His lips took on a cynical curl. “It will be an interesting experiment, actually. To see who wants me without the possibility of a title.”
Tess almost blurted out that she’d want him even if he were a penniless shepherd in a hut, but wisely held her tongue. No need for the man to know just how irresistible she found him. She couldn’t believe he’d had any trouble finding willing partners, even before he’d become titled and rich.
“I have more questions.”
“I’m gratified you’ve given the matter such serious consideration.”
She couldn’t tell if he was being ironic or not.
“What about children? If we are to have an intimate relationship there’s always the chance that I might fall pregnant.”
He ran his hand over his jaw. “Producing the next heir to the dukedom isn’t a priority for me. If I die without issue the title can go to some other poor unsuspecting sod. There’s no reason for you to be treated like a broodmare.” He frowned. “Doyouwant children?”
“I’m notagainsthaving them,” Tess said truthfully. “But I think it’s good for a child to have more than one loving adult in their life. If you’re not going to be present, then it wouldn’t be an ideal situation.”
“I would support any offspring financially, of course.”
Tess shook her head, at a loss to articulate her feelings, afraid of sharing too much.
“Financial support is a poor substitute for loving support. I scarcely remember my mother, but I remember wishing she was there. Being brought up by my father was… not ideal. I don’t want any child of mine to suffer from a lack of affection.”
His gaze sharpened in interest and she rushed on, before he could question her further. Millions of people had been raised in worse conditions than hers. She didn’t want or need his pity. “So what do you suggest we do?”
“I assume you’ve taken precautions with your previous lovers. What methods have you been using since the duke died?”
Abstinence, Tess almost said.And virginity. And talking about truffles.
She waved her hand in an airy gesture, panicking inwardly. God, he thought she knew every whore’s trick to avoid pregnancy. She was going to have to have a serious talk with Ellie and Daisy as soon as he left.
“Oh, you know. There are several different ways.”
He nodded, as if he knew what she was talking about. “I dislike the feel of sheaths, personally. They dull sensation. And I hate the lack of spontaneity.”
Tess nodded solemnly.Sheaths? What sheaths?
“Neither of us have the pox, I assume?”
She tried to hide her mortification. “No.”
“Me, neither. So we don’t need one to prevent disease.”
She shook her head.
“In that case, you must have other feminine ways of preventing it?”
“Of course.”
Oh, she was such a liar.
“I’ll leave it in your capable hands, then.”
Another thought struck her. “What if I take a lover after we part, and get pregnant by him? Any child born in wedlock will be deemed as legitimate.”
Like Daisy.
He shrugged. “If it’s a boy, then I suppose he’ll be the next duke, God help him. And if it’s a girl, then she’ll doubtless make an excellent marriage. As you have done.”
“It wouldn’t bother you that another man’s child would inherit the dukedom?”
