… confess that I would like proof that I was not responsible for Augusta's death."

The words seemed heavier once spoken aloud. He had spent years carrying the guilt like a sentence he had never been formally given. if he discovered what happened, he could finally determine whether he had truly driven her away or whether there had been forces beyond his control.

Nathaniel's expression softened. "That is a heavy burden to bear. But you would be wise to give some attention to the person who is actually still here."

Pierce looked at him sharply. "Margaret?"

"Yes, Margaret," Nathaniel said, reaching for his brandy. "She is alive, she is your wife, she adores your son, and from what you have just told me, she has apparently stopped arguing with you. You should enjoy the miracle while it lasts."

Pierce scoffed. "She has stopped arguing for the most part, but she is not so easy to manage."

Nathaniel smiled. "That is precisely why you like her."

Pierce opened his mouth to deny it, then stopped.

Nathaniel's grin became triumphant. "I knew it."

Pierce stood and reached for his gloves. "You know nothing."

"I know you better than you think."

The sudden knock at the door interrupted the uneasy bickering between them.

Nathaniel looked towards the entrance as his servant appeared, bowing politely before announcing, "Your guests have arrived, my lord."

A grin immediately spread across Nathaniel’s face as he straightened in his chair. "Excellent. Lead them into the drawing room," he instructed, waving the servant away with a knowing look.

Pierce raised one dark brow. "Guests?" he asked, his suspicion sharpening.

"I was not expecting you today," Nathaniel replied, rising from his desk with a laugh. "Had I known you were coming, I might have arranged something more suitable. However, if you wish to remain, you may join us for drinks and dinner."

Pierce studied him. "Who are the guests?"

Nathaniel's grin widened rather suspiciously. "Come along, Your Grace. I believe an introduction is in order."

He led Pierce from the study and down the corridor, his amusement growing with every step. When they reached the drawing room, Nathaniel paused at the threshold, and Pierce looked inside to find two young women seated together, their presence conspicuously informal for a gentleman’s household at such an hour. Both extended their fans and gave the gentleman a devious yet coy look.

Nathaniel leaned closer and lowered his voice. "Two dancers from the gardens. I was going to have them both for dessert, but since you are here, I do not mind sharing, just like old times."

Pierce stared at his friend for a long moment before shaking his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his mouth. He gave Nathaniel a firm pat on the shoulder as he stepped away. "I think you can manage this party on your own. Have a very good night."

Nathaniel blinked at him, apparently genuinely surprised. "You are leaving?"

"Immediately."

"You have become remarkably dull," Nathaniel called out.

Pierce glanced back at him. "I have become married. There is a difference."