Page 107 of Her Beast of a Duke

“Oh, we shall!”

They turned to one another, already giggling and whispering as he walked away with his friend.

“Heavens, they are like the blasted Furies from your beloved myths,” Levi muttered. “When they start chanting love spells, do not call for me. I will run—I will run very fast, and very far.”

Charles snickered. “You say that as if you are not seeking your perfect lady.”

“I do, but she is not one of those.” Levi all but looked back in disgust. “I hope she will be far more refined. As for you? They were rather pesky with their questions, but you could still use your rehabilitated name and good looks to have somefun.”

“I have fun,” Charles answered mildly.

“Youhadfun,” Levi corrected. “Once. A year ago, at Anton Bentley’s party.”

“Keep your voice down,” Charles hissed.

Levi only rolled his eyes and led him to an empty corner, but eyes still followed the notorious Duke of Branmere. The weight he needed on his back was heavy to carry, even if he had carefully constructed such a shroud himself.

“I have no time for fun,” Charles sighed. “Nor the interest.”

“I do not believe you.” His friend shrugged, for he knew he could get away with it.

His pale green eyes swept the ballroom, as if he thought he could pluck somebody out of the crowd and say,Here, this is what you are missing.

“You speak of that night fondly when you have had too much brandy,” he added.

Before Charles could protest, Levi continued, “Besides, would Lady Phoebe not care for a stepmother? Surely her governess’s company isn’t enough.”

The question was one Charles dreaded and hated being asked, even by his friend.

He scoffed, shaking his head. “Look around, Levi, and tell me which lady here would handle my daughter. Last week, sheretrieved a handful of insects from the garden, put them in a jar, carried them into her governess’s room, andreleasedthem in herunderwear drawer. Miss Ternan did not realize it. She was quite… fidgety during their morning walk.”

Levi burst out laughing, shaking his head. “Heavens, she is quite a rascal, is she not?”

“She is,” Charles sighed, but a small smile played on his lips.

While Phoebe’s prank had made Miss Ternan screech at the top of her lungs, such that she couldn’t stop apologizing to him for the racket, his daughter’s giggles had secretly warmed his heart.

He just didn’t know how to scold her without hurting her feelings, but her mischief could not go unpunished forever. Not that punishment would deter her, anyway.

“I adore her.” Levi’s voice was soft. “If my future child is half as fun as she is, then I will be a happy man.”

“Then be prepared to never have a clean child, for they will always roll in the mud, or push you in the mud, or just—anythingto do with mud. I do not see the fascination.”

Levi laughed at that. “Seriously, though, Charles, you do need to live for yourself. Phoebe needs her father, and the estate needs its master, and you have already restored your family’s name. But what ofyourneeds? They were rather sated at that show.”

“Stop speaking about that night,” Charles gritted out, quickly looking around them.

“You disappeared for at least an hour,” Levi continued.

“Levi,” Charles warned, gathering his patience. “I do not want it known that I ever attended something so improper. If it gets out…”

“I know, I know,” Levi muttered. “A toast to all repressed dukes of the ton.” He feigned raising a glass in the air.

Charles rolled his eyes. “Make yourself useful, Trewford, and fetch me champagne. It’s almost time to begin, and I will make arealtoast.”

Everything was set up and ready for him. From the side of the room, a footman nodded, indicating he was ready to begin.

A hush fell over the crowd as the music died down, and Charles strode to the front of the ballroom, where a small platform had been raised for him. He stood before the gathered guests.