Tempting a Reformed Rake by Liz Tyner

Author:Liz Tyner
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-10-28T18:36:32+00:00

Chapter Twelve

The Duke walked into the library and Addison gave him a bow. A respectful one.

‘Why have you summoned me?’ his father said, both hands clasped on the gold-handled cane. His clothing was immaculate, except for a rumpled paper, rolled into a tube, protruding from his waistcoat pocket, which was visible when he moved. ‘I do not like to be summoned.’

‘I invited you.’

The Duke shook his head. ‘It was not an invitation.’

Addison opened a portfolio on his desk. He took out some creased paper. The bill. And then he added the note from his bank. He held it out to his father. ‘Reimbursement.’

His father glanced at it but didn’t take it. ‘You should have sent it to my man of affairs.’

‘I wanted to give it to you myself. But if you wish, I will send it his way if he is the same one you had when the invoice was presented.’ Addison tossed it to the table.

A short nod answered. A scowl. ‘I’m still undecided about attending your hanging.’

‘I decided I would not be there.’

His father snorted. ‘You’ve always been contrary that way.’

‘Like my father.’

The Duke didn’t move. ‘I would not call your father contrary. At least to his face.’

‘I’ve always been difficult that way as well.’

‘True.’ He studied the room. ‘I did not like to bring the ducal carriage here, but I wondered...’

He glanced around the room, shaking his head. ‘In the future, you can obtain an appointment with me and see me in my office if you want to talk. I do not plan to be summoned again.’

Addison hadn’t been to the ducal estate since before his mother died. ‘Would that not be awkward for you, my being among your family?’

‘Not for me. And if it is for them, it is their problem.’

‘You would agree to an appointment?’

‘It would depend, I suppose, on how the day was going.’ He glared at Addison. ‘Do not expect any more favours. I fathered you. I fed you. I clothed you. I got you out of that gaol.’ He took several steps and glanced at the paper. His lips moved into a hard smile. ‘But you took care of your education. And the amount for the theft.’

‘My education. Where I stand. The horses I own.’ Addison heard the challenge in his voice and the pride.

His father waved the argument away. ‘But you use my tailor,’ Oldston said, eyes gleaming as if he’d proven a point.

That his father knew such a detail surprised Addison. He didn’t respond. It hadn’t occurred to him that it was possible to use anyone else.

‘Your mother insisted I go to him,’ the Duke said. ‘No disrespect to the present Duchess, but I still miss your mother. She was the most challenging woman I’ve ever seen.’

‘She once said you were generous to her.’ In fact, she said he’d treated her far better than she would have done had their positions been reversed.

The Duke grunted. ‘I had to be. She insisted as soon as you were on the way. If

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