Two Dukes Are Better Than One by Lorna James

Author:Lorna James
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Riverdale Avenue Books
Published: 2017-10-27T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Stone was congratulating himself on gracefully slipping away from Lord Hodges, when he literally ran into another person he was trying to avoid.

“Watch where you’re going,” Simon snarled before realizing whom he had bumped into.

“You watch where you’re going, you clumsy oaf, or I’ll box your ears,” Stone snarled back. He’d promised Sophia that he wouldn’t brawl with Huxley anymore, but he hadn’t said anything about fighting with his brother.

“Why aren’t you watching the races?” Simon straightened his jacket and looked away.

“We’re taking a break for lunch.” Stone glared at him. He reminded Stone of their father, grim and unsmiling with the need to make everyone aware of his displeasure.

“I haven’t had a chance to offer my congratulations on your engagement, or to be properly introduced to your bride.”

“You weren’t at the engagement party.”

“I had other matters to attend to. There have been disturbing rumors one of Father’s bastards might attempt to seek funds from us.”

Stone shrugged. “The law is clear on the inheritance. I shouldn’t have to explain that to you, of all people.”

He was rewarded when Simon’s lips tightened. “Needless to say, I do not want to be the subject of gossip and wagging tongues. It’s bad enough you and that thug Huxley brawl like commoners at every function.”

“I care not.”

“You would if you were a proper duke.”

“There’s nothing proper about me, and I’m glad of it.” Stone pushed by him, heading toward the house.

“I should warn you. Your bride is treating the ladies to a vulgar display of the occult in your drawing room.”

Stone stopped in his tracks. “What did you say?”

“She has all the old hens aflutter about who their daughters are going to marry.”

“I can’t see how that’s vulgar.” He made a face. “It’s a waste of time and an insult to anyone with a degree of intelligence, however.”

Simon pounced. “So your bride is unintelligent.”

Scowling, Stone advanced on him. “Do not put words in my mouth. Sophia is merely telling the old biddies what they want to hear. There’s no harm in that.”

“Tell that to Aunt Frances,” Simon said.

“I doubt Sophia is charging money for her predictions.”

“Still.” Simon grunted. “It is unbecoming of a duchess to lower herself in such a way. You should speak to her of it.”

“Do not tell me my business.”

“Then take care of it, and I won’t have to.”

Stone pushed him into the stable door. “Perhaps you should mind your own affairs and stay out of mine.”

Squirming, Simon sought to free himself, but he was pinned by Stone’s hands on his shoulders. “I will not see you squander the title because you are unfit for the coronet.”

“Is that a threat?” Stone lifted him off his feet.

“It’s a promise,” Simon seethed. “She belongs in bedlam or burnt at the stake as a witch.”

“Keep your filthy thoughts to yourself.” Stone shook him.

Simon kicked out, catching his brother in the chest. Releasing him, Stone staggered back, putting up his fists.

“She’s either insane or bent on robbing you blind.”

Stone punched him in the stomach and left him retching in the hay.

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