Page 17 of Once Upon a Devilish Duke

“I hope that the outcome is the same,” Rose said. “I really need to marry before my brother finds a way to force me into one.”

“How dreadful. What does he gain from such an action?” Lucinda asked.

“Power over me, I suspect. While my father was alive, I was protected from his schemes, but now that he is the earl, he will want to punish me for not taking his side.”

“His side?” Marianne asked.

“He wanted my father to hand over control of the title and estate before his death, and my father refused. And I agreed with my father on the subject. It seems my brother is well versed in grudges. For what it was worth, Father did try to get my brother to see that his ideas were not for the good of the people to which he would soon be responsible.”

The dowager shook her head. “I take it your brother did not like being denied.”

“No. He wanted to make sweeping changes that would have grievous effects on the tenants. I am all for changes as long as they are for the betterment of all. We have the best tenants who have always been loyal to my father, but now I worry for them.”

The dowager nodded in agreement. “My husband was the same. He once told me that the tenants were the beating heart of any estate.”

“And now that Edward is the duke?” Rose asked.

“He never changed a thing; he always honored his father’s wishes. I guess, why change what was already working so well.”

“That is exactly what I said to Cecil, but he would not hear it.”

“I’m not surprised,” Marianne said. “Your father and mine were friends, and so naturally their thoughts would be aligned on estate matters.”

“I wish I remembered your father. The duke showed me his portrait the other night. He was so young when he died.”

“Edward showed you our father?” Marianne asked.

Rose glanced at the surrounding women. Had she done something wrong? “Yes, we joked about how dreary they all looked.”

“My brother. Joked?” Marianne looked to her mother, who shrugged.

“Yes,” Rose said. “He has a dry wit. I believe he was testing me this morning at breakfast.”

“What happened at breakfast?” Lucinda asked.

“We debated over the merits of a country sunrise versus a London sunset,” Rose explained.

Lucinda sat forward a little. “Who won?”

“Nobody,” Rose answered with a little laugh.

“That is not true. You had him on the back foot the whole conversation. It was a marvel, actually,” Marianne said. “I was quite shocked. I suppose we have all given up on provoking him into debate.”

“Except for Anthony,” the dowager said. “I cannot figure out if those two hate each other or admire each other.”

“I cannot speak for the duke, but Tony does admire his older brother, despite his grievances over the past. Not that he has told me what those grievances are. I am hoping one day he will tell me.”

“Why must men always be so secretive?” Marianne asked.

“Maybe they think it makes them more interesting,” Rose suggested.

There was an audible gasp among the women, and then laughter.

“Honestly, if the man I was interested in was withholding secrets from me, I would not marry him. I would think that any relationship should be based on trust. Or am I way off mark?” Marianne asked.

“My husband withheld secrets from me, but he is in a unique situation. His position requires him to.”

What a curious thing to say. “What position would require that?”