Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,15

coming along?” Katie asked as Weston slipped into his seat at the table.

“It’s done. All Neal has to do is help me paint it,” he replied, glancing to his new friend.

“You’ve finished? My stars, that went fast,” Neal said.

“You helped build the bulk of it. It didn’t take long for me to finish up.”

“Can we help paint, Papa?” Maisy pleaded, her large blue eyes capable of melting the sternest of hearts.

Mark perked up. “Can we, Papa? Mama? I can do it. Mr. Wallace can show me how.”

Weston hadn’t let on to his title or background and merely gave the family surname when he’d met Neal.

“We’ll see, children,” their father said.

Maisy’s bottom lip thrust out in a pout. “We’ll see means no,” she said, already wise at her young age.

He thought how much more she could do with a bit of schooling. Katie was teaching both children to read but she didn’t have much time for it with all of the cooking and cleaning and sewing she did to keep the Digsby household running. Glancing at his friend, he knew as a viscount’s son that Neal had a good bit of schooling himself and probably longed for better opportunities, including education, for his children.

Impulsively, he said, “Might we speak after supper? It’s important.”

Neal nodded. “Of course.”

Katie encouraged the children to clean their plates and after the meal, she cleared away the dishes, which she and Maisy would wash. Mark went outside to start the final milking and Weston promised he’d join him soon.

With the two men alone, he said, “It’s time for me to leave.”

Neal sighed. “I knew you wouldn’t be with us long, Weston. I’m only grateful for the work you’ve put in.”

“You have taught me more than you know, Neal. I was at a crossroads in my life. It’s not so much what you’ve said but how you lead by example.”

“Me? A simple farmer?”

He frowned. “You’re far more than a farmer and you know it. You are a gentleman’s son. Well-spoken and educated. Isn’t that something you want for your own children?”

Neal shrugged. “Wanting and getting are two very different things, I’m afraid. Although I wanted my Katie. I knew by marrying her that I would be cut off from my family. My parents were terrible snobs. They always carried an air of superiority about them. Their son wedding a parlor maid was unthinkable.”

“Yet you did so.”

“How could I not?” Neal smiled. “I think I loved Katie from the moment I saw her. It was hell trying to stay away from her. I didn’t want to be one of those men who pursued a helpless servant.” He chuckled. “I became the helpless one. I couldn’t think straight whenever I was around her. I finally worked up enough courage to converse with her and found her delightful. It didn’t take long for us to realize that we wanted to be together, no matter where that together would be lived. I’m grateful we were able to return here and have a roof over our heads. Farming may not pay much but it’s decent, honorable work.”

“What if you could do more? For both Katie and your children?”

Neal eyed him with suspicion. “I’ll not do anything illegal, Weston. I know of the smuggling that goes on along the English coast. I refuse to be a part of that, despite the fact that there’s huge financial reward in it.”

“I’m a duke,” Weston said abruptly and gave it a moment to sink in.

“You’re . . . a duke?” Neal sputtered.

“Yes. The Duke of Treadwell. My primary estate is Treadwell Manor, about thirty miles northwest of Exeter.”

Neal whistled low. “I knew you were more than a man who could swing an ax or hammer.” He studied Weston. “Why on earth have you lived with us for the last couple of months?”

He decided only honesty would suffice. “Because I had lost my way. It’s a long, ugly story. One I will never repeat. I’ve discovered I am finally ready to return to society and be the man I am meant to be. Living here gave me time to think and clear up the many questions I had. I know now that I am capable of doing whatever I put my mind to.”

“Then I am happy to have had your company, Your Grace. When will you leave?”

“In the morning. You once offered me employment. I’d like to do the same to you. My steward at Treadwell Manor, Mr. Starling, is getting on up in years. He’s squawked about