Page 65 of The Duke's Vice

The word felt like dust on his tongue, but he pushed on.

“However, I will admit that this has gone on for too long.”

Frederic considered Ezra’s words. “Only if you are still steadfast in not wanting to marry.”

“I can’t marry her.”

Ezra did not appreciate how his gut seemed to drop at his admission.

Frederic snorted. “And remind me again why you can’t. From what Melinda said it seemed like she would be willing to change her stance on spinsterhood for you.”

Ezra steeled his thoughts. His mind pushed to allow him to fantasize what a life with Beatrice would look like. Alas, he knew he could not offer the life she deserved. He was not soft, he was not one to think of others first. One would only have to look at his sister’s situation before Frederic to see how he could fail.

He could not, and would not, let that happen to Beatrice.

“Ezra?” Frederic’s voice penetrated Ezra’s thoughts.

“Beatrice is not your sister. And even if she reminds you of her, your sister is fine and well taken care of. If you want her, take her and end this madness. For both of you.”

End this madness.

This is madness.

Ezra finished his tumbler and slammed it on the table. “You’re right, Frederic.” He stood and straightened his jacket. “See? I can admit when you’re right.”

Frederic stood and followed his friend through the club. He stopped Ezra just as he was about to open the door. “So you’re going to marry her?”

Frederic sounded hopeful. Ezra smiled and clapped his hand on his friend’s shoulder.

“No. I’m going to end the madness.”

Ezra left Frederic standing in the darkened club. With every step that carried him further away from the conversation his feet became heavier. He knew he was doing the right thing, for Beatrice’s sake, but it didn’t lighten his step in the slightest.

CHAPTER 18

“Ah, Your Grace! I’m so glad you could join us this afternoon. My dear Edwin said you wouldn’t be caught dead at garden party.” Lady Ellsworth flitted her fan in front of her face to hide her cheeky grin.

Ezra pushed out a breath. Her dearest Edwin was normally right. But he had gotten word that Stoleton would be here today and he had business to finish up with the man. It was of no consequence to him that the Duke’s sister-in-law was a certain lady with whom he decided to stop seeing. Although, he had yet to tell her that.

“It’s my honor and pleasure to be here today, Lady Ellsworth. Please give my condolences to your husband for being wrong.”

Ezra jolted when the woman’s obnoxiously high-pitched laugh rang out and she swatted him with her fan. “Oh, how funny! I shall do that. Don’t think I won’t!”

He nodded his head and cast his eyes out over the garden for any sign of Stoleton so he could excuse himself from this dreaded small talk. Unfortunately for his escape, he could feel the woman’s eyes still on him.

“Its, um, a lovely day for the party.” He grounded out. He absolutely loathed small talk.

Overly flamboyant hosts aside, it was a nice day out. Not too hot to be sweltering under the hot summer sun, yet it wasn’t too cold to chase everyone inside. He assumed the topic would occupy his host while allowing him to further scan for Stoleton.

Lady Ellsworth preened like she had any say in the outcome of the day. “It truly is, isn’t it? Say,” she took a step closer. “I heard you have your sights set on theton’s newest diamond. Is that true?”

The direct change in conversation caused him to rock back on his heels. The heavy weight of scandal loomed over him causing him to crack his neck. “I don’t know what you heard, Lady Ellsworth, but I have no intention of courting or marrying anyone.”

Ezra caught movement towards the floral arch that welcomed the guests. Stoleton and his wife stood next to Beatrice and her mother.

“Oh, I didn’t mean to offend, Your Gr-”

“I suggest you stick to your garden parties, Lady Ellsworth, and leave the gossiping to the professionals like your husband.” Ezra ignored the gasp that came from the old wench as he walked down the steps and towards the arch.

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