Dukes By the Dozen полностью

A little distance was needed. He would separate himself from Lindsay and seek out Taylor on his own, when the time was right. London beckoned, with its academic lectures and its invitations from societies of explorers and scientists. Then, about a fortnight ago, he returned to Edinburgh. He could no longer stay away. A visit with Dermot in the Highlands was in order, but he wanted to see her. When he called on Lord Lindsay with the hope of finding Taylor there, the man sorrowfully told him that his daughter was away visiting friends in the Highlands. At a “blasted asylum” called the Abbey.

Bamberg turned to his old friend. “Some might think it’s a coincidence that Lady Taylor is here, but I think it’s fate.”

Dermot crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. “Do you mean fate, as in being struck by lightning on a clear day, or fate, as in finding a gold sovereign in your coat pocket after a week of drinking and carousing?”

“You joke, but I’m serious. Do you not find it strange that she is your wife’s best friend and I’m yours?”

Dermot cleared his throat and gave him a thoughtful look. “Actually, I wouldn’t say you’re my best friend. Or second. Perhaps third.”

Bamberg shook his head. He was more than familiar with the other man’s sense of humor. “When did my most recent letter reach you?”

“A few days ago. And that was the first time I learned of your interest in Lady Taylor.”

“She’d made no mention of me to Lady Millie?”

“None. And when my wife confronted her about an attachment, she vehemently denied it. She doesn’t want to have anything to do with you. Which shows good judgment on her part, I’d say.”

Bamberg frowned, but he wasn’t surprised. The earl’s maneuvers were incentive enough for her to refuse him. “She’s your wife’s friend. Couldn’t she say a few words in support of me?”

“You’ve met Lady Taylor once, but you don’t know her. Not the way my wife does. She is an incredibly intelligent woman. And she’s headstrong. You must already know, she’s rich. She doesn’t need you. From what I gather, she doesn’t wish to marry, regardless of the earl’s persistence.” He cocked an eyebrow. “By the way, why does she think you’re poor?”

Bamberg waved a hand. “A rumor I started myself. I’d hoped to dampen some of the enthusiasm of parents throwing their daughters at me.”

“Has it worked?”

“Not at all. I underestimated the irresistible combination of my charm and my title.”

Dermot laughed, but then grew serious. “She’s not impressed by titles either. And to be honest, because Millie doesn’t know you well, she would consider it a betrayal of her friend’s trust to recommend you.”

Bamberg understood. He’d only met Millie a few minutes ago. How could she endorse the character of someone who was little more than a stranger to her?

“You’re here now,” Dermot reminded him. “You can do your own talking. Your own convincing. Your own winning of her affection. I’m sure that irresistible combination of whatever it was you said will win the day.”

“Exactly. I’m here, and she’s here. Finally, we can walk in the gardens or sit across the table from each other at breakfast and have a normal convers—” Bamberg paused, worried by the scowl on Dermot’s face. “She is still here, is she not?”

“She’s here. My wife, at least, did you the favor of coercing her to stay. But the bad news for you is that Millie’s entire family is descending on us at any moment.”

“Of course. For the birth of your first child.”

He knew from one of Dermot’s letters that his wife was the youngest of five siblings. And the family was very protective, especially after a health scare Millie had survived the year before.

“My two brothers-in-law and their wives and children will be arriving soon, as are Lady Phoebe and Captain Bell and their infant. Captain Melfort, my partner here, is married to the eldest sister, Lady Jo. They live at the Tower House, a short walk from here, with their son. And of course, the Earl and Countess Aytoun will be here too. And in addition to all these guests, there’ll be—”

“I understand. You invited me, and now you have no room for me.”

“I’m so happy you understand, Bamberg.”

He smiled. “That’s no problem at all. I can stay in the village. I believe I saw a deserted hovel there as I rode through. I can ride over here and call on Lady Taylor—”

“There is an inn, but you don’t have to go that far. We have a small cottage on an island in the loch just beyond the Tower House. It would merely involve a pleasant walk and a very short boat ride. It’s much nearer than the village. And another thing in its favor, it lies in the direction where Lady Taylor takes her daily ramble.”