A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,36

turned her head in such a manner that they wouldn’t be overheard. “I ask because I’d like to see Katherine make a match with my brother. That’s why I invited him here this evening. I’d like for her to meet him. They’d get along famously.”

Christian didn’t move. He’d been taught as an officer never to give away any hint of what he was thinking. Any unease or anger could be used against him. It wouldn’t do when confronting the enemy.

But who exactly was the enemy?

More importantly, who was he fighting for? Katherine?

The whole idea was absurd.

He inhaled as deeply as he could without giving away the disquiet that rolled through him like a cool ocean wave. Slowly, he released his breath. With the calmest façade he could muster, he said, “I wasn’t aware that she is seeking to remarry so soon after my brother’s passing.”

For the first time in three years, he’d referred to Meri as his brother. Slowly, he placed his serviette beside his plate. What in bloody blazes was happening to him?

It would be easy to blame Meri as he was the reason Christian joined the war. He had proclaimed himself finished with anything in this world related to his father, his stepmother, and Meri. Yet, his half brother’s spirit seemed to haunt him at every move and every turn.

But the undeniable truth? It was Katherine who haunted him tonight.

Helen reached out and placed one hand over his. The warmth of her skin did nothing to melt the ice that churned through his veins, fighting to take control.

“I’m sorry if I’ve taken you by surprise, Your Grace.” She withdrew her hand slowly and turned her gaze to Katherine. A warm smile of true friendship graced Helen’s face. “Katherine is dear to me. She’s a new friend, but one of my closest. I’d give anything to have her be part of my family. My brother is heir to my father’s earldom. He could offer her security.”

“Of course, the sanctity of marriage offers security for those who respect the institution. But what about the notion of to love, honor, and cherish? You don’t want either of them to risk a hasty marriage without anything in common.” Christian could have cringed at the irony he spoke. There were no guarantees that the notion of “love, honor, and cherish” was accepted universally. His own family had thrown those words into the pig trough. His father didn’t love his mother. Nor did he honor her when he kept a mistress. Meri didn’t honor or cherish Katherine or the other women he had married. It only proved that Meri loved himself.

For God’s sake, why had he turned down that whisky? He’d trade his dukedom for that drink right now.

“Miles is a good man. I think he and Katherine would make each other happy.” Helen’s tone turned more direct. “Your brother’s early demise demonstrates that none of us should dally when it comes to marriage.”

That statement Christian could agree with. He stole a glance in Katherine’s direction. She laughed at something Woodhaven said. The look of happiness was becoming on her. He’d never seen her look so pretty.

For the life of him, he couldn’t understand why she married his profligate brother. What better opportunity than to be sitting next to her best friend to discover the truth?

He turned his attention to his hostess. “May I ask you a question? Was their marriage a love match?”

Helen silently placed her fork across her plate. “What do you think?” Before he could respond, she answered her own question. “It’s not for me to say. They married quickly, then he left her,” she hissed quietly.

“What’s your speculation?”

Helen narrowed her eyes, clearly taking his measure.

“Your brother was a fool.” No one else could hear, but the anger in her voice was unmistakable. “Your brother left her shortly after the ceremony. That’s not a love match in my estimation.”

“How shortly did he leave?” he asked, dreading the answer.

“You should ask her.” She shrugged slightly. “It’s painful for Katherine, as you might imagine. But I ask you, what kind of man would leave a woman like that?” Her voice turned sharper. “She’s fashioned one of the most successful shopping emporiums in all of London. She’s created jobs for people who have no other opportunities in life. Her linens are works of art. With a little help and support from a man worthy of her, she could yield immeasurable power over the commercial and economic leaders in this country. She’ll leave a legacy