Page 39 of Her Charming Duke


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As they walked inside, Aaron’s expression turned from amused to serious. “So, when did you arrive in town? I had no idea you were coming.”

Graham handed his greatcoat to the butler, mirroring Aaron’s action. His demeanor grew serious as he responded. “I just got back yesterday. I almost did not make it back from India. I got on the last boat before monsoon season makes travel almost impossible, but it was time. I needed to come home.” He side-eyed Aaron and smiled. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

Aaron raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh?”

“I purchased a house in Mayfair,” Graham announced with a hint of pride. “I decided it was time to have a proper residence here.”

Aaron’s confusion was evident. “You bought a house in town? When did this happen?”

Graham hailed from England’s northern region of Northumberland, and whenever he came to London, he’d stay with Aaron, since Aaron’s estate was close to town. He’d never expressed a need to own a home of his own, as he hadn’t had much interest in taking up his parliamentary duties. If he had to be there for votes and Aaron was out of town, he’d still stayat Aaron’s home—in fact, Graham had a chamber all to himself, always ready for his occupancy.

Graham chuckled. “It was my mother and sister’s doing. They viewed the house with the steward, bought it, and even furnished it. I had barely any say in the matter. Of course, I told them what I wanted before I left for India. But I must admit, I was a little weary, but they did an excellent job. You must come and see it as soon as possible. It’s lovely.”

“Where is it located?” Aaron asked, still processing the news. “Is it near Brooks?”

“I am afraid not,” Graham replied.

“Crockford’s? I do hope it is within walking distance of my favorite coffee house,” Aaron said. But again, Graham shook his head. “Ah, I have it. It is near Tatterall’s. I know how much you love the horse races.”

Graham shook his head, smiling. “I do enjoy the horse races, but no, not at all. It’s in Berkley Square, close to the parks, a private school, and other family-friendly places. It’s a quiet area, perfect for a more settled lifestyle.”

Aaron nodded, realization dawning on him. “That sounds… different from what I expected from you.”

Graham shrugged, his smile widening. “Well, life takes unexpected turns, doesn’t it? And it’s not like I’m abandoning all fun and entertainment. It’s just… time for some changes.”

They moved into the drawing room, where the fire crackled warmly, casting a cozy glow. Aaron offered Graham a seat, and they settled in comfortably.

“So, what prompted this sudden desire for a family-friendly residence?” Aaron asked, genuinely curious.

Graham leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “I suppose I’ve been thinking a lot about the future. My mother and sister have been hinting—rather strongly—that it’s time I consider settling down. And honestly, after years of gallivanting around, the idea doesn’t seem so terrible anymore.”

Aaron nodded, understanding the sentiment. “It’s a significant step. But it sounds like you’re ready for it.”

Graham smiled, a touch of nostalgia in his eyes. “I am. And having a proper home in Mayfair is the first step. Now, I just need to find someone to share it with. Aaron, I confess, I do wish to be wed. I wish to be a father. I see the other gentlemen with their wives and daughters, and I long for the same. On the boat, I became quite friendly with a Scottish laird and his family, and seeing them…” His eyes sparkled. “It is what I want.” He paused, then leveled Aaron with a look. “What about you?”

“Me?” Aaron asked, feigning ignorance.

Graham grinned and wagged an index finger in his direction. “Do not play me for a fool. I know there is a lady. My nose told me as much. Pray, is it serious?”

The question about Judith’s presence in his life bothered Aaron because he had no answer that satisfied him, let alone his good friend. Thus, he did what he did best—deflect.

“I do not know what you mean.”

“Marriage, Aaron,” Graham said with a roll of the eyes. “Are you betrothed? Have you found a lady to settle down with and carry on the family name?”

Aaron’s thoughts drifted to Judith, her image vivid in his mind. But he quickly suppressed the impulse to reveal his feelings. Instead, he offered a smile, masking his inner turmoil.

“No, Graham,” he replied, his tone neutral. “Marriage isn’t for me. I find it rather… dull, to be honest. I don’t wish to sacrifice my vibrant lifestyle for a union akin to what my parents had.”

Graham’s brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of sympathy in his gaze. “Ah, I see you are still ensnared in the grasp of your old convictions. You have not met the right lady to pry you out of them yet. Aaron, my dear friend, you haven’t experienced the right kind of courtship. A loving partner can bring immeasurable joy and companionship. It’s a bond that enriches life in ways one cannot imagine.”

“You sound as though you have experienced it,” Aaron quipped, but the regretful look on his friend’s face told him that it had been the wrong thing to say.

“I have not, and I regret that I have not looked sooner, but seeing my friends aboard the ship with one another made me understand that it is time. The devotion and love I saw struck something inside me. I want to have a wife—I want to be a husband. You’d find great joy in it also, I am sure of it.”

Aaron listened to Graham’s earnest words, his heart heavy with conflicting feelings. While he admired his friend’s sentiment, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of his own dilemma.

“Graham,” he began, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. “If marriage is what you desire, I’m certain the perfect woman is out there for you.”