He had enjoyed their company, but had never considered marrying any of them. Marriage was not something to be taken lightly, as his father had taught him when he was a young boy. Many important factors should be taken into account, as his late father had advised. Their lineage mattered, their family, their title. Love had no place in a marriage if it meant the family would not survive financially.
But perhaps William had never thought of settling on one woman, as he had not been inclined to be bound, especially not by a woman.
The duke narrowed his eyes and cocked his head. “Is everything all right, brother? You seem rather distracted.”
William flicked his hand in a dismissive gesture. “I am perfectly fine. I merely have things on my mind.”
“Perhaps you would feel better if you shared those thoughts.” James suggested.
William snorted and couldn’t help but smile as he recalled the times he had spoken to the duke regarding such things, and he had, in fact, felt better.
This, however, was not something he could discuss with his brother. After all, he’d given his word to Emma.
“Trust me, brother. This is not something you would wish to hear of,” William answered.
“I urge you to reconsider, as I am fairly certain I know what the cause of your annoyance may be.”
Will raised an eyebrow. “I highly doubt that.”
“Deny it if you wish, and I am well aware you will, but you are envious I married before you did.”
William burst out laughing. That was the last thing he’d expected his brother to say. “Please, do not insult me.”
“You are not denying it,” the duke stated.
“Brother,” William said slowly, and turned to James. “As happy as I am for you, and I am truly happy you found a woman as wonderful and strong-willed as Kitty, I am not jealous. I do not seek the comfort of only one woman. I would much rather be a free bird and fly to wherever my heart desires.”
“It is clearly not your heart leading you to such places,” the duke muttered.
William chuckled and shook his head. “While I appreciate your concern and your insistence on assisting me in finding a suitable wife, I do not wish to waste your time. Time that you could much better spend with your lovely wife and developing child. And I do believe congratulations are in order, dear brother.”
William reached out his hand to James, and the duke grinned. The two brothers shook hands, and before James released William’s hand, he embraced him. Will didn’t squirm as he usually would, and perhaps that was a mistake on his part, as now the duke would most certainly know that there was something amiss.
“Brother, I am always available if you require an ear,” James said quietly, causing William to gently tear himself out of his brother’s embrace.
“I appreciate that.”
Will stepped away and turned to the door. “If that is all, I must be going.”
James called out after him “I received word earlier that the Duchess of Waltham is hosting a ball next week, and she would be delighted if you attended along with Kitty and me.”
He was aware that the only reason for this was to assist in the quest to find him a suitable wife, but he did not resist in any manner. What would be the point?
“That sounds delightful,” William answered and made his way out of the study, the sweet scent of Emma still lingering on his skin.
Chapter Seven
Emma placed her hair brush on the dressing table, her gaze lingering on the intricately carved flowers in the wood. It was quiet in her bedchamber, apart from the soft, shuffling noises the duchess made while sifting through Emma’s wardrobe.
“You have such lovely gowns, Emma. It is rather difficult to choose one,” Kitty sighed and turned to her. “Which one do you wish to wear this evening?”
Emma glanced at her best friend and pursed her lips. She had never before kept anything from the duchess, and now she sat in her bedchamber, preparing for a lavish ball as if nothing had happened last week.
Emma had been unable to stop her thoughts from diverting back to William, though she had tried. She was well aware, of course, that she was the one who had suggested that they pretend nothing had happened between them.
But now, as she sat at her dressing table, unable to even glance at her own reflection, she could not help but feel as though she had made the worst mistake imaginable. She was not certain whether the mistake was that she had been intimate with William, or that she proposed to not speak of it.
Emma had vowed to herself from a young age that she would not deprive herself of things that brought her joy and happiness, but denying that something had happened with William felt as though she was doing just that.
She was filled with confusion and frustration, and she did not enjoy the feeling.
She raised her gaze towards the duchess, not sure what had been said. Kitty stared at her expectantly, holding two of her favorite gowns in each hand.
“My sincerest apologies. Did you say something?” Emma asked, her cheeks heating slightly.
“I was merely inquiring which one you would prefer,” Kitty repeated. “The magnificent emerald green gown, or the elegant sapphire blue.
Emma cocked her head and shrugged. “It does not matter. Choose whichever one you think.”
Kitty lowered the gowns and frowned. “There is no need to be nonchalant with regards to your choice, Emma. There will be many eligible bachelors at the Duchess of Waltham’s ball. The correct choice of dress is crucial.”
“Perhaps,” Emma sighed. “But I still insist that you make the decision for me. I am feeling rather distracted at this moment.”
“Is everything all right, my dear friend?” Kitty asked. “If there is something on
