Page 48 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“Old chap, are you listening?” James asked with a chuckle.
“Of course,” Laurence mumbled, turning his attention back to his friend.
“Well, well, the garden’s corner has got you in a trance. Should I be jealous of a shrub?” James smirked.
“I am afraid you’re mistaken.”
“What’s that? No birdwatching? No woodland creature fascination? Not even a floral epiphany?” James gasped dramatically.
“Mallowby—”
“Or, shall I risk suggesting that it is your wife who has monopolized your attention?”
Laurence tensed. He had been caught out and did not want to admit to it.
“Well, perhaps if you had anything of note to say, I would not be gazing at the sky,” he huffed.
“Oh, you wound me terribly, old friend,” James snorted.
“As amiable as ever, I see, Lord Mallowby,” quipped a man approaching the duo.
Laurence bristled at the sound ofthatvoice. He knew it all too well.
The man stepped forward. He was tall and slender, often dressed in green and black, with a cane always at his side. Not for function, but for aesthetics. He was a calculating man behind an amiable smile that resembled a weasel’s. He looked genteel, but he was also known to bite.
“Lord Hargrove,” James greeted, his smile tightening. “Whatever brings you here? I was not aware you attended such events.”
“You weren’t aware that I attend charity garden parties?” Lord Hargrove asked with a laugh. “Of course I do! Ever happy to help a worthy cause.” He suddenly rounded on Laurence, grinning as he did so. “I do say, Your Grace, I believe there are things we need to discuss.”
“I am unaware of anything that I need to discuss with you.”
“Oh no?” Lord Hargrove drawled, tilting his head. “I can think of something, now that the matter of your father’s will has been resolved.”
“You were not listed as a beneficiary, so I do not see how that concerns you, Hargrove.”
“Oh, I’m fully aware, although I do believe that was a mistake on your father’s part. I would hate for this matter to spoil the good connection you and I have.”
“I would hesitate to call us friends.”
“Be that as it may,” Lord Hargrove said. “I think it is only fair that you settle old matters now that fortune smiles on Alderbourne Estate. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“No.”
Lord Hargrove stiffened, and his smile no longer reached his eyes. “No?”
“Allow me to make this clear. While my father may have made you certain promises, I am not beholden to them. After all, the man who shook your hand is dead,” Laurence growled.
Lord Hargrove nodded. “Well, knowing one’s own mind is an admirable trait, indeed,” he said, gripping his cane tighter, the warmth now gone from his voice.
“My goal with the duchy is to move forward. I can hardly build it up again while wasting time on old promises.”
“I see. Well, I wish you every luck with that,” Lord Hargrove said, patting Laurence’s arm.
He turned to walk away, and Laurence was sure he caught the man glaring over his shoulder.
“What a snake,” James muttered.
“Indeed. I doubt this will be the last time I hear from him.”
