The Duke of Defiance (The Untouchables #5)(20)
Perhaps after he hired a governess. It seemed he was to be perpetually seeking retainers. “When I can find the time.”
“I imagine you must be horribly busy. And a father into the bargain. I hate to ask, but when do you plan to make your social debut as earl? Society is abuzz wondering about you. I heard you were at Brooks’s the other night.”
The notion that his activities were gossip fodder was unsettling. “How did you know?”
She smiled conspiratorially, her brown eyes glowing. “My former companion, an absolute dear, is the Duchess of Clare. She told me her husband met you in Kendal’s private dining room and that Kendal had invited you.”
He rested his elbows on the arms of the chair. “Then I am surprised you didn’t also know that I plan to make my debut at the Harcourt ball tomorrow night.”
“No, I hadn’t heard that, but what a brilliant plan. Would you like me to go with you?”
He appreciated her kindness, but he wanted the freedom to leave whenever he chose. He suspected he wouldn’t last very long and would hate to abbreviate her evening. “Thank you, but I’ll probably arrive later than you would prefer.”
“Yes, many gentlemen do. How do you find London?” She sipped from her cup, then set it and the saucer on the table.
“Large. And cold.”
“That must be a shock. How is Evie adjusting?”
“She also finds it cold.”
She gave him a patient stare. “I meant, how are you both getting on? Are you happy to be here or do you detest it? I didn’t think you’d ever come back.”
“I’m not sure I intended to.”
Lady Dunn turned to face him fully and clasped her hands in her lap. “I am your godmother, and to me, that makes us family. I know you didn’t get on well with your actual family, and I suspect that’s why you never meant to return. However, fate has decided to call you back to Mother England. This must be a very strange predicament for you.” She cocked her head to the side. “Were you even sad to hear of their passing?” She waved her hand. “Never mind, what a ghastly question. Of course you were sad.” She gave him a look that carried more understanding than anything he’d ever felt from anyone in his family.
To think that she could be family…
He gently coughed. “You seem to grasp the situation quite well.”
“Perhaps. I wish I knew more, but I’m afraid I wasn’t able to have much of a role in your life. Your mother didn’t care for me, as you may know.”
“I did know, although I never understood why.”
She surprised him by laughing, a hearty chuckle that filled the room. “Oh, that’s a story. She was certain I’d had a liaison with your father. Utter gibberish, of course. Nevertheless, she was adamant. I’m sorry to say she was quite skilled at preventing me from seeing you. I tried, but your father didn’t wish to upset her.”
Bran had no trouble imagining his mother railing at his father about Lady Dunn. And now he had another reason to dislike her—as if he needed one—she’d deprived him of a kind influence at a young age. “She’s arriving from Durham next week.” Just saying it aloud made him want to scratch the flesh from his bones.
Lady Dunn’s face pinched. “I’m sorry to hear that. She isn’t staying with you, is she?”
“No, I didn’t invite her. The only reason I’m allowing her to visit is to meet Evie.”
“That’s for the best, I think.” She eyed him with approval. “You’re a good son. Just remember that you’re the earl now. If you don’t wish to tolerate her presence, you don’t have to.”
She was right. Bran hadn’t thought about facing her now that he was the earl. Things were completely different. He was completely different. But then that really had nothing to do with becoming earl and everything to do with getting away from his toxic upbringing.
“I appreciate the advice, thank you. And the castle you brought Evie. That was incredibly thoughtful.”
“I look forward to showering all manner of things on her—all the things I couldn’t do for you.” Her gaze turned sad, and the lines around her mouth and eyes deepened. “I hope you’ll allow me to dote on her. And you. I think you both deserve it.”
Emotion scratched his throat. He poured himself a cup of tea, which he didn’t particularly care for, and took a sip to wet his mouth.
“That means you’ll have to suffer my interference, or at least interest, in your lives. Tell me, do you plan to marry again? If so, I should be delighted to help you find a bride.”
He did appreciate her thoughtfulness, but perhaps not the interference part. “I’d like to find a mother for Evie, but I’m not in a particular rush.”
“Of course not. You mustn’t hurry such things. The Harcourt ball will give you a nice introduction. Unless you want to set the tongues wagging, stay clear of dancing with any young misses. I’ll be sure to steer you in the right direction.”
That he appreciated most sincerely. “Thank you. I think I’ve found a formidable ally.”
Along with Kendal, his wife, and her lovely sister, the bright and witty Mrs. Shaw. He wondered if she would be at the ball. He hoped so. She wasn’t a young miss and therefore a safe dancing partner. Yes, he’d look for her as soon as he arrived.