School For Heiresses 2- Only a Duke Will Do Read Free

French Revolution and American defection had changed people’s expectations.
    Unfortunately, the old guard had responded by digging in their heels and instituting draconian policies that only stirred up more trouble. They needed to listen to the discontented voices. And that meant overhauling the House of Commons so that it represented more than just the wealthiest landowners. Not that Simon intended to let his old allies know of his new ideas. He must tread lightly at first. The old guard did not respond well to suggestions of reform—he would have to reassure them that his measures would not mean an overthrow of the government. Slow, moderate change was the only thing they could embrace.
    Simon turned to find the king eyeing him uncertainly. “You do still mean to pursue your lifelong ambition, don’t you?” His Majesty searched his face. “Everyone expects you to follow Monteith’s fine example.”
    Then everyone could go to hell. Because although Simon’s ambition was as healthy as ever, he did not mean to pursue it by following his grandfather’s fine example, living a life of hypocrisy and secret moral corruption.
    Or by falling right back in with the king and his machinations. His Majesty was unpredictable at best and dangerous at worst. “I haven’t yet decided—”
    “Of course you have.” He cast Simon a sly glance. “Or you wouldn’t have served your full term as Governor-General. You’d have returned to England once you tired of the heat and snakes and troubles with the natives. But you stuck it out when a lesser man would’ve said, ‘I have wealth and rank. Who needs politics?’”
    Simon bristled. “I stuck it out because I pledged to do so.”
    “And because I said you would have no political future unless you did.”
    Clearly His Majesty meant to press the issue. “Yes. But I served my term faithfully, and now you owe me your unqualified support in my bid for prime minister. Just as we agreed.”
    With a cunning smile, the king circled Simon. “Ah, but that isn’t exactly what we agreed to, is it? I said if you went to India, I would not oppose your reentry into politics upon your return. There was no mention of support.”
    A sharp burst of anger seared Simon’s gut. Though he was not surprised that His Bloody Majesty was splitting hairs, it hampered his plans for England. Much as he hated it, permanent change would require the king’s complicity.
    But he’d be damned before he’d beg. “Then I am on my own. Thank you for clarifying that detail.” He turned for the door. “Now if you will excuse me…”
    “Wait, damn you. I only meant that if you do want my unqualified support—”
    “I will have to do as you say.” Simon paused as he reached the door. “The last time you dangled your ‘
    unqualified support’ in front of me, I ended up banished.” Thanks to one reckless kiss and a handful of false promises. “Forgive me if I have lost my taste for currying your favor.”
    “Don’t be impertinent, Foxmoor. You know damned well that what happened with Louisa was your fault. I told you not to make her believe you would marry her. Was I supposed to look the other way when you defied me?”
    Apparently they were going to have this discussion, regardless of Simon’s wishes. Shutting the library door, he faced the king. “You gave me an impossible task. Court her, but not court her. Coax her to go off alone with me so you could meet with her, but not tell her why.” He took a steadying breath. “I could not accomplish your aims by remaining aloof.”
    “I thought you would behave like an honorable gentleman.”
    With Louisa, whose voluptuous mouth had haunted his dreams even then? “Even I have limits.”
    George eyed Simon assessingly. “She’s much altered from the young woman you knew then, don’t you think?”
    The abrupt change of subject put him further on his guard. This way lay quicksand. “I could not say. We barely had time to speak.”
    “She’s more