A Dangerous Pursuit (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 1), Laura Beers [romantic books to read TXT] 📗

Appearing unaware of the snideness of her comment, the duke returned her smile. “I have buried four wives in my lifetime, which is why I decided I needed to marry someone much younger this time. That way I can ensure you will outlive me.”

“How wonderful,” Emmeline muttered.

Her aunt cleared her throat and shot her a warning look. “What Emmeline is trying to convey is that she is very blessed to be your betrothed. Aren’t you?”

“Yes, so incredibly blessed,” Emmeline said, her words sounding forced to her own ears.

The duke puffed his chest out in pride at her words, and she wondered if he could hear everything that she was saying. Perhaps he was going deaf in his old age.

“I knew we would suit admirably the moment I saw you,” the duke remarked. “Furthermore, I still require an heir. My previous wives greatly disappointed me in that regard, especially my first wife. She was unable to have children.”

Lady Taylor smiled at the duke. “You do have lovely daughters, Your Grace.”

“Bah,” he replied forcefully. “I don’t need any more daughters. I require a son. An heir.”

Emmeline turned her attention towards the blue-papered walls and attempted to hide her growing agitation. The duke’s only purpose for her was to produce a son, and quickly.

The duke’s next words drew her attention back. “My doctor will need to examine you before the wedding to ensure you can bear children.”

“Pardon?” she asked, hoping she’d misheard him.

“I can’t take the chance that you are barren,” the duke said simply, “and I have been told it is a simple exam.”

“Lovely,” she remarked dryly as a footman placed a blanket onto her lap. “I shall have something to look forward to.”

“Per the contract, for every son you produce, you will be handsomely rewarded,” the duke shared.

“And if I have a girl?”

The duke frowned. “Then you shall be given nothing for your troubles.”

“I see.”

“Do you anticipate having a problem with bearing sons?” the duke questioned.

“I don’t think it is something that I can control,” she admitted.

The duke waved his hand dismissively in front of him. “You need not to fret about that,” he declared. “You are still young and will be able to bear many children for me.”

“May I ask how old your daughters are?”

The duke stared at her blankly. “I am not entirely sure. They are away at boarding school.”

“You don’t know the ages of your own children?” she asked in disbelief.

“I don’t pay attention to such trivial details,” the duke replied.

Emmeline kept her face expressionless as she questioned, “Do you at least know how many children you have?”

The duke chuckled. “What a delight you are,” he said. “Yes, I have three daughters, but you don’t need to concern yourself with them until they are old enough for a Season. Then, you shall have the honor of introducing them into Society.”

Emmeline leaned to the side as a footman placed a dessert plate in front of her. As she reached for her fork, she asked, “What hobbies do you enjoy, Your Grace?”

“I enjoy dissected puzzles.”

“As do I,” Emmeline replied. “I enjoy putting the map of Europe together.”

The duke bobbed his head in approval. “I used to be an avid reader, but my eyes are not what they used to be. I shall require you to read to me in the evenings.”

“My niece would be happy to do that,” Lady Taylor said enthusiastically. “She loves reading and talking. Those are her two favorite things to do.”

Emmeline stifled the groan that came to her lips. What an absurd thing to say, she thought.

“I do not enjoy useless chatter, mind you,” the duke revealed. “There is no place for it in my home.”

Lady Taylor bobbed her head. “Emmeline has practically perfected the art of polite conversation. Haven’t you, dear?”

“I have,” Emmeline replied. “I do so love talking about the weather, the state of the gardens, and my many accomplishments.”

“That pleases me immensely to hear,” the duke said. “My previous wives expected me to converse with them over dinner.”

“How horrifying,” Emmeline declared, bringing a hand up to her chest to feign outrage.

“I see we share a similar mindset,” the duke remarked. “Generally, I prefer to retreat to my own thoughts when I eat.”

Emmeline started eating the tart that was placed before her and wondered how she was going to get herself out of this unfortunate situation. She couldn’t marry this man, no matter that he was a duke.

“Do you ride, Miss Lockhart?” the duke asked.

“I do.”

“Then we shall have to acquire you a horse.”

“That isn’t necessary,” Emmeline revealed as she placed her fork on the plate. “I already own a horse.”

“You must be an accomplished rider then.”

She nodded. “I am.”

“That is a fine pastime for a young woman to have,” the duke praised.

Her uncle placed his napkin onto his plate and shared, “My niece spends hours riding around our country estate. I daresay she would prefer to ride over anything else.”

“Is that so?” the duke asked.

“It is,” Emmeline confirmed. “I find riding to be incredibly gratifying.”

The duke eyed her with approval. “You shall be able to ride on our lands, assuming you take two grooms along with you.”

“That won’t be necessary—” she attempted.

He cut her off, his voice curt. “You will be a duchess, and it is not appropriate for you to travel anywhere without an escort.”

Emmeline lowered her gaze to her hands in her lap.

“Dear heavens, that was poorly done of me,” the duke said. “I apologize for being so sharp with you.”

She brought her gaze back up to meet his. “Consider it forgotten, Your Grace.”

The duke smiled again, drawing her attention back to the food stuck in his teeth. “As long as you are mindful to remember your place, we shall have a happy union.”

“My place?” she found herself questioning.

The duke’s smile dimmed. “I am marrying you, without a dowry,” he explained. “I must say that it is rather generous of me.”

Lady Taylor interjected, “It is most generous of you, Your Grace.”

“In exchange, I expect you to be