Page 79 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke

William drew the bowl of custard closer and served himself before passing it to Lord James.

“Please pass the jug, Regina,” he said.

Regina passed it to him. William poured a large serving of milk on his custard before giving it to his friend who mouthed a thank you. He pulled the big plate of bacon slices and placed two on a plate for himself. He passed it to Lord James who shook his head.

“No bacon?” William asked.

“Yes.”

William pushed the plate back to the center of the table. Only the cling-clang noises of cutlery on plate could be heard for a few minutes.

“I am impressed that you actually are trying to court this Esther girl,” the Duke said, breaking the silence.

William raised a brow.

What brings such a comment?

“I have started to hear tales of your courtship among the ton,” the Duke said.

“You went out?” William asked.

“People visit,” the Duchess responded for her husband.

“So can I count my debt paid?” William said.

“Of course not, it would gladden my heart if that girl brings you up to scratch. Royalty befits royalty,” the Duchess said.

William noticed she had taken over the conversation. His father was content now to watch as his wife spoke.

“I am not getting married to that girl mother, no matter how well cultured she is and no matter how cliché you think it is,” William said.

He stopped eating, putting all his attention on his mother.

“That girl is a better lady than all the others I have seen with you,”

“Give the lad some peace Henrietta. The boy has done what you asked,” the Duke said cutting the Duchess midsentence.

“I will marry the woman I choose. What you want or think will not truly matter,” William said, directing it to his mother.

“Let’s calm down now, don’t you think?” Regina said. “Breakfast does demand civility.”

“I’m not hungry anymore. Mother has filled my appetite,” William said.

The Duchess was about to speak but the Duke raised his right hand, telling her not to reply.

“It is about time you picked a bride William,” he said. “I am not as strong as I once was and can leave anytime.”

The comment drew sharp looks from the Duchess and Regina. The Duchess looked particularly annoyed at her husband’s bluntness.

“You are not dying yet father. And I will pick a bride, in fact I’m much closer than ever,” William responded.

“Really, who is the lucky girl?” Regina said amidst mouthfuls.

William smiled.

“I am not sure yet. I do know I and Esther will not work.”

“I have heard rumours of your romps with Nicholas’ daughter in Buckingham. I didn’t think they could be true, is that the damsel to which you allude?” his mother said.