The Duke of Defiance (The Untouchables #5)(11)

While Talbot was otherwise focused and before someone could leap to the man’s aid, Bran neatly stepped around him. “Pleasure to meet you, I’m sure,” he murmured. He inclined his head toward the footman, who’d paused to wait, and they continued to the stairs.

Bran’s shoulders twitched as he reached the landing. He’d give just about anything to have his father and brothers back, and not because he felt sad. No, he’d just rather have his old life. And that made him feel unsettled. He should feel sad.

Perhaps he did. His brothers had passed first, over a year ago. He’d received word about two months after they’d drowned in a boating accident, and at that moment, he’d become the heir apparent. Neither brother had a son, and their father wouldn’t live forever. Which meant Bran had to return to England. While he’d reluctantly made preparations, he’d received another letter from his mother two months after that informing him that his father had died of a combination of ague and sadness. According to her, he’d been utterly brokenhearted over the loss of John and Wynn.

Bran doubted their father had been capable of such depth of emotion. He’d certainly never demonstrated any. Until Bran had lost his wife and become the sole parent to Evie, he’d thought he wasn’t capable of such emotion either.

They arrived at a door, and the footman rapped softly. A masculine voice called out, “Come.”

The footman opened the door and waited for Bran to walk past him. “The Right Honorable the Earl of Knighton, Your Grace.”

The duke rose. “Good evening, Knighton.”

“Evening, Your Grace.” Bran walked toward the seating area, where the duke had stood from his chair. He shook the man’s hand.

“Kendal, if you please.” The duke gestured for Bran to sit. “I’m glad you could join me this evening.”

“I appreciate the invitation.”

“It seemed necessary, given the apparent inseparability of our daughters.” Kendal chuckled. “Every day, Becky begs to see Evie.”

“It’s the same at my house. I’m glad she’s found a companion. This transition to England has been difficult.”

Kendal’s brow creased. “I can only imagine. Would you care for whiskey? Or brandy?”

“I don’t suppose you have any rum?” Bran asked.

“I should’ve guessed that would be your choice. I’m afraid I don’t.”

“I’ll send a case over, if you’d like. I have plenty, and more will arrive soon.” He needed at least a taste of Barbados. “I’ll take whiskey. It’s been a while since I had a good bottle.”

Kendal stood, his lips curving into a smile. “I’ve just the thing.” He went to the sideboard and poured a glass, which he handed to Bran. He reached to the table next to his chair, on which stood his own glass. He lifted it toward Bran. “To new acquaintances.”

Bran raised his whiskey. “And happy daughters.”

“Yes, that.” Kendal’s brow arched before he took a drink and resettled himself in the chair. “You said it’s been a difficult transition. Nora tells me you recently hired a nurse. That should help things.”

“It already has.” Mrs. Poole had started a few days ago. At first, Evie had been a bit withdrawn and reluctant. She’d finally shared that she felt funny about liking Mrs. Poole, who’d been extremely kind and warmhearted with Evie. After discussing it with her, Bran had determined that Evie felt guilty that Mrs. Poole would replace Amalie. Bran had told her that no one could do that. Things had summarily improved.

“Your daughter has also helped,” Bran said. “I’m quite grateful for your hospitality. Now that Mrs. Poole is in place, Becky should come visit.” Just yesterday, Evie had pestered him for the dozenth time about Becky coming to their house. She wanted to show Becky all the things she’d brought from Barbados.

“I’m certain Becky would love that. I’ll have Nora make the arrangements.” He sipped his whiskey before setting the glass back on the table. “Who takes care of that sort of thing for you, your secretary?”

“No.” Bran could see what he was thinking. Kendal had a wife to manage such details. “I oversee everything to do with Evie. Though now that I have Mrs. Poole, I can share some of that responsibility.”

“I understand my sister-in-law, Joanna, assisted you with hiring her? Nora was sorry she wasn’t able to help. Christopher had a bit of a cold.”

Bran had thought of Mrs. Shaw several times over the past several days. Evie had been to the Kendals’ house twice since they’d conducted interviews together, but Bran hadn’t seen Mrs. Shaw on either occasion. In fact, he hadn’t heard from her about hiring a governess. “Yes, Mrs. Shaw was quite helpful. She is to assist me with finding a governess next. I understand you will also be looking for one, so I shall endeavor not to steal the one you want.”

A staccato laugh erupted from Kendal. “This is a conversation I never imagined myself having.”

“You never thought to have children?”

“I hadn’t really considered everything that would accompany being a parent. Not just the responsibility, but the overwhelming emotion.” He scowled as he reached for his glass and took another drink. “I don’t usually share that sort of thing.”