Page 50 of Her Duke By Accident
“Was there a failed business venture?”
“Don’t you know?” he asked.
Matthew shrugged.
Lord Danvers bent closer to him as though someone might overhear them. “The late Lord Egerton was involved with some sketchy fellows, as the story goes. One failed investment, and all the funds collected from a few well-known families were off in some swindler’s pocket. There was no way for any of them to trust the marquess again, so they pulled their funds out of his business.”
The baron took another drink before he continued. “Suppose that was why their debutante didn’t enter society till a bit late.”
“You mean my wife,” Matthew said.
“Oh,” he said, holding his hands up defensively. “I meant no insult, Your Grace.”
“None taken.”
“The Egerton name was disgraced for a year or two, but then the late marquess passed on, and not even his eldest son was seen in the ton,” the baron explained. “This Season was the perfect time for them to reenter society. Most are past what happened, or too well-off to care what burdened their finances before.” He eyed the duke. “She’s a beautiful bride.”
Matthew nodded and stared down at his brandy. “Quite a nosy one, too.”
The baron had a laugh before he flagged down the barman for another drink.
“Have you had any luck looking for marriage, Danvers?”
“I wish I could say I had,” the baron replied. “It’s quite hard these days to find a well-rounded lady. One who is skilled in an instrument, as well as literature. One who is not a bore, but nothing exciting.”
“Quite the qualifications you have.”
“Well, it’s needed,” Lord Danvers said with a laugh. “Tell me, Your Grace, what was it about your bride that sent you running to Lew’s and Crake’s?”
Matthew stiffened. “I never said I came here to run away.”
“We gentlemen understand each other, Your Grace,” he said. “Look around. Most of the men here tonight are already wed, just needing to get away from their estate. Whether it’s the children or the wife, they are all here for the same reason.”
The duke looked over the boisterous crowd of aristocratic men and bristled. Never had he expected to group himself with them, with men who were much like his father. He pushed his empty glass away, feeling a pit in his stomach.
“So, what was it?” the baron pressed on. “Did she get too far into your business? Care too much about where your time went?”
Matthew tried to hide his surprise. “It isn’t that simple.”
“Isn’t it? Ladies want to be as wrapped up in your world as possible.”
He thought of Lucy and sighed. “I suppose that isn’t too bad in some cases.”
“Really?”
Matthew shrugged.
“You’ve surprised me, Your Grace,” Danvers said with his eyebrows raised. “More of a gentleman than I assumed.”
As the baron stood to retrieve another drink, Matthew gathered his hat and gloves.
“Leaving already?” Lord Danvers asked when he returned to a standing Matthew.
“Busy day tomorrow,” he shortly replied with a bow. “But it was a pleasure, as always.”
“You must come back soon, Your Grace,” the baron pleaded. “It’s great business to see you here.”
Matthew raised a brow. “Let me guess. You’re a sponsor for this club.”
