Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,70

of luck and I won’t be able to repeat it again.”

“Was everything perfect with Ruthersby?”

“No,” she admitted. “But we suited well enough. He didn’t try to change me, nor I him. Who knows if the marriage would have been successful, though? He died so young. We never were confronted with any serious problems. Perhaps we would have drifted apart.”

He took her hand. “Your next husband will not drift away. He will be a perfect match to you in every way.”

“You sound so certain.”

“I am.”

She tried to pull her hand from his. “Let go, Weston. Someone might see. It’s already going to cause gossip enough us being seen in the park together.”

“You seem to think that’s a bad thing.”

Elise twisted her hand and it came free of her glove. He continued holding it.

“Please give it to me.”

“Let me put it on you.”

“No!’ she cried and then looked around to see if she’d drawn attention. “I know you mean well but I don’t think we should be out in public anymore. People will start to think we are a couple.”

Weston returned her glove. She unbuttoned a few buttons and slipped her fingers into it. He fought the urge to button it back as he watched her struggle to do so. Finally, she gave up, letting her hands rest in her lap.

“I do need to know one thing,” she said quietly.

Weston steeled himself.

“About last night. The kiss.”

“What about it?”

“Why did you kiss me?”

Because I couldn’t help myself.

“I needed to remind you that passion—and desire—will be an important part of the choice you make. Did you kiss anyone last night?”

She looked startled. “No. Only you. No opportunity presented itself. If it does, I will certainly try it. I agree that I should find a man I enjoy kissing.” She paused. “Why did you warn me about Lord Ivy?”

He’d struggled on how much to tell her and then decided she deserved nothing less than the truth.

Even if it made him look bad.

“It’s a number of things. On the surface, he’s polished. Handsome. He recently came into his title and fortune. Beneath the veneer, however, he is cruel. Not the least bit clever.”

“And you know this how?” she demanded.

“We were at school together. He was behind me by a few years. Still, he was stupid and a bully and a snob.” He swallowed. “There’s more. He was tupping his stepmother.”

Elise gasped.

“She is younger than he is. Married the dead Lord Ivy for his money. I have a problem with a man who lacks scruples. Coming from Disrepute, I know that sounds odd, but it’s true.” He faced her. “Elise, the young Lady Ivy was someone I coupled with once.”

She grew very still. “I know you have had countless lovers.”

“Her husband was old and infirm. It was according to my rules. Only once. In secret. Frankly, if I would have known she was bedding her stepson, I never would have touched her.”

Elise stood and he rose, tucking her hand through his arm. They began walking.

“I can see why Lord Ivy would be unsuitable for me. You are right, Weston. He has a handsome face but little substance. Certainly no scruples. He is not a man I would want around Claire.”

“Ivy has threatened to kill me.”

She stumbled and he caught her. “Tell me.”

“Apparently, Lady Ivy told her stepson that she preferred me as a lover, enraging him. He wanted to challenge me to a duel or some other nonsense. I left London with George, hoping he would cool off. In the meantime, his father died. He assumed full control of the estate and moved his stepmother to the dower’s house at his country estate. She is not in London this Season since she is in mourning. I’m hoping he’s forgotten all about it. From what I gleaned at my club, he has bedded several women since then.”

“So you think you are safe?”

“I believe so. We haven’t come face to face yet. If we do, I’ll be able to see the truth in his eyes. Since he’s dropped his pursuit of his stepmother, I doubt he’ll come after me. It would only dredge up old gossip. I think he’s well on his way to becoming London’s leading rake.”

“Still, you should be careful, Weston,” she said, her face full of worry. “I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”

“It won’t. I just wanted to warn you as to the kind of man Lord Ivy truly is.”

Elise smiled, causing warmth to radiate through him. Of all the women he’d been with,