Duchess by Chance(17)

His guilt had steadily risen at leaving her behind, her words replaying themselves over and over inside his head. “At least you had the choice to live your life, your Grace. Traveling here with you is the first time I have left my father’s home.” He imagined her walking aimlessly from room to room at Stratton with only her thoughts for company.

“Five sighs.”

“Shut up, Kelkirk!” Daniel scowled.

Viscount Kelkirk and Daniel had been friends since they’d studied together at Eton. Both Simon and Daniel’s fathers had cared more for appearances than their sons’ happiness and so the two of them had formed a bond as close as brothers. Like Daniel, Simon was big, but where Daniel’s hair was brown Simon’s was grey, and had been since he turned nineteen. Women loved his silver tresses threaded with black strands, believing they gave him a distinguished air.

“You should just return home and apologize to her,” Simon told him.

“How do you know I have anything to apologize for?”

“Because you are preoccupied and withdrawn, two traits I have never before attributed to you,” Simon stated. “And as the last person you saw before coming back to London was your new wife, I surmised she was the source of your ill humor. So either you owe your duchess an apology or she owes you one.”

Daniel had not told him the whole story of his marriage, only that his father had been behind it and that his wife now resided at Stratton Lodge. “Haven’t you business somewhere? I’m sure there is someone else you could pester.”

“Why should I wish for another’s company when you are such a delightful companion?” Simon enquired with a smile that made Daniel’s scowl deepen. “So what is she like, your new duchess?”

“Timid.”

“Warts, moles, bent back or other inflictions?” probed Simon, his eyes fixed on his friend’s face.

“None of the above. Skinny wrists and a terrible fashion sense.” Daniel took a long swallow of brandy, which burned down his throat in a most satisfactory manner. And she fitted perfectly into his arms. He still had no idea what color eyes his wife had and for some reason, this made him feel guiltier.

“Have I met her family?”

“No.”

“No, they are not part of society or no, we have yet to be introduced?”
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“Kelkirk, my mood can at best be termed mean. Therefore, it would be in your interest to stop this line of questioning.”

“Did she have a season?” Simon asked, seemingly unworried by his friend’s threats.

“No.”

“Because her family is not part of society or because - ”

“Because she was already betrothed to me.” Daniel’s words sounded weary, as if dredged from his soul. Lord, it seemed he was either seething with rage these days or so tired he felt like he could sleep where he stood.

Simon studied Daniel. “And you had no idea that you were betrothed?”

Daniel’s laugh held no humor. “No. I found out as I stood dutifully beside my father’s deathbed. He did not ask after me or my future plans. He merely said I was to marry her. It was a touching paternal moment I will carry with me until my own death. I have arranged for you are to marry Miss Winchcomb.” Daniel mimicked his sire’s voice. It was a promise made at her birth, a promise you must now honor.”

“But why?”

“Now that - ” Daniel took another deep slug of his drink “- is something I do not know, since my father, with excellent timing, passed away before I could press him further.”

“Did your lawyers look over the document?”

Daniel sent his friend a foul look

“Of course. Forgive me.” Simon waved a hand. “It is just such a shock.”

“Try standing in my shoes.”

“And I presume the duchess was as shocked as you?” Simon said.

More guilt landed on his shoulders. “Yes, I now believe she was.”

“Now?” Simon questioned.

“Now that I have distanced myself from her and my anger has eased, I can see things more clearly.”

“Stratton!” came a voice beyond Simon.

“Have mercy!” Daniel hissed as he looked up into the faces of two of his new brother-in-laws. Thankfully, it seemed he was to be spared their father.

“Lord, Monty! If it isn’t our brother-in-law,” Bartholomew Winchcomb said. He then brayed loudly, sounding like a farmyard animal.

The elder Winchomb siblings were like two peas in a pod with their short and stocky frames, thinning red hair and wide, bulbous eyes. They looked nothing like the duchess, even though they shared a father.