Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,47
staff know how successful this Christmas dinner was.”
“I will, Your Grace,” the butler replied.
“I’m dismissing you and the footmen,” the duke added. “You can clear these dishes away later. For now, you need to join your own Christmas celebration in the servants’ hall.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
The butler and four footmen filed from the room.
“Shall we retire to the drawing room?” Sam asked. “I’ve got a few parlor games I need to set up for us.”
Weston groaned. “Games?”
“Yes. Why don’t you men sit and have a glass of port first? By then, I’ll have everything ready.”
The ladies rose and once they’d vacated the room, Weston turned to Jon and said, “Quit eyeing Lady Ruthersby. I plan to make her my wife.”
Jon whistled. “Don’t tell me the same bug which bit George has now decided to nibble on you.” He paused. “Have you declared for her yet?”
“No,” he admitted. “She’s skittish. I didn’t want to lose her so I convinced her to enter an agreement with me.”
“What kind of agreement?” Andrew asked.
“She’s to help me find a bride this coming Season. In return, I will use my connections to vet a husband for her.”
Jon laughed. “And you will reject every woman she suggests, I suppose, while making sure you are the only candidate standing by Season’s end?”
“Something like that,” he said testily. Hearing it aloud made him question his judgment.
“Do you love her?” Andrew asked quietly.
“Love’s got nothing to do with it,” he declared. “I went down that path before and it proved disastrous. For now, I recognize that Lady Ruthersby has all the qualities I would want in a wife and the mother of my children. That’s enough for me.”
“It may not be enough for her,” George said. “If you don’t love her, don’t marry her, West. It wouldn’t be fair to either of you.”
“See here, George, you can’t go thinking everyone can fall in love. Simply because you and Andrew are the rare exceptions and have both found a love match doesn’t mean that the rest of us will. Or even want to. I like Lady Ruthersby quite a bit. I actually am lusting after her, truth be told. I’m doing my best to be a gentleman, however. I will present viable candidates to her but, in the end, I plan to make her my duchess.”
Weston glanced back to Jon. “That means no pursuit of her on your part.”
“All right. I’ll agree to not vie for her hand but I will most certainly ask her to dance. It would be rude of me not to, now that we’ve been introduced. It will also keep another suitor from dancing with her.”
“That’s acceptable,” he said.
“I still think you do both of you a disservice,” Andrew stated. “I know how happy Phoebe and I are. I want that for you, too, Weston.”
“I will be happy with Elise. She’s a remarkable woman. I also am quite fond of her daughter. We will get along splendidly. I have no doubt about that. She’s suffered through some difficult times. I plan to pamper her and always care for her.” He paused. “Let’s join the ladies.”
The four men rose and Weston motioned to Andrew to wait a moment, allowing George and Jon to leave the room first.
As they fell into step behind the pair, Weston said quietly, “I need to tell you something.”
“More than letting me know you are ready to wed the delightful Lady Ruthersby?” his friend teased.
“The carriage accident that killed Borwick and Nathan? Lady Ruthersby’s husband also perished in it,” he revealed. “I thought you should know in case Phoebe learns of this connection.”
Andrew nodded. “I appreciate the warning, Weston. Does Lady Ruthersby know Phoebe was married to Borwick?”
“I told her.”
“If I’ve learned one thing about women since I have wed, it is that they talk. About everything,” Andrew said. “I’m certain they will discuss this matter but I do thank you for preparing me in case Phoebe grows upset when she learns of the connection.”
*
Elise went with the others to the drawing room. She had enjoyed the meal very much, the conversation as much as the food. Weston had some very nice friends and she hoped she would see more of them when the Season began, the exception being the Windhams since they would be absent as they expected their first child.
“Weston told us of your carriage accident, Lady Ruthersby, but he didn’t say where you and your daughter were headed,” her hostess said.
“We were going home to Briarcliff. It’s about ten miles