To Save a Love - Alexa Aston Page 0,16
the other half of his soul but after all these years, that still belonged to Anna, along with his heart. As the new Earl of Torrington, however, it would be his duty to provide an heir. He wondered if it might be better for his older nephew to take the title instead. It would be something he asked the mysterious and yet pragmatic Mr. Capshaw when they met in person. If Dalinda’s boy could serve as his heir, Dez would never have any need to marry. He thought that might be for the best because he would make for a terrible husband. He saw no need to put some poor woman through a marriage with him when he still ached for the dead girl he would always love.
He rode directly to the stables, where a groom took his horse, and he was shown toward the house. Dez knocked on the front door and was greeted by the butler.
“I have no calling card,” he revealed, “since I have just returned from Spain. I am Lord Torrington, brother to Her Grace.”
The butler’s brows rose a good inch. “Yes, my lord. Do come in.” The servant opened the door wider and stepped aside so Dez could enter.
Immediately, he saw the grandeur of the foyer and was pleased Dalinda had done well for herself. She had written to him of their father’s scheme to wed her off to a much older man and how the Duke of Gilford, a complete stranger, had come to her rescue. Her letters seemed to show she was happy in the match although the duke’s health had suffered in recent years.
“Allow me to escort you to the drawing room, my lord,” the butler said.
Dez was led to the destination, taking in all the magnificent art and sculptures in the corridor before they even reached the drawing room.
“I will let Her Grace know you are here, my lord. Might you be staying the night—or longer?”
It was already mid-afternoon. Remaining at Gillingham overnight would make sense.
“Yes, I will stay this evening and leave early tomorrow morning.”
“Very well, my lord. I will let Mrs. Paul, our housekeeper, know. And I am Bellows. If you need anything, I will tend to it.”
“Thank you, Bellows.”
The butler left and Dez began idly roaming the room. He caught movement from the corners of his eyes as the door swung open quietly and two shapes scurried in, hiding behind a settee. It had to be his nephews, boys whom he had never met and yet knew so much about, thanks to his twin’s letters over the years.
A giggle sounded and one boy shushed the other.
He bit back a smile and said, “I have been in the military since I was eighteen years of age. I know when someone tries to sneak up on me, be they friend or foe.”
Two heads popped up and the taller boy, who must be Arthur, punched Harry, his younger brother, in the shoulder.
“I told you to be quiet,” he chided.
“Harry didn’t give you away,” Dez revealed. “I noticed you come in.”
“How?” Arthur demanded.
“I told you. My experience in the military.”
“Who are you?” Harry asked. “How do you know my name?”
He smiled. “I know quite about the two of you from your mother.”
Harry’s face lit in a smile. “You’re Uncle Dez.”
He nodded and the boy raced from behind the settee, flinging himself at Dez. He caught up his nephew and gave him a sound kiss on the cheek.
Harry frowned and wiped his face with the back of his hand. “I don’t want to be kissed,” he announced.
Dalinda had written that of the two, Harry was still affectionate with her, while Arthur stretched the boundaries of independence. It seemed the younger boy might be taking his cues from the older one.
Dez released Harry and said, “Come and greet your old uncle, Arthur.”
Arthur stepped toward him and bowed. Offering his hand, Dez shook it—and then grabbed him and kissed him as he had Harry. Arthur squirmed and wriggled from his grasp.
“Are you really our uncle Dez?” he demanded.
“The very one.”
Arthur turned to Harry. “He’s the brother Mama likes. It’s the other one who was mean to her.”
He wondered at Dalinda’s indiscretion, revealing old family secrets to her sons.
Harry nodded. “I remember. Mama told Papa about the mean one that time in the garden.” He looked to Dez. “We aren’t supposed to listen in when others are talking but sometimes that’s the only way Arthur and I learn anything.”
Dez couldn’t help but laugh. “That is called