Page 33 of She Tempts the Duke
He laughed. “They all catch my fancy.”
Sebastian was well aware that Tristan caught theirs. During his time at Rafe’s, he’d seen the women draped over Tristan as though he stole the bones from their bodies with a mere glance. Even at Lady Ivers’s dinner party, the young ladies were eyeing Tristan as though he were their favorite chocolate. He wasn’t envious, but he did miss the enthusiasm with which women had once come to his bed.
The door opening caught his attention. His butler strode in, carrying a salver. Sebastian came to his feet, wondering who might be calling.
“A missive has arrived, Your Grace.”
Sebastian took the envelope, turned it over. The waxed seal carried no crest, but outlined a single rose. Perfume wafted up to tease his nostrils. Orchids. It had been more than a week since he’d relished Mary’s sweet fragrance, but he would recognize it anywhere.
“You’re done here, Thomas. I’ll ring for you if I need to send a response.”
“Very good, sir.”
He waited until the butler had left before returning to his chair. He’d never had any correspondence while he was away. He’d envied the men who had received missives from home. He slid the tip of the letter opener into place and relished the ripping sound. He removed the folded paper and opened it.
It’s imperative that we meet at Rotten Row at four. I shall be riding a chestnut gelding.
Always your friend,
Mary
As though he needed to know the shade of her horse in order to find her. Her hair would give her location away. Even tucked up beneath a hat, it would serve as a divining rod for him.
“I can’t determine if you’re delighted or bothered by what you’re reading,” Tristan murmured.
“It’s from Mary. She wishes to meet me at Hyde Park. She says it’s important.”
“Rather cryptic. Any notion regarding what might be important?”
“No, but I doubt it bodes well.” He trailed his finger over the delicate script. He wondered if this meeting would go any better than the previous ones. He did hope they weren’t forever destined to have abrupt partings.
“Maybe she’s simply inventing some excuse to see you again,” Tristan said. “You two seldom went a day without visiting each other, and here it’s been several.”
“We were children, caught up in play.”
“ ’Tis true she’s no longer a child, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get caught up in play.”
Sebastian scowled at Tristan. “She is a lady for God’s sake. Do not imply otherwise.”
“Have you no interest in her at all?”
“As a friend, of course. As more than that ... I do not think we’d suit.” He looked away when Tristan arched an eyebrow. “Besides, she’s betrothed.”
“Betrothals can be broken.”
“Not without consequences.”
“So you’ve considered it?”
“No.” Blast his brother for even putting the notion in his head.
“I think he selected her for her dowry. Her father was quite generous with it. Fitzwilliam’s family’s coffers are not quite as flush as they lead people to believe.”
“How do you know this?”
Tristan grinned. “Not allladiesare indeed ladies. And as much as I like Rafe’s girls, I don’t fancy paying for my pleasures. We are a curiosity. As such many bedchamber doors—or in my case often windows—are opened to us.”
“We’re striving to regain our place and your actions could very well undo it.”
