The Duke of Defiance (The Untouchables #5)(52)

That he’d stayed with Jo last night, even for a short time, had surprised him.

Hudson came to assist him with his preparations for the day, and after Bran was bathed, he started his massage. “You’re quite relaxed this morning, my lord. Your shoulders are particularly loose. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were with a woman last night.”

They’d noticed years ago that having sex seemed to improve Bran’s tension and anxiety. He saw no reason to lie to Hudson. The valet was Bran’s closest confidant, and Bran knew anything he told him would be kept inviolate. “I was. I must say, I do feel remarkable today. I’m not even dreading a cravat.”

“Well, that’s inspiring,” Hudson said. “Since you didn’t leave the house, I assume it was Mrs. Shaw?”

“Why not the new cook?” She was a few years older than Bran with a rather plain face but a charming, effusive demeanor.

Hudson laughed. He moved down Bran’s right arm. “I’ve watched you with the governess. I haven’t seen you look at a woman like that in a long time. Maybe ever.”

Bran tipped his head to peer up at him. “What about my wife?”

“It was different. Don’t ask me how, it just is. Perhaps because Mrs. Shaw is the governess. She’s forbidden, and that makes her more attractive.”

Bran supposed that was possible, but whatever the reason, he couldn’t argue with Hudson’s assessment—this was different. Jo was different.

He recalled her sense of wonder and the absolute joy she’d taken from their coupling. She’d truly thought she was to blame for her disaster of a marriage. And make no mistake, it sounded like an utter disaster. Because of her blackguard husband.

Hudson had moved to his left arm. “You’re tensing up. What’s the matter?”

“Just thinking of something I shouldn’t.” He couldn’t focus on Jo’s husband—it would drive him insane. He had to think it would be even worse for her. She’d lived with him, with his cruelty, for eight years. That left a mark. It had to. He knew from experience. It wasn’t until he’d gotten away to Barbados that he’d realized the damage his family had done. On his own, he’d learned to accept who he was and forge his own path without their expectations or demands.

Jo deserved to feel the same freedom and to find the ability to bury the past.

Hudson finished with his massage. “Are you ready to finish dressing? You did say you weren’t dreading a cravat.”

Bran didn’t have to leave the house for a while yet—later he was meeting with Kendal, who’d pledged to help him find his way in the House of Lords. His secretary would be here shortly, but Bran didn’t bother with formality with Dixon. “I haven’t completely lost my edge,” he said wryly. “I’ll don the rest before I leave for my appointment.”

Hudson inclined his head as Bran stood and left the dressing room. As he walked out of his chamber, he stared at the door to Jo’s room. Was she there? No, she’d likely be upstairs with Evie.

He wanted to speak with her but didn’t want to interrupt their routine. There’d be time later. He went downstairs, and Bucket met him at the stairs. “Good morning, my lord. A letter arrived for you, and I placed it on your desk.”

“Thank you, Bucket. My secretary will be here shortly. Please show him to my office.”

Bucket nodded. “Of course.”

Bran strode to his office and saw the letter on his desk. He recognized the flourish on the K of his name. It was from his mother. He didn’t really want to open it but supposed he must. Whenever one of her letters would reach him in Barbados, he could ignore it and simply say it had been lost. That happened to correspondence all the time. He also used it as an excuse to write to his parents infrequently. He hadn’t bothered writing to his brothers. However, in retrospect, perhaps he should’ve written to Gwen more often.

Sitting behind the desk, he opened the missive and laid it flat on the desktop.

Knighton,



It’s still so strange to address you as such, but I’m getting used to it. I must say you surprised me. Perhaps traveling across the world was precisely what you needed. I should like to know what events you’ll be attending in the near future so that I may present you to my friends.





None? Bran supposed he ought to go to something, but reasoned that if Kendal could avoid such nonsense, so could he.

And it wasn’t just that his mother would be there, though that was a large part of it. He really didn’t care to see her. That she was treating him with deference and even a bit of respect was strange. He didn’t know what to do with that.

I look forward to visiting again soon and spending time with my granddaughter. Please advise me when I am invited. I understand your reticence where I’m concerned, but let us not focus on the past. I’ve missed watching you grow into a man, and I don’t wish to miss Evangeline’s maturation.





Was this some sort of backward attempt at an apology? He stared at the words on the page, wondering what he could expect from her. He realized he’d thought she’d treat him the same as she always had, but of course it was different now. He was a grown man, the earl. Could he allow a different relationship with her? Did he even want to?

I hope you’ll let me know if I can be of assistance to you in any way. I have many skills that could be useful, particularly until you take a new countess. I am and shall forever remain,