he wouldn’t break.
He made sure that she had safely joined the other group of harlots before he turned and continued his stroll through the grounds, searching for the one person who mattered more than his red-haired temptress.
“I heard you’d returned from India.” Hunter turned to face the dark-haired man who had been a longtime acquaintance ever since their days wearing short pants in Eton. “I daresay I’m rather put out that you didn’t think it necessary to call on an old friend the moment you returned to London.”
Some of the tension left Hunter’s shoulders as he reached out and clapped the shoulder of Avion Kingsley, the Viscount of Darwood. “It’s good to see you, Darwood.”
“I wish I could say the same,” the viscount returned dryly. “I feel as if you don’t care for me anymore.”
Hunter chuckled as he clasped his chest. “You should know you are the only man I carry in my heart.”
The viscount grinned broadly. “Then I daresay my pride is soothed.” As he began walking, Hunter fell into step beside him. “I heard about Lord Gregory’s release. I assume that’s what brought you out this evening?”
Hunter shook his head. The man was always rather astute. “You miss nothing, do you, Darwood?”
“Not generally, no.” He paused. “And you seem to forget I’m one of the few people who know of Louisa’s… condition.”
The very mention of his sister’s name caused a wash of red-hot anger to course through Hunter’s veins. After six years of chasing Lord Gregory to ensure he paid for what he’d done, his fury had yet to subside. But then, Louisa was in a permanent state of unrest because of the blackguard’s foul misdeeds.
“I’m afraid to be the bearer of bad news.” Darwood’s voice brought Hunter back to the present. “But I heard Lord Gregory was summoned to his father’s estate. I can only assume it’s so he can finally receive a proper reprimand from his sire.”
“I’m sure it will be nothing more than the slap on the wrist he’s received in the past,” Hunter noted sourly. “The fact that the marquess doesn’t see what an evil man his youngest son is would give me cause for concern about his sanity as well.”
The viscount shrugged. “You should know as well as I that the mistakes of the peerage are often swept under the rug. It would have to be something truly heinous in order to command the attention of the king. Although now that the hostilities between Britain and France have been suspended by the Treaty of Amiens he might be in a more amicable state of mind to listen to your grievances. However, I would not delay in making a new case against Lord Gregory. The king’s mental health has been in decline for the past several years. If he is declared insane, you realize that George will take over as Regent and then any hope you might have of appealing to the Crown will be over.”
Hunter’s lips twisted. “He never has been very fond of me, considering I’m the only bastard ever acknowledged by the Crown. He also blames me for the king’s decline, because of the temporary liaison he had with my mother, but he fails to see that I had anything to do with that. The king met Queen Charlotte on the day of their wedding, but it was my mother he’d wanted to marry.”
Darwood nodded. “My father told me that George was quite smitten with Lady Sarah before her marriage to Bunbury, but then after her affair in which she bore your half-sister, Louisa, and then you, it incited his grounds for divorce.”
“Yes.” Hunter sighed. “I remember Bunbury quite well in my youth. He would come to call upon my uncle’s house where we lived and demand that my mother accept the terms of the decree. It was a nasty affair. Even more so every time he saw me or my elder sister, Louisa, for it was glaring proof of her infidelity.”
Hunter paused at the edge of the grounds. He glanced around and noticed they had made a full circle back to where they were. His eyes instantly sought out the wealth of red-gold hair and the lines about his mouth softened slightly when he saw she was safe, surrounded by her mother’s ladies.
“At least my mother is happy now,” he murmured, keeping his focus on Persephone. “She remarried and moved to the country where she remains with her eight children. Of course, Louisa and I chose to remain with our uncle in London until we came of age.” His mouth tightened once more. “After Louisa’s assault, I sent her to my country estate where I spent months looking after her, until it became… too much and I was forced to hire a full time caregiver.” He paused. “I haven’t seen her in years, finding it too… painful to do so, although her nurse keeps me abreast on Louisa’s progress through regular correspondence. During my time in India, it was that knowledge and Miss Welton’s familiar hand that kept me sane.”
“Yes,” his friend noted perceptibly. “I have noticed your infatuation with your mistress this evening, in which I would exercise caution. The king would likely not take too kindly should you turn a courtesan into a duchess.”
His shoulders stiffened as he turned to the viscount. “It’s not as if it hasn’t happened before, but rest assured I’m not prepared to marry now, perhaps never. But if the time should come, it’s not my father’s choice, but mine, who I take as my bride.”
Darwood inclined his head. “I admire your determination, Falcourt, but don’t say I didn’t warn you, especially if you wish to continue to plead your case to the Crown about Lord Gregory.”
With that parting remark, the viscount strode away, giving Hunter even more to consider.
Chapter Four
“You’re awfully quiet.” Persephone couldn’t stand the silence any longer. They were nearly home, but the tension
