Page 2 of The Duke's Twin
“How much do you need? I’m happy to give it to you.” Miles didn’t want Justin marrying the first woman he encountered with a large dowry and accounts at Drummonds. Just because Miles didn’t believe in love didn’t mean he would let his brother sacrifice that dream.
“You know I won’t take money from you, and the debt is too great for us to share it,” Justin said. “Besides, as I’ve said, the help I need involves guests at Wiltshire for the next week.”
“Ah yes, the mysterious guests,” Miles mused. “Well, don’t leave me in suspense. Out with it.”
Justin relaxed a little, his old confidence returning. “When I was in London last week, I was introduced to a man named Mr. Livingston. He’s quite well off and has two unwed daughters. One is rumored to be a great beauty and has just come out.”
“So you’ve invited the two heiresses here this weekend? The comely one and theother? Tell me this other one isn’t anything like Pepper Poncenby.” Miles prayed he wouldn’t spend the entire week running from a marriage trap.
“No, nothing like Miss Poncenby. Lydia and Rebecca are, I’m told, quite lovely ladies in both disposition and manner. Lydia is the younger and prettier one. Not that I chose her because of her looks. I haven’t seen either of the women yet. It’s just…” His brother struggled for words. “When I spoke with their father, his eyes lit up when he talked about Lydia. She’s intelligent, beautiful, able to run a large household, and she enjoys society as I do. I need that in a wife, someone who will competently handle the duties of a duchess.”
On that Miles had to agree. A duke needed a wife with a very particular set of skills and a social personality.
“And what of the other daughter? Did the father talk about her?” Miles was curious to know what sort of lady he would no doubt be in charge of somehow.
“Of course. Rebecca is quiet and sweet natured.”
“Sounds dreadful.”
“She’s not, I assure you. Say you’ll help me, Miles.”
It was hard to resist his twin’s pleading, but that didn’t mean he had to sound eager to do so. “Very well, I shall endeavor to help. What part must I play in your scheme, then?”
Justin’s face reddened, a sign of guilt if there ever was one. “Well…I want us to switch places, like we did as boys. That way I will be able to meet both ladies and discover which one suits me best without my title influencing their affections. I’m fairly certain I shall wish to marry Lydia, but I don’t want her to be aware of my preference until I am certain. I want a wife who wants me for me, not one who wants the title of duchess. We must stay switched the entire time in order for my idea to work.”
The idea was amusing, Miles would credit his brother that much. “So I am to play the firstborn brother and become the Duke of Wiltshire, and you will play the humble Miles Beresford?”
Justin quirked an eyebrow. “Humble?”
“Incrediblyhumble,” Miles joked. “But what happens should the ladies fall for the wrong brother? They’re likely to both fall in love withme. I’m the better brother, after all, with or without a title.”
Justin chuckled. “Such humility. Besides, since when would you risk being leg-shackled? I doubt you’d do anything to put your bachelorhood at risk. You must simply be charming, but nottoocharming. I know you, Miles. Your rakish reputation will likely have the young ladies and their mother in fits. So do be kind to my lovely guests. No heart-breaking, especially since you’ll be playing me.”
“Very well, I’ll play the gentleman.”
“You’d better,” Justin said.
Miles grinned. “My role shall be easy, but what of you? You will be forced to play me, said rakehell. What will the poor innocent lambs think of that?”
“They’ll think that for the first time Miles Beresford is on his best behavior. When I play you, I shall be a gentleman above reproach.”
“How very dull, brother,” Miles said with a laugh. “You know, being a bit wicked might do you and the young lady you desire some good.”
Justin smiled. “Perhaps, but it’s my duty to be good.”
A duty indeed. A duty that Miles would be forced to endure for an entire week.
A young footman appeared in the doorway. “Your Grace, I have received a message from Wiltshire Manor. Your guests will arrive in a few hours.”
“Thank you.” Justin nodded at the footman, who then disappeared from view, leaving the brothers alone.
“Now then. I suppose it’s time for you to become the duke, brother,” Justin said with a grin.
A grim smile settled on Miles’s face as he followed his brother outside.Bloody hell, what the devil have I gotten myself into?
2
Rebecca Livingston stared at the vast Wiltshire estate as her father’s coach rolled to a stop in front of the manor house. It was built with beautiful limestone and had a multitude of windows. Sunlight flashed off the panes, reminding her of light on a lake in the early morning. It was perfect, the sort of place a duchess would expect to live. Not that Rebecca had any intention of becoming a duchess. That was her little sister’s future, not hers.
