Page 13 of Only a Mistress Will Do

“Should I have? Didn’t you tell me he’s now claiming to be married to Juliet?”

“Yes. We are attempting to prove otherwise.” Dalbury straightened his reins meticulously. “Her current husband would like to be sure the child she carries will bear his name.”

Tris whistled. “Quite a little contretemps, I’d say.”

“If only we could find the blighter and prove his marriage invalid, we’d all rest a deal easier.” Restless fingers on the reins, lips pursed, Duncan studied the bright lake.

“And here I come with less than welcome news on another front.” Tristan settled uneasily in his saddle. His friend needed no more worries this morning it seemed.

“Have you managed to finally lose your substantial wealth at Charbury’s?” The marquess flashed a quick grin. Tris’s exploits at the most disreputable gaming hell in London were a constant source of amusement to his friend.

“Sadly no.” Tris glanced around, a sudden need for caution filling him. “James Carlton.”

A mask of indifference slammed down on Duncan’s face. “An unsavory name from the past. What unwelcome news might a long-dead corpse have to offer?”

“I bought his sister at Madame Vestry’s last night.”

“The devil you say.” The scars on Duncan’s left cheek stood out vividly as his skin paled.

“Yes. My reaction was a bit more colorful.” Tris clenched his teeth. The memory of what he’d almost done still sickened him.

Hoof beats approaching on his right drew his attention. A rider in gray bore down on them.

“We are about to have company.” Tris frowned at the unfamiliar figure.

“No worries.” Duncan assumed a wry smile. “Here’s my brother-in-law now, Tris. At least the one I claim. Lord Trevor, I make known Mr. Amiable Morley.”

The tall, straight figure nodded pleasantly.

Military bearing, if he didn’t miss his guess. Tris returned the nod. Morley. The name had a familiar sound.

The man cut his eyes toward Duncan. “I didn’t know you were riding this morning.”

“Weather’s too good to stay inside, wouldn’t you say?”

“Indeed. Although it seems few have had the same thought.” Something about the easy way Morley sat his horse stirred an echo from the past.

“I say, were you related to Pax Morley, by any chance?”

“My elder brother.”

“Ah, you are the prodigal.” He remembered tales of the younger brother running away to join the military. “Army, wasn’t it? In the colonies?”

“Yes. Until I heard news of my brother in April. You knew him?” Morley’s jaw tightened.

“Quite well, in fact. My condolences. Devilishly sorry.” Pax had been something of a hero to Tris. “Great fellow, Pax. One of my older sisters was mad for him for a while until her current husband leaped in and offered for her. Must have been almost ten years ago. Awful shame.” Damn, but the good did die young.

“Want to come back to lunch, Tris?” Dalbury asked. “It’s early, but you may make your bow to the ladies and entertain them for a bit. They will want to hear about your prospective bride.”

“Congratulations are in order then, Lord Trevor?” A smile broke out on Morley’s face.

“Yes. I have just offered for Miss Dora Harper, Lord Downing’s youngest daughter. It will be announced in a day or two.” Tris gripped the reins, although the horse had been placidly standing the whole time. His mind filled not with the sweet oval face of his betrothed, but with the arresting one of Miss Carlton. Unsure if he’d revealed too much, he looked away.

“Thanks, Duncan. I believe I will renew my acquaintance with both lovely ladies. Has your wife not managed to skewer you yet?” Tris laughed and all three started their horses toward the south entrance to the park. Best put Miss Harper and Miss Carlton out of his mind.

The southern gate was within sight when Morley’s head snapped up. A rider galloped toward them as if the demons of hell were on his heels. Blue and gold was the livery of Dalbury’s household. Had something gone amiss at Dunham House?

Before the man could get closer, Morley spurred his horse and bounded away toward the newcomer.