Page 10 of Matters of a Duke's Heart
“And Lady Helena was rather loud about the ending of our arrangement.” His eyes shuttered closed for a moment as he recalled the devastation and anger on Lady Helena’s face, marring her pale features. How could you? She had hissed. I was to be your duchess.
And, as Spencer had callously protested, he had not promised her anything—not his dukedom, nor his eternity.
He’d spent so long poring over Rupert’s list. His first marriage had been arranged, but this time he had needed to think about it more strategically. Alexander needed a good maternal figure, and Spencer…
Well, Spencer did not know what he needed, but he was certain it was not a wife.
So, for now, he focused on his son’s wellbeing.
***
The Earl of Merriweather’s townhouse was nestled in among a line of fine residences, the white exterior filled with blooming lavender and lilies that poured out of window baskets to line the front walkway.
The gate creaked open as Spencer entered, casting a glance at the windows. Through one of the higher up windows, he noticed movement—a person that vanished almost as soon as he glanced up.
“Hm.” He sighed and continued onward to the front door, where, after he knocked, he was greeted by a lined-faced butler. “I am here to meet with Lord Merriweather.”
“Of course, Your Grace. This way please.”
Spencer was led into the entrance hall where a high ceiling arched over him, the windows providing so much light he almost wondered what it felt like to have such a thing: a family home that did not have dark pasts or secrets, so much happiness that the home itself seemed to attract the light.
In comparison to the relative curtained shadows of Langdon House, Spencer was envious.
He took a step forward, and he swore he felt the rush of a small toddler, but he knew it was only his mind imagining how, once upon a time, light had washed through the hallways of his home.
Alexander’s laughter echoed in his mind, followed by a frustrated sigh. Why can he not simply let me go? Sophia had muttered.
You are his mother, and he misses you, Spencer had told her countless times. Of course he will try to play with you to keep your attention.
His wife had only rolled her eyes.
In another life, she would not have done that. In another life, she may have softened at his reminder, turned back to Alexander, and scooped up their son lovingly and promised her loyalty to Spencer and him.
Darkly, Spencer rid himself of those thoughts as he walked further down the hallway to a study. Entering, he saw the earl sitting at his desk, his eyes cast downward onto his work. The Earl immediately glanced up, a bright, warm smile breaking out over his face.
“Your Grace,” Lord Merriweather called out cheerfully, rising from his desk. “Thank you for meeting me. The circumstances are most joyous, no?”
“Joyous,” Spencer echoed, nodding grimly. “Yes, I do believe so.”
“Can I pour you a drink?” The earl gestured over to the bar set up adjacent to his desk, much like Spencer’s own. Notably, it had more bottles than Spencer’s. “After all, we may have something to toast very shortly.”
“Indeed, we might,” Spencer agreed, attempting to smile. Lord Merriweather stood to pour them a drink each from a glass of expensive wine. If Spencer was truly going to commit to marriage then that also meant committing to properly reentering society and making good connections and alliances.
The Merriweathers were a good family, and it would do Spencer well to align himself with them and earn their favor. A duke he may be, but even dukes needed connections.
The ton could still make or break his reputation if he remained isolated.
He pushed his smile a little wider, a little more sincere, thinking of his son. “I will not waste your time, Lord Merriweather. Iam a man who speaks plainly, and I do not attempt to insult your intelligence by buying time. I wish to marry your eldest daughter, Lady Felicity Merriweather. It is true that we have not met, for I have not been in society, but I hear she is very well-admired despite being in her third Season.”
At his blunt declaration, the earl’s eyes widened, but his smile did as well. “You are right in that you do not waste time, and I appreciate that, Your Grace. I am a man who prides myself on taking into account the wishes of my daughters. As such, that is why my eldest is in her third Season.”
“I have heard she is well-liked.”
“She is,” he agreed with a wry smile. “Only… she is hard to please, I suppose is the best way to put it.”
“With all due respect, My Lord, I do not aim to woo her. I wish for a timely arrangement. I believe Lady Felicity will make an excellent duchess, and maternal figure to my son. You are aware of him?”
Lord Merriweather nodded. “I have heard some stories, but none that I will listen to before your own.”
