Page 18 of Denying the Duke (Lords and Ladies in Love 3)

Patience tried—unsuccessfully—to tamp down the excitement at the thought of her and Alex off alone, wandering the village. Perhaps they could stop at the Cock and Tail for Mr. Gates’s well-known apple cider that she’d always wanted to taste. Being away from the strain of the Abbey and their parents studying them like bugs under glass might restore some of the ease they’d once had with each other.

A journey into town might also give them the opportunity to rediscover each other. She would love to chip away at the shell that seemed to be surrounding him and find her Alex.

“Yes, Your Grace, that would be lovely.”

Alex nodded and took another sip of his wine, studying her over the rim of the glass.

“You will take Polly with you,” her mother said.

“No need for that.” Her father scowled at her mother.

Oh dear, once again the poor woman had caused him annoyance. Patience knew precisely why he didn’t want Polly to accompany them. He was trying to force Alex into a marriage with her. Nothing like a ride alone to cause a scandal, resulting in a quick wedding.

“I would not want to cast aspersions on Lady Patience’s reputation, Wilton. Of course, her maid will travel with us.” Nothing in Alex’s tone or eyes revealed his thoughts on the matter. He’d become very difficult to read, unlike the openness she’d remembered. If he had discerned her father was pushing them together, he had squashed that immediately.

Why did that bother her? She certainly did not want Alex forced to marry her. She had to know his feelings before she would consent to such a thing. After spending her entire life with two people who were always at odds, she wanted love in her marriage. What she had imagined she and Alex had before.

Or had that been merely a young girl’s fantasy?

Stilted conversation continued while the rest of the meal was served. Her father took every opportunity to hint at a joining of the Duke of Bedford and his daughter, without saying such. It reached the point where Patience could not wait to be away from the table. Alex handled the remarks much better, mostly ignoring Father’s comments and keeping the conversation going on innocuous subjects.

The final course had barely been finished when Her Grace stood and signaled to Patience and her mother. “Let us retire to the drawing room for tea. I am sure Wilton and His Grace have much to discuss.”

Patience’s eyes flew to Alex. He slouched in his chair, his elbow resting on the arm of the chair, his index finger and thumb cupping his chin, studying her father intently. His facial expression disclosed nothing. Military training had turned the expressive face she’d known before to one she no longer recognized.

…

Alex signaled the footman to bring two glasses and a bottle of the finest brandy to be had in England. His father had always provided the best, and from what he’d learned, the cellar was still well stocked with smuggled French brandy.

Once their glasses were full and the footman had withdrawn from the room, closing the doors to allow privacy, Wilton took no time to broach the subject Alex had been expecting. “I won’t mince words, Your Grace. We all know you need an heir, especially in light of the unexpected passing of your brother.” He shook his head. “Very distressing. A young man in his prime.”

Alex tried hard not to scowl at the not-so-subtle nudge toward marriage. No doubt to Patience. He sipped his brandy and waited for Wilton to hang himself. Alex had no intention of discussing the subject with Wilton, since he and Patience hadn’t exchanged more than a few sentences since his return.

Add to that the fact that up until a few days ago, he had thought Patience completely out of his reach as his brother’s widow. “Yes, very sad.” He leaned back in his chair, his long fingers playing with the glass, waiting for Wilton’s next move.

Wilton edged up in his seat. “You are aware that your father was most eager to see your brother married to Lady Patience.”

The memory of sitting at this very table watching his father announce the betrothal of Patience to his cursed brother caused his jaw to tighten and his fingers to clench the brandy glass. Oh yes, indeed. For some reason never clear to him, the duke had agreed to allow his beloved heir to wed Patience.

Once his anger had subsided that night, he’d wondered why Patience had been selected for the golden child. Cyrus certainly could have had any woman he wanted, given his title and money. Until that visit, Alex had never heard Wilton’s name uttered from the duke’s lips. Not that he’d spent much time in the duke’s presence.

He’d spent a great deal of time questioning that while staring at open campfire flames in various military camps.

“Yes. I remember.” Alex would grant the man no quarter. Four years ago, he had not been good enough for anything, as far as his family was concerned. Now he was the golden boy. A title he had never coveted and didn’t particularly want the constraints of now. Alas, such things were beyond one’s desires.

“I know you had a fancy for my daughter at one time.”

Alex slipped from insouciance to general alert. “Whatever transpired between Lady Patience and myself was a long time ago. We were both quite young. And, frankly, Wilton, I am not at all sure where you are going with this.”

Liar. I know exactly where he is headed.

Wilton placed his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “I am thinking that once a decent period of time has elapsed, a betrothal announcement between you and Patience would be appropriate.”

The devil take it. The last thing he wanted to do was throw in with Wilton and his plans. Something about the man had always disturbed him, and the few times he’d been in his presence since his return from America had only increased his unease. He had every reason to believe the man was a bully who laid his hands on his wife. And possibly his daughter, as well.

Alex straightened in his chair. “Understand something, Wilton. When, and if, I decide to take a bride, she will be my choice. I am not open to discussion with you about this. I have just been placed into a position I had never thought to see. There is much for me to learn, and the last thing I intend to concern myself with is a wife.

“In addition, my brother is barely i