The Duke’s Secret: Marrying for Love by Kensington Allie

Author:Kensington, Allie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ardently Admired Press
Published: 2021-06-01T00:00:00+00:00

James spent the rest of the evening with Charles at their club. He needed a break from society and the endless invitations everywhere. Society always seemed to demand something of him. He’d had Charles inquire if the dinner party they were invited to included Miss Gray and Miss Hartley. When the answer was unfavorably no, both of them passed on the invitation. James sat with his back to the entrance of the room. Not making eye contact to those coming in meant he didn’t feel obligated to greet anyone, and for that he was grateful. Charles occupied the chair across the small table from him. He folded the newspaper he’d only given a quick glance to and placed it on the table.

“How does one know if admiration for a person is of the marriageable variety?” Charles asked, a spark of something in his eyes.

James looked at his friend. It was obvious he was thinking about Miss Hartley. James would play along for his friend’s sake, though the idea of Charles needing such reassurance still seemed absurd. Charles was obviously struck with love. Did he really not know his own heart?

“Do you enjoy spending time with her?” he asked. The echoes of years of hearing his parents talk about their marriage sounded around him like whispers from the past. His father had once said that love may increase or decrease depending on the stresses of the moment, but to truly enjoy being in company with each other was a favorable sign for lasting wedded bliss.

Charles nodded. “Of course, I’m asking all of this as a hypothetical. But yes, I agree, enjoyment in one another’s company is important.”

Hypothetical. James wanted to laugh at the comment. Charles’s hypothetical questions were anything but. Charles obviously only had affections for Miss Hartley. The evidence was so plain from their last encounters it was absurd to think anything different. Still, as their conversation was only semi-private at White’s, he could play along. “I would consider whether the woman makes me happy.”

Charles waved an impatient hand and leaned forward in his chair. “Yes, but what else? Is it merely a question of beauty or rank or wealth? What are the other more concrete measuring sticks?”

“Each person must decide for themselves which qualities and attributes are important to them. It is an individual matter, and not one that can be universally described.”

Charles rolled his eyes. “I’m not asking for a universal idea. I know what society values. I want to know your opinions on the subject … so I can wrap my own head around specific requirements.”

“You don’t have to follow my standard on the idea,” James said, picking up his glass from the small table and taking a drink.

“I know that, but I’d like to hear your ideas all the same. You’ve always shared your opinions on every subject, without a hint of reservation. There is no need to change that now. We have never had secrets between the two of us.” Charles smiled.

James paused at his friend’s statement.

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