He wants the title of duke much more than I, that much I have always known. It would make his day if he found I had died in my sleep and he could become heir. The only reason I might ever be persuaded to marry for anything other than love would be to keep him from becoming Duke of Goldclaw.
He forced a smile on his face.
“I am afraid he is indisposed, Cousin. For you are right, we are expecting visitors and as you can see, the entire household is preparing for their arrival.”
“Anyhow,” his mother said. “What brings you here on this fine day? Passing through?”
His cousin’s face darkened then. “I wish it were a fine day. Alas, it is not. There has been an incident at Hawthorn Hall. I’m afraid my steward has passed in rather a dramatic fashion by falling out of a window while quite inebriated. I must attend to the matter. I was in hopes of calling on my uncle to provide guidance. As it is a bad time, I suppose I should not bother you further and be on my way.”
The Duchess nodded. “What bad fortune. But yes, I suppose you are needed at Hawthorn Hall by the sounds of it. Perhaps call ahead before you pass through again so we might be ready for your arrival.”
She’d not meant it as an invitation, but his cousin took it as such. “You read my mind. I had planned to call on you for a longer period when I am on my way back to London. I will gladly take you up on the invitation.”
The audacity of his cousin always struck Kenneth as irritating, but there was nothing he could do about the matter. For now, all that could be done was to usher him out of the house with as much grace as possible. Time, he knew, was of the essence.
“Well, my dear, I will look forward to seeing you soon. For now, I am afraid I must prepare myself for our visitors. They will be here in no time at all.”
“Very well. I bid you farewell, Aunt.” He bowed again and the Duchess departed after giving him the smallest of nods. Kenneth, meanwhile, placed a hand on his cousin’s arm and escorted him back to his waiting carriage.
“I hope you enjoy your visitors. Who are they, anyhow - if I might be so bold?”
Kenneth shrugged. There seemed no harm in telling his cousin.
“It is the Duke of Twilightfare and his family. They are to visit for most of the summer.”
“The entire summer? My, that is an extended visit. I will surely meet them then on my return trip.” He waited for the coachman to open the carriage door when a frown appeared on his face.
“The Duke of Twilightfare you said?”
“Yes, are you familiar with him?” Kenneth asked.
His cousin shook his head. “Not personally. However, I heard about his daughter. She….” He grimaced then, causing Kenneth to frown.
“What do you mean?”
His cousin shook his head. “It is nothing. On my last visit, your mother declared me a gabster and, while not appreciated at the time, the slight has made me aware that I ought to watch my mouth more. Thus, I will take my leave and allow you to form your own opinions. Until we meet again, Kenneth.”
He nodded his head and stepped into the carriage, leaving Kenneth to stand outside of the manor feeling ever more uneasy about the impending visitors.
* * *
His cousin’s carriage had hardly departed when his valet informed him that the party was stranded on their way due to a broken wheel. A replacement had been dispatched and their arrival was estimated to be another half of an hour. This left hardly enough time for Kenneth to ready himself.
He hastened into his chamber assisted by Jarvis, his valet, and donned his best tailcoat and pantaloons.
“The mirror, my lord?” Jarvis asked and handed Kenneth the looking glass.
He sighed. He was well aware that he’d been declared handsome by society, but he did not see it himself. His hair, while wavy, was too thin for his liking and his eyes too close together. His eyes were blue, but of so light a color he found them dull. Lines were beginning to form on his forehead thanks to the amount of time he spent out of doors. He shook his head.
“I wish there was time for a shave. Alas, we will have to make do with what we have. Let me have my cane, though.”
His valet smiled and nodded, returning the mirror to the drawer in the dresser. He handed Kenneth his richly decorated walking cane. An item he did not need but liked to carry around for the stylish look of it. He loved to have it dangle from his elbow, the gemstones catching the sunlight. Pleased, he nodded at himself.
“Let us go,” Kenneth said and straightened his tailcoat once more before stepping outside.
* * *
The household staff was presently lined up outside to greet their visitors. He stepped out and saw the carriage - one of their own - approaching. His father was standing at the end of the receiving line ready to greet them. Kenneth and his mother stood on the stairs by the door.
