Page 103 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
I am pleased to inform you that your concern about the arrival of additional responsibilities is unfounded.
You will be relieved to know that we have no reason for further conversation.
Sincerely,
B
Xavier had absolutely no doubt who the note was from, and the offhand tone of her words had left him fuming.
He clenched his fingers around the balled-up note in his pocket. It had been delivered right as he was leaving for a bout at Gentleman Jackson’s. Of course he was relieved to learn she was not with child. Marrying in a hurry to disguise the arrival of a child never worked. People could count.
But that didn’t mean they should not marry. They had been intimate. If news of their affair got out, she wouldbe no less ruined. Why couldn’t she see that it would be best to forestall any chance of that sort of rumour? His name would offer all the protection she needed.
Why did she have to be so damned headstrong when it could all be orderly and logical?
Xavier strode into Jackson’s boxing saloon.
The owner took one look at him and shook his head. ‘I think your temper has the better of you. No one here will fight you.’
Xavier glared at him. ‘Since when does my temper have anything to do with it? My control—’
‘Is not what it was.’ The man shook his head. ‘Recently.’ He put a hand on Xavier’s shoulder. ‘You know it. Joe took almost a week to heal.’
Guilt filled him. He took a deep breath. ‘You are right. I have let personal problems cloud my judgement.’
‘Let me know when the problems are sorted out.’
‘Are you not boxing today?’ a familiar accented voice asked. ‘How disappointing. I had hoped to watch today, after an appointment robbed me of the privilege last time.’
He turned to greet Charles. ‘Apparently not.’ He hoped he sounded calmer than he felt. ‘There is no one available to spar.’ Not exactly an untruth.
Charles raised an eyebrow. ‘Shall we go to the club, then? Perhaps a brandy would not go amiss.’
What Xavier wanted to do was fight to exhaustion and calm. He still did not know how to deal with Barbara, or how he felt about her refusal. ‘A brandyis a fine idea.’
With St James’s Street only a few steps away, it was not long before they were seated in comfortable leather armchairs in a quiet corner of the reading room in White’s and sipping in silence. At least, for a few minutes.
‘What causes your frown?’ Charles asked. ‘I am guessing a woman. Am I right? Should I wager on it?’
Xavier felt his spine stiffen. Were his emotions really so obvious? He loathed the sort of gossip men liked to engage in. But devil take it, Charles wasn’t wrong. ‘The lady in question is being far from cooperative.’
‘It is hard to imagine someone of your rank and wealth having difficulties with a female. But some can be unexpectedly spirited.’
Perhaps that was the problem. A rebellious female like Barbara would balk at any sort of restraint. Likely he had handled her badly.
‘What is your advice for dealing with a wilful woman?’
Charles chuckled but there was an uncomfortable edge to it. ‘Regarding my sister-in-law, you know my opinion.’
Xavier did not let his shock show on his face. At least, he thought he had not. ‘Now, why would you think I was referring to the Countess?’
‘I saw the warmth in your eyes at the theatre, my friend. And you have danced with her at every ball I have attended. I also see her expression when she regards you, when you are not looking her way. It is the way she looked at my brother before they wed.’
‘Oh, and how is that?’
‘Like the cat watching a bird.’ He laughed. ‘Ready to pull you down in her claws.’
‘I thought you two were friends? She seems to think so. And yet…’ He sipped his drink and waited.
