A Devil Named DeVere (The Devil DeVere)(45)

"He has only a daughter. Perhaps he still seeks an heir? Speaking of which, do you never think of your own legacy?"

"It's far too early, and I'm far too sober to contemplate such a topic. I generally prefer a couple bottles of port before waxing philosophic."

"We are the last of the DeVeres, and you live recklessly. What if you had not escaped the Turks? What if I'd been killed at Cowpens?"

"Now that's a highly disconcerting thought."

"Precisely, Vic. You should wed. Just because one woman turned out to be a shameless grasping jade—"

Ludovic threw down his periodical with a scowl. "And wherever an ass falls, there he will never fall again."

"I indeed marvel at that, Vic." Hew beckoned the hovering footman for more coffee.

"That I have remained unwed?"

"No, that you are still an ass." Hew grinned. "Although yet an unmated ass."

"And that is precisely the state I intend to maintain. A man who lives alone is a god unto himself."

"And a devil unto others." Hew gave an exasperated sigh.

Hew was right of course. At six and thirty with vast properties and a healthy fortune, Ludovic should have settled down long ago, but following a jilt on the eve of his planned engagement, he had embarked upon a career of drinking and whoring from which he'd no desire to quit. After a dozen years, it was his chosen lifestyle: drinking, whoring, and horses, that was. Ludovic's one true, unwavering passion was his racing stud.

Hew studied him for a long, silent moment. "How can you wish to continue on indefinitely in this empty life you lead? You have an obligation, Vic. You should give the matter some serious reflection."

Ludovic tipped his chair back with a devious grin. "Actually, dear brother, I already have."

"What do you mean?" Hew asked. "You are going to take a wife at last?"

"No, dear boy." He chuckled. "You are."

Hew gaped. "I can't possibly have heard you correctly."

"But I assure you, you did," Ludovic said. "You see, I have thought about my obligation to ensure the propagation of little DeVeres and find I am not the slightest disposed to it. Since you stand to inherit all should anything unforeseen befall me, I therefore deem it your onus to get the heir."

"Me?" Hew exclaimed. "You truly think to put this matter upon me?"

"I can surely make it worth your while."

"You would bribe me?"

"Let us call it an inducement. I mean to offer you a very generous settlement for your capitulation to enter the connubial state."

"You are in earnest then?" Hew met his brother's stare with a cool one of his own. "How generous?"

"I am prepared to assign over the Staffordshire estate, one of the most productive of my holdings, and to place another thirty thousand in trust. You must, of course, sell your commission. It would be inconceivably inconvenient if you were to get yourself killed before completing your end of this bargain."

"What of the broodmare?" Hew asked. "I can only assume you have someone already in mind."

"Surprisingly, I do not," Ludovic said. "I would not have you curse me the rest of your days. I shall let you enter hell by your own chosen path. I only ask that she be of good stock and bring a respectable dowry."

"A broodmare with a fortune then. You know they say there is no greater rogue than a man who weds only for money."

"And no greater fool than one who weds for love."

"Love does exist, you know," Hew said.

"You waste your breath."

Hew shrugged. "I hate to think you a hopeless case. Tell me, Vic, is there anything you truly care about?"

Ludovic considered the question for a long moment. "Horses," he answered. "I care a bloody great deal about my stables."

"If you weren't my own brother, I'd think you one heartless bastard."

Ludovic laughed outright. "Don't let the blood connection stop you." He then poured some brandy into his coffee and raised his cup in salute. "You already know it's true, little brother, and for the record, it's all the more reason I should not be the one to procreate!"

"Fifty thousand," Hew countered.

"Done." Ludovic smiled, resting in the secret knowledge that he would quite willingly have gone higher.





Chapter Fifteen


"I noticed the knocker is up on the house on Upper Grosvenor when I went for my morning ride," Hew declared as he removed his gloves.

"I am well aware," remarked Lord DeVere while his manservant lathered his face and neck with shaving soap.

"Then you received notice of Vesta's arrival?"

"Not officially, but I make it my business to keep informed."

"Do you think we should perhaps pay a courtesy call?" Hew asked.

"I am devoid of your enthusiasm to do so, Hew," Ludovic replied in a bored tone. He continued while the valet stropped the blades. "I have already sent Pratt to convey my compliments and offer his services. As for myself, it is generally my preference to fulfill social obligations only when truly obliged to do so. I know it is inevitable, but it can wait another day."