Page 26 of Foolish Bride
Thomas was the last to arrive.
It was so important to him to tell them all together. He detested the idea of them hearing from the papers or through gossip. He wanted to tell them of his good fortune. Perhaps that would make him feel more joy about his prospects. The dinner party was a convenient moment, since they were all meeting at Daniel’s townhouse anyway.
“I hope Lady Marlton was not too put out by my request.” Michael eased his grip on the crystal glass.
“She is as curious as I, but she is American so less patient. I am afraid, unless you swear us all to secrecy, I will have to tell her what this is about no more than twelve seconds after we open those doors.” Daniel grinned.
They all laughed.
“Out with it, Mike,” Markus said.
Michael turned to Thomas. “I met with your friend Hardwig yesterday.”
“He didn’t dare to ask you to go on another mission. I’ll break his neck.” Thomas stood, downed his brandy, and slammed the glass down.
Markus stood as well, pointed at Michael, and paced the dark red rug. “They wouldn’t dare ask you to go over to France again. That mission was to be the last. It was agreed. They can’t possibly go back on their word now. And Hardwig of all people, after all we did for his career.”
Daniel watched Michael with one brow raised.
It was good to have friends who cared so much. “Sit down, both of you. I am not going to France.”
“What did you meet with James about, then?” Tugging on his jacket, Thomas returned to his seat.
Heart pounding, he had to draw a deep breath to steady his nerves. “I want you all to be the first to meet the Fourth Duke of Kerburghe.”
“W-what?” Markus stuttered.
“It seems the third duke died without anyone to inherit. The title and that of Marques of Innis remitted to the crown. For my efforts, I was presented these titles.” He surprised himself with the calm tone of his voice, because his heart pounded out of his chest.
“You’re a duke?” Wide-eyed, Thomas leaned forward.
“I am afraid so,” Michael said.
Thomas leaped up and grabbed him in a bear hug that staggered him. Then he laughed. “Daniel, get more brandy. We need a toast.”
There was a great deal of laughter, back-slapping, and toasting. They each must have called him “your grace” a dozen times. When it was time for the rest of the guests to arrive, Michael was feeling much better and more comfortable with his new title.
A knock brought all four heads around like boys caught stealing sweets.
Finally, Daniel said, “Come in.”
Smiling, Lady Marlton glided into the room. Crystals stitched into her bodice caught the light exquisitely. She looked at the brandy decanter and shook her head. “Will you all be competent this evening? If not, I certainly hope the reason for your indulgence is extraordinary.”
Daniel strode to his wife and kissed her cheek. “You mean you will forgive us if we tell you what this is all about.”
“Of course.” She slapped his shoulder.
Daniel looked at Michael for permission. Once he had a nod, he said, “Michael is no longer a knight.”
Wide-eyed, she transformed into a threatening viper. No one would want to get on the wrong side of the Countess of Marlton. “What?” Hands clenched into fists, she propped them on her hips. “How can this be?”
Michael stepped forward. These were his closest friends. On the first day of school, Thomas Wheel had been fun and outgoing. He had been the one to bring them all together with his quick wit and easy manner. It was thanks to Markus and Daniel that he and Thomas had passed all their classes. They shared a rare friendship, each one willing to risk their life for the others. “Your husband is teasing you. I am not a knight because I have been elevated.”
Her dark hair hung loose around her shoulders. “Elevated to what, Michael?”
Thomas and the countess were great friends. Before Daniel proposed, Thomas had offered for her. “You can no longer call him Michael. He is too grand now. You must call him your grace.”
She gasped. “A duke.” She rushed forward and hugged him, then backed away a step. “They’ve made you a duke. Oh, Michael, that’s wonderful news.”
