Page 72 of The Not So Perfect Duke

Well, the fates continued to churn up all around him. Why was the man here?

“Send him in.”

The young man was shown into the study, and Damon remained seated. Donaldson looked to be in his late twenties, and he had dark blond hair and those piercing Cranston blue eyes and high cheekbones. How astounding that so many were tainted with those distinct characteristics.

“Mr. Donaldson, Your Grace,” Kingsley stated.

“Thank you, Kingsley. You may leave us.” Damon motioned to the chair in front of his desk. “Take a seat. What can I do for you?”

The man was guarded, his mouth pulled into a taut line. “I wish to leave for North America, and I want you to help me. Seeing we share the same father.”

He remembered Christian saying people would be lining up with their hands out. Seems his friend was correct.

“How did you discover this?” Damon asked softly.

“The duke told me two years ago. He enjoyed revealing it. He knew my mother by name and said he got me the job at the estate. I confronted my mother; she did not deny it. I would have quit then and there, but I couldn’t afford it. All I want is to put this behind me. I want a new beginning, far from here. When I heard of the duke’s death, I quit my position and came here.”

Damon noticed Donaldson was not using ‘Your Grace’ when addressing him. Typical of his father to tell the young man, the late duke no doubt received perverse pleasure out of Donaldson’s vexatious response.

“And how much do you require to put the past behind you?”

Donaldson scowled. “I’m not here for blackmail. I want enough to travel to Liverpool, catch a steamer, and start fresh in either Canada or The United States of America. I don’t care which.”

“So, I will not be contacted by you in the future, looking for further funds?”

“No. I am cutting all ties.”

“Even with your mother?” Damon asked, his voice quiet.

“Even her. We weren’t all that close anyway. She lied to me my whole life. Besides, she married when I was six. My mother has a husband and other children to keep her company.”

Damon could not fault the man. “Will one hundred pounds be sufficient? The dukedom is not all that wealthy, and funds are tight. It is all I can spare.”

“Yes. It’s more than enough.”

“Obviously, I do not have the money on me. Return tomorrow afternoon and ask for Kingsley. He will give you the funds.” Damon stood and held out his hand. “I wish you luck on your journey. If I may offer one bit of advice, it is the guidance I will try and take as well. Put all bitterness aside, as it will eat away at you. Embrace your new life.”

Donaldson looked at the extended hand. Then he took it and shook it. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

The man turned and departed, closing the door behind him.

“Goodbye, August,” Damon murmured.

Kingsley entered the room.

“Send Baldwin to me.”

“At once, Your Grace. Will you be here for dinner?”

“Yes. Nothing too fancy, a light meal.”

As his butler left, Damon rubbed his temple as his head ached like the devil. He pushed aside his drink. This would be his life going forward, one melodrama after another. Best to get used to it.

“You wished to see me, Your Grace?” his valet asked.

“I need you to head to the bank and withdraw one hundred pounds in notes. I surmise there is enough in the account?”

“There is, Your Grace. In fact, I received a dividend payment from your automobile venture, thirteen hundred pounds. As I said before, this will keep the dukedom afloat, I am happy to relate. There is much to discuss. Are you available after dinner?”