When a Duke Loves a Governess (Unlikely Duchesses #3) - Olivia Drake Page 0,49
helping Guy navigate the myriad duties of the dukedom, training that he’d never received in his youth. No one—least of all himself—had ever expected he’d one day succeed to the title.
He was striding past an alcove when a man hailed him. Recognizing those lean features and the rakishly tousled blond hair, he broke into a smile. William Nye, now the Earl of Haviland, had been a close friend during their school years at Eton. Although they’d parted ways at Oxford, with Guy pursuing his studies and Will pursuing his vices, they’d kept in occasional contact over the years.
“By God, it’s good to see you, Will,” he said as they shook hands with a tight grip. “When I sent the invitation, I never really expected you to attend.”
“How could I miss the chance to congratulate the new Duke of Carlin? Well done, old boy, you’ve come up in the world.”
“As have you, inheriting the earldom. My condolences on your father’s passing last year.”
Haviland grimaced. “It’s required me to spend quite a lot of time at Ainsley Hall, tending to estate matters. You’d have chortled to see me with my nose glued to the account books. You know how I scorn work.”
Guy wondered if he was still drowning in River Tick due to his incessant gambling. Although rumors swirled about Will’s vast debts, Guy had never broached the topic. As adults, they’d always kept certain aspects of their lives private.
“With privilege comes duty,” Guy said wryly. “Though frankly, I could do without all the headaches of the rank.”
“I know what you mean. My father left the estate in shambles.” Haviland glanced around as if to ensure no eavesdroppers lurked nearby. “Nor was he as virtuous as the world believed. You see, on his deathbed, he admitted to siring a daughter with my younger sister’s governess.”
The old earl had been as much a despot as Guy’s grandfather. It was one of the things that had forged Guy’s unlikely friendship with Will. “That must have come as a shock.”
“Yes, well, it happened over twenty years ago while we were away at school. The callous old devil cast the poor woman out.” Haviland’s mouth twisted. “It was only when he was about to meet his Maker that he suffered an attack of conscience and made me swear to find her.”
“Did you have any success?”
“My father gave me an address, but the woman died years ago, and her daughter—my half sister—disappeared, never to be seen again. I managed to track down a few leads, but they ultimately led nowhere.” He shrugged as if it mattered little; then his mouth tilted in the engaging grin that had made him a favorite with the ladies. “Of course, my adventures have been tame compared with yours. Damme, wouldn’t we have loved to have had a treasure map back when we used to play pirates?”
Guy chuckled. “We’d have sneaked down to the docks and tried to board a ship to the Caribbean, only to be dispatched home in disgrace.”
Just then, two women emerged from the throng and strolled in his direction. It was Tessa, deep in conversation with Miss Knightley.
Tessa’s eyes widened on him. Guests milled in the corridor, talking and laughing, but Guy noticed only her. He could swear that a current of energy leaped between them. She must have felt it, too, because her aloof expression softened in the instant before she curtsied.
“Good evening, Your Grace.”
He bowed in return, disliking the custom that required her to show obeisance to him. Afraid she might continue on by, he drew her closer. “Lord Haviland, if I may introduce these ladies—”
“Miss Knightley,” Will broke in.
Guy paused, intrigued to note that Will’s face lacked its usual charming smile. A glance from him to Miss Knightley revealed that Will was staring at her as if transfixed and she was scowling back. A flush of color in her cheeks lent a prettiness to her mature features.
Her movements stiff, she curtsied. “If you’ll excuse me, Your Grace, I must return to Lady Victor. She will be wondering where I am.”
Her head held high, Miss Knightley sailed away and vanished into the crowd. “Later, old chap,” Will muttered in Guy’s direction before he strolled off in pursuit.
Guy stared after them, then glanced at Tessa. “That was … abrupt. I had no idea they even knew each other.”
One eyebrow arched, she appeared just as puzzled. “I’ve never heard Avis mention Lord Haviland. But I’ve only made her acquaintance recently.”