as it is.”
Drew’s brows drew together. “And why can’t you touch her?”
Luke had never known his youngest brother to abstain from anything he desired, which likely accounted for his bemusement. “If I’m to help Vivian make a match, I cannot ruin her, now can I?”
“I see no reason you should hand her over to another gent, especially if you’re entertaining thoughts of bedding her.”
“I am not thinking of bedding her.” At least the thought hadn’t invaded his mind for the past ten minutes, but it was back like an annoying itch he couldn’t scratch. “I promised to help her find a husband, and I honor my word.”
Drew shrugged. “Lana had some decent gentlemen on her list, but you dismissed them all. Who do you think would be a good match for Lady Vivian?”
“I haven’t decided, but none of those will do.”
The thought of Vivian marrying Lord Corby or Mitcham did not sit well with him, even if the gentlemen did boast sterling reputations. Nor did he care for Lord Ledbery or Mr. Theobald. And what in God’s name made Lana believe Osborn, Kirby, or Gillingham would make a decent match for Vivian? She needed a husband who understood and embraced her nature. Luke wasn’t certain if any gentlemen of his acquaintance would meet his standards.
Drew cleared his throat. “What are your intentions for yourself once you have ensured the lady is well settled in marriage? I hate to sound like Rich, but you are the duke now. Neither our brother nor I may assume the role.”
Luke’s lips thinned. That was the rub. Only he could bear the title, but he was least suited to fulfill the duties. At one time, he had been ready to embrace his role, but that was before his accident.
He had been engaging in tomfoolery with his Oxford classmates in the dormitory corridor. He remembered almost nothing beyond that moment, aside from the crash of glass and cold air on his face. The impact remained a forgotten memory, one he didn’t care to recall. Yet, sometimes the fall came back to him in flashes as he drifted to sleep at night, causing him to jerk awake and his heart to slam against his ribs.
“Let’s see how the expedition goes before we begin settling my future,” he said. “Later I will concern myself with finding a wife. If I make it back.”
“Stop talking that way. Of course you’ll make it back, but Lady Vivian will be lost to you by then.”
Luke’s stomach lurched and he swallowed against the bitter taste at the back of his throat. “If I return, I’ll find someone else.”
Drew scowled but said nothing.
“Marriage is about mutual benefit for both parties, and a title wouldn’t be enough for Lady Vivian.”
Was that true? She had said she could be content living a life apart from one another.
“Marriage is about mutual benefit, is it?” Drew said. “How foolish of me to believe love might play a small role.”
“One can’t deny you are foolish in the extreme.” In truth, both of Luke’s younger brothers were besotted fools. Richard was just as arsey varsey over his wife as Drew was for Lana, but one could not deny they were in the minority. Gentlemen of means and title married for many different reasons. Love was an illogical one.
“Don’t become too smug, brother,” Drew said with a smirk. “You’re in danger of joining the rank of fools, too. I have noticed how you regard Lady Vivian.”
Just the mention of her name stirred Luke’s body. “This conversation has grown tedious. First one to reach the bend ahead is the winner.”
Drew’s horse shot forward. “Loser buys the ale,” he shouted over his shoulder.
Luke squinted against the fine dust cloud stirred up by the other horse’s hooves and lightly kicked Thor into a gallop. His horse reached full stride in moments and closed the lead.
Drew’s whoop carried on the wind as he anticipated victory. His hat whipped from his head. Luke ducked before it hit his face.
Thor reached the other horse’s hindquarters just as they rounded the bend, his brother besting him as he usually did when they raced.
Luke and Drew eased back on the reins to slow their horses. Luke’s heart beat heavily and he laughed, exhilarated by racing neck-or-nothing against his brother.
Drew’s cheeks were red and his hair was tousled. “The ale is on you tonight, old man.”
“You had an early start.”
Drew grinned, that same cocky smirk he’d sported since he had worn short pants. “My only advantage was that I’m