Page 38 of Charity

Oscar would be proud to have him as a second father if he was successful in a courtship.

“The Duke of Staines, my lords.”

Oscar looked up with shock as his butler stood aside to allow the Duke of Staines to stalk into the room.

What the devil?

“Ah, Lynton. What the hell are you doing bickering with this bunch of old goats?”

Several of the trustees blushed. One snarled, “Nothing that concerns you.”

The duke, however, laughed. “Lynton, I’m bored. Amuse me.” With a quick glance about the chamber, he settled himself behind Oscar’s desk and propped his feet up on the surface.

“Your Grace,” Manning said around his clenched jaw. “Perhaps I could call on you at home when I finish here?”

The duke ignored his brother and looked at Oscar instead. “Any chance for a spot of brandy? I’m parched.”

The plaintive question brought a smile to Oscar’s face. He poured a glass and passed it over without comment. Damn funny fellow to be dropping in here for amusement. There was nothing entertaining about the trustees.

Manning turned his back on the duke. “So are we decided to leave things as they are for now?”

Several of the trustees glanced toward the duke and nodded, then, within a few minutes, they were all on their way, except for Manning and the Duke of Staines.

Staines cleared his throat. “Good to see I haven’t lost my touch at clearing a room of quarrelsome creatures. At least now the annoying rabble is gone, we can get down to serious business. My nephew’s townhouse is too small.”

Oscar’s mouth fell open, startled by the quick change of subject. He shut it swiftly.

“Where he chooses to live is of no concern to you,” Manning growled. “Why must you meddle?”

“Because that is what family is for.” Staines drained his glass and held it out. “More, please.”

Really, what on earth was the Duke of Staines doing in Oscar’s bookroom? How did one subtly suggest a duke leave? He had things to do for the orphanage, and he’d like to discuss his findings further with Manning before he left today. His Grace was in the way.

He poured the brandy and passed it over.

“There’s a good fellow. Don’t mind me, I’m always this way. Just ask Lynton here how annoying I can be when I want something.”

Manning pursed his lips as if he’d bitten sour lemons.

“Now, where is that delightful woman? Essy and I have a few more matters to discuss.”

Manning set his hands to his hips. “She isn’t here, Ambrose, and you’d better leave her be, or I shall knock you on your arse and leave you there.”

“Just look at that. It only takes one potential scandal for him to lose his preachy reserve,” Staines said to Oscar. He turned to his brother. “Remember, Lynton, it wasn’t me who misbehaved. I expected better from you than to keep something of this importance from me.”

Manning cast an apologetic glance toward Oscar. “I wasn’t certain before. It’s something of a shock after so long of not thinking about it.”

“Careless of you,” Staines murmured. “Carrington must have been supremely put out.”

Oscar stepped forward. “Manning and I are not on unfriendly terms, Your Grace.”

Staines smiled suddenly. “Good to know. Hopefully that won’t change anytime soon.” He stood and approached Oscar. “You have your mother about the eyes, but the rest of you is all your father,” he laughed. When Staines held out his hand, Oscar took it and returned the firm handshake. Then the duke hurried out.

Oscar turned to Manning. “What the devil was all that about?”

Manning wiped his hand across his jaw. “Congratulations. The Duke of Staines has decided he likes the look of you. You have not seen the last of him, I’m afraid.”

“Ah.” Could that be a good or bad thing for his position in society? The way Manning phrased it, he sounded doubtful it could be good. He would keep his distance from the duke until he was sure which way the wind blew. Although, he could end up with an invitation to Staines’ private gaming hell, the Hunt Club, if he continued to like Oscar.