Second Chance for Love: Second Chance Regency Romance (Book 2) by Pearson Rose

Author:Pearson, Rose
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Landon Hill Media
Published: 2021-04-29T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

William was out of bed and ready for the day early. He bounded down to the breakfast room, where his father eyed him suspiciously, but didn’t say a word, returning his attention to the front page of his newspaper. William helped himself to kippers and eggs from the buffet and sat down opposite his father.

“I shall need you to fetch the rents this morning,” the duke said nonchalantly, without looking back up from his newspaper.

William waited for a moment, expecting his father to add that he would be accompanying him, of course, but no such clarification was forthcoming. “I should be glad to,” he said with quiet pride. Perhaps his father had listened to him, at last, and was prepared to let him have some real responsibility, at last.

“You’ve watched me often enough,” his father said, taking a bite from his plate and chewing it thoroughly. “It’s time you did it alone.”

William didn’t want to wonder for too long about his father’s sudden change of heart. He was too glad of it – and the thought that he would see Mary this afternoon meant he could bear all manner of strange behavior from his father if need be. “I promised George I would give him a riding lesson at two o’clock, but I am sure if I set off immediately after breakfast that I can ensure that everything is done before then.”

“The tenants will be in the Alnerton parish hall from ten,” his father reminded him. “You should be finished with plenty of time to see George.”

“He is learning fast,” William said, tucking into his breakfast. “Everything I show him, he just seems to know it. He is a natural horseman, I think.”

“He’s got good hands,” the duke said.

“Like his grandfather.” William could see that his compliment had gone down well, as his father’s cheeks flushed slightly, and the corners of his mouth curved almost imperceptibly into a smile. If William hadn’t been watching closely, he would have missed it, for his father’s expression soon returned to his more usual dour countenance. They finished their repast in companionable silence.

It was possibly one of the most pleasant meals William could recall sharing with his father. But it couldn’t possibly last. As William got up to leave the table, his father spoke softly. “I’m not a fool, William.”

“I’m sorry, Father, I don’t take your meaning?”

“I think you do. I know you’re not really going to Watton House to teach George. You’re going to spend time with her.”

“She has a name, Father,” William said politely, determined that his father would not goad him into bad temper. “Her name is Miss Mary Durand.”

“Whatever,” the duke said. “I see you didn’t deny it.”

“It is true that I shall see Miss Durand whilst I am there, given that Mrs. Watts most kindly invited me to join them for dinner tonight, but the purpose of my visit is to continue George’s lessons. You may ask Charlotte.”

“I don’t need to ask your sister,” his father said. “I know you.

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