Page 71 of Secrets of the Marriage Bed

He enclosed himself in ice. Nephews. Even when they were private they continued the pretence. Luke’s way of keeping Alistair at arm’s length from his son. He glared at his half-brother. ‘Because they are my heirs, after yourself, you mean.’

Luke’s mouth twisted. ‘That is not likely, now you are married.’

Was that enough of a reason for Luke to consider murder? ‘My man of business tells me you refuse to use the allowance your mother set up for you while she was my guardian.’

‘I don’t need your money. Beauworth pays me very well. He at least appreciates my skills.’

His brother had stewarded the Duchy after his father’s death, when Alistair had been otherwise occupied abroad. Luke’s grasping harridan of a mother had run riot with the estate’s income. It had taken Alistair years to refill the coffers. But that was old news and not worth getting into.

‘I believe it is time to rescue my wife.’

Luke heaved a sigh. ‘Then I bid you good day, Alistair.’

‘I will walk you out to the stables.’

‘Making sure I don’t steal the silver on my way.’

The words were spoken loud enough for Alistair to hear and softly enough for him to ignore.

* * *

‘The Duke doesn’t like my father,’ Jeffrey said, feeding another carrot to his pony, Rascal.

Out of the mouths of babes... ‘Siblings often don’t get along well.’ She hadn’t got along well with her older brothers after her parents had died.

‘Father said they used to be good friends when they were my age.’ He reached out and rubbed his pony’s nose. The horse nuzzled his palm, looking for another treat. ‘I’m not to fall out with my brother. Father said. Ever.’

‘What is your brother’s name?’

‘Daniel. He’s two years younger. His pony is smaller than Rascal. We usually ride out with Papa together, but Danny broke his arm two weeks ago.’

‘Oh, I am sorry.’

‘He followed me up the ladder. Now he can’t do anything fun.’ His face crumpled.

‘And you feel partly to blame.’

‘Danny flew the kite up on the roof of the barn and Ben, our man, was too busy mucking out to fetch it down. I should have waited.’

What a handful it must be with two lively boys and no wife to add a civilising influence. ‘Did you ask him to follow you?’

‘I told him to wait at the bottom, but Danny always follows me. I know this.’

‘That is what your papa said?’

He swung on the stall rail, pivoting in a half-circle of drooping misery. ‘I stayed indoors for a week.’

Relief shot through Julia. There were more severe punishments fathers visited upon their sons. Some visited upon wives by husbands also. ‘To help you remember.’

He gave her a shy grin. ‘Papa said he was proud of me for taking my punishment like a man.’

She gave him an encouraging smile. ‘Shall we return to your papa?’

Jeffrey let go of the rail. ‘I read to Danny every day after my lessons.’ These were the tones of a long-suffering older brother. Had she seemed like such a burden to her own older brothers?

They headed up the aisle towards the stable entrance. A change of subject was needed. ‘I expect you will be going away to school soon.’ It was normal for boys of his age to board at a public school.

‘School is expensive,’ Jeffrey said in lowered tones. ‘I go to the Vicar for lessons twice a week and then study at home. Danny is to start next year.’