Page 50 of How to Capture a Duke

“Harrumph. I came to see how you are faring.”

Tristan’s lips drew in a thin line. “You mean you came to i…i-interfere in my marriage.”

“And will I be disappointed?”

“Not unless you expect a change. All is the same.”

“For a man as intelligent as you are, you are behaving quite stupidly.”

He took a deep breath and prayed for patience.

“Olivia did not intentionally deceive you and force you to offer her marriage. I’m ashamed to admit that I had thought so at first, but after I spent a week with your bride, I realized I was wrong.”

He didn’t answer. He’d been coming to the same conclusion himself. It had started after he’d met her family, especially her sister. It was clear that they loved Olivia and wanted only her happiness. Why would she see the need to entrap him into marriage?

Did it truly matter at this point? Whether he was right or wrong about his wife, it still didn’t change their circumstances. She’d wanted to marry for love, to have children. An impossible dream. He shouldn’t have kissed her last night, shouldn’t have touched her. She was utter temptation, and he needed to harden his resolve. She’d asked him if she should take a lover. Perhaps that was best.

Liar! Then why does the thought drive you to madness?

If she’d been unintelligent, boring, and unattractive, he would not be in this position.

But she wasn’t.

He was aware of Antonia waiting for his response. “Whether Olivia intentionally deceived me or not, it matters naught now.”

She stomped her cane. “Of course it does, my boy!”

Tristan was careful not to come too close. He didn’t trust her not to strike him with the blasted cane. “I cannot give her what she most wants.”

“And that is?”

“Children.”

Her lips pursed in a scowl. “You know I love you. Always have. But you are making a mistake. I only hope it is not an irreparable one.”

Chapter Seventeen

Men gathered in mass in the Lords’ Chamber. Tristan settled amongst the crowd and listened to the many conversations around him. The Soldiers Bill would have its final reading today, and members of the House of Lords would debate the key points and main purpose of the bill. Concerns would be addressed and counterpoints raised. He’d already written to those he’d suspected would join Lord Ware and Lord Dumfries in opposition. A dozen letters had borne his seal and been hand-delivered.

His arguments were well-crafted and set forth the benefits and fairness of the bill. He knew firsthand that neither Lord Ware nor Lord Dumfries excelled at arguing. Dumfries’s speeches comprised more rhetoric than logic.

If only he could argue on behalf of the bill himself. Frustration lodged in Tristan’s throat. His face tightened, his jaw hardened, and he knew if he was to attempt to speak now, the words would sound guttural and broken.

All quieted as the speaker began. “The second reading of the Soldiers Bill will be presented today. Lord Lampton, the sponsor, will go first.”

Lord Lampton stood and eloquently stated his reaffirmation of the bill.

Thereafter, it was time for the opposition to voice their concerns. Lord Ware was first on the list. “I had thought to stand and state opposition today, but after studying the language of the Soldiers Bill, I no longer oppose it but shall vote in favor of it.”

Men looked at him in surprise, but no one was more shocked than Tristan. Had his correspondence to Lord Ware’s acquaintances changed the man’s opinion?

Not bloody likely. So why the complete switch? What maggot was eating the man’s brain?

A tap at his shoulder drew his attention, and he turned to find Spencer at his side. Tristan wasn’t one to hold a grudge, but he was still annoyed with his cousin.

Spencer leaned close and lowered his voice. “You are not the only one who is surprised at Ware’s change of loyalty for the bill.”

“What do you think is behind his change of heart?” Tristan asked.