Chapter One #2
“Yes, well…” Foxcroft shrugged. “I’m not quite ready to go north, which is where I’ll spend my Christmastide holidays, but I am concerned about the mess that is the Lords.
I feel that I should at least spend a few more weeks in Town to keep an eye on that.
” Slowly, he shook his head. “So many damned men looking out for themselves. Can they not see that England, the world, is in crisis? And not merely because of that deuced volcano that’s fucking us all over. ”
“I know.” Empathy reflected in Eggleton’s eyes. “We must remain steadfast in our beliefs that things will be better.”
Foxcroft grunted. “No doubt more later than sooner the way things are moving.” He flicked his gaze to Evan. “When did you arrive in London?”
“A couple of days ago.” He shrugged then set his empty glass on a small, round, rose-inlaid table at his elbow. “My ship is in dry dock for six months, and I’m more or less retired from the Crown’s service. It’s just as well, for my father, the Duke of Bettington, died. I’m the true heir.”
“The devil you say!” Shock lined the duke’s face. “I had no idea.”
Then he was obliged to explain the mess all over again.
After he was finished, Foxcroft frowned. “What will you do now?”
“Truthfully?” When his friends both nodded, Evan blew out a breath. “I had plans to return to Town to kill my father, for he played his sons against each other all the time for nothing more than entertainment, but I’ll settle for removing my half-brother from this world.”
Silence followed the statement.
Foxcroft’s grin was as macabre as his own. “That’s quite a mission.”
“It is.” Evan shrugged. “My half-brother has done his best to kill me and has been tricking the whole of London society that he’s the real heir. He deserves a comeuppance.”
“While that may be true, it’s hardly a reason to murder him,” Eggleton said as he rested an ankle on a knee.
“Ha.” A grunt escaped him. “I believe it’s a damn good one.”
“I like you, Buckthorne.” Foxcroft laughed as he poured himself another drink, for he’d brought a cut-crystal decanter into the room with him. “Are you here in England for a while this time? You’ll need time to plan, at the very least.”
“Yes, for the duration… unless I need to flee. I’ve made a fortune as a privateer. Beyond that, I’ve grown weary of sailing merely for Prinny’s gain.” It had taken some of the joy from being on the sea.
Eggleton frowned. “I’d heard rumors throughout society that you’re naught but a blood-thirsty pirate.”
“Ha.” Slowly, Evan shook his head. “That’s not far from the truth, I suppose. There is a need to kill no matter which side a man is on.” He shoved the fingers of one hand through his hair. “Regardless, there is much I need to tend to, and at the moment, it seems insurmountable.”
When Foxcroft leveled his gaze on him, there was speculation in his expression. “Then get yourself a woman before any of that.”
He frowned. “Why?”
“Surely you can puzzle it out, Buckthorne.” As the men laughed, he continued. “It’ll clear your head, relieve tension so you can better plan.”
Not flawed reasoning. “God, I haven’t had a woman in my bed for far too long.
” Of course, he’d gotten his rocks off in various ports of call around the world when he could, when he could be assured the women in question didn’t have diseases…
or weapons. A man had needs after all, but none had come close to the mistress he’d enjoyed and left nearly ten years prior.
“I suppose I could see if my former mistress is still available.” He’d taught her everything about the carnal world back then, and he could have developed softer feelings for her if he’d stayed in England, but taking a wife hadn’t been in the cards.
And emotional ties made a man vulnerable to his enemies.
Perhaps he still didn’t want a wife, for he had family issues to work through, but that didn’t mean the body couldn’t be satiated.
Foxcroft took a sip of his brandy. “Who was it?”
Who was it, indeed? “She went by Lady Mirabelle, but that wasn’t her real name.” As far as he knew, he’d been the only man she’d told that secret to.
“Ah!” The other man’s eyebrows went up in admiration. “She’s quite expensive.”
“What?” A wave of shock slammed into Evan’s chest. “Did you utilize her services?”
“I did not; I have a fiancée these days, and I have a mistress I enjoy far too much. However, I know a couple of friends who’ve gone to her.”
“They took her as a mistress?”
“No, for her courtesan services. As far as I know, she stopped being any man’s mistress once you left.”
“Ah.” Another wave of shock plowed into him.
Why had she done that? Had she fallen for any of those men, or were they merely a means to an end?
A business transaction, as it were? Is that how she’d considered him?
Curiosity burned hot within his chest, but also stabbing irritation.
In the end, it didn’t matter. Nothing did, except for what he’d come for.
“Everything in London has changed so much since the last time I was here. It stands to reason even she has.” With the shake of his head, Evan leaned forward to rest his forearms on his knees, his hands dangling between them. “God, I am not ready to become a duke.”
“You’ll find your way.” Eggleton sent him a look brimming with compassion.
“We all have in our own time.” As he glanced toward the door, he said, “Bear in mind that you’ll need to marry to help secure that title.
Ideally, get your wife pregnant straightaway to cloud your half-brother’s claim.
You aren’t exactly young any longer, Buckthorne. ”
“Fuck off, Eggleton.” He made a crude gesture, much to the amusement of his companions. “I’m not ancient either, but I’m not looking for love or romance.”
Foxcroft snorted. “Those aren’t necessary for marriage. Ladies will fall at your feet merely because you’re a duke.”
That was highly distasteful. “Not until I’m confirmed by parliament, and with James’ claim…” Again, it seemed impossible.
Eggleton shook his head. “You can’t let that frighten you. This is your birthright.”
“Yes.” Foxcroft gave him a nod. “Court a woman and secure her promise. Hell, marry her by special license and be done with it. Meanwhile, either find a woman or take yourself in hand. That way your head will be clear, and you’ll be able to think better when you take on your family.”
For long moments, Evan thought about the possibilities. “Perhaps you’re right. In all of it.” The pathway to becoming a duke wouldn’t be a simple endeavor.
“Well, then.” Once a footman refilled Eggleton’s glass, he lifted it in salute. “To the newest duke of our circle. Don’t do anything to invite trouble.”
“Ha!” Foxcroft chuckled, and this time his grin reflected in his dark eyes. “Or do. It will make life more interesting. For all of us.” But he raised his glass as well.
“Don’t rush my fences on any of it.” Evan huffed to cover his confusion and doubt. “I don’t have anywhere to stay. I’ve been bunking on my ship for the past few days…”
“Say no more.” Eggleton waved a hand. “Stay in a room upstairs. We’ve plenty. Until you get settled. Or can challenge your half-brother and evict him from the familial townhouse.”
The urge to cast up his accounts grew strong, but he swallowed it down. “It’s going to be a fight.”
“When isn’t anything worthwhile?”
“True.” Then he downed the contents of his glass that had just been refilled. As the sting of the liquor burned through his throat, a memory surfaced, one of Hannah lying naked in his bed with the moonlight bathing her lush body in silver.
Bloody hell.
His shaft twitched with interest. Perhaps he would search her out.
Everything had always been better with her.
And they’d courted scandal together. If she would consent to being his mistress again, perhaps he’d have a better chance of gathering his courage to do what needed to be done regarding his title, or at least she could offer advice on it.
Or life in general.