SILK AND SECRETS Read Free

polite show of busyness.
    Ross flipped through the letters quickly, noting the handwriting of Sara, Mikahl, and his mother, among others. The black-bordered letter was near the bottom of the pile. He was relieved to see that the address was written in his mother’s bold hand, which meant that she at least was well.
    He steeled himself before breaking the seal. His father, the Duke of Windermere, was nearly eighty, and though his health was good for a man of his years, it would not be surprising if death had called for him. If so, Ross hoped the end had been quick.
    Having prepared himself to accept the death of his father, it took Ross a moment to comprehend that the letter did not say what he had expected. When the contents registered, he exhaled softly and closed his eyes, rubbing his temple with one hand while he thought of the ways this news would change his life.
    Quietly Canning said, “Is there anything I can get for you, Lord Ross? Some brandy, perhaps?”
    Ross opened his eyes. “No, thank you. I’m all right.”
    “Is it your father?” the ambassador asked hesitantly. “I met the duke some years ago. A most distinguished man.”
    “Not my father.” Ross sighed. “My brother—half-brother, actually—the Marquess of Kilburn, died unexpectedly last month.”
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t know Lord Kilburn, but I’m sure that it must be a great loss to you.”
    “Not a personal loss.” Ross stared down at the letter, feeling a distant regret that his only brother had lived and died a virtual stranger. “Kilburn was considerably older than I and we were not close.” In fact, they had barely been on speaking terms, and now there was no chance that they would ever be able to close the breach that pride and anger had put between them. Kilburn had not approved of his father’s second marriage, nor of the child of that marriage. It had been a great sadness to the Duke of Windermere that the marriage that had brought him such happiness had also alienated him from his older son and heir.
    A speculative look came into the ambassador’s eyes. “I am not acquainted with your family’s circumstances. Did your brother leave a son?”
    Therein lay the crux of the problem. “Kilburn had a daughter by his first marriage,” Ross said. “After his first wife died a couple of years ago, he remarried, and his new wife was with child when I left England. The baby was born a few days after Kilburn’s death, but unfortunately, it was another girl.”
    “So you are now the Marquess of Kilburn.” Canning’s gaze studied his guest narrowly. “You think that is unfortunate? Forgive me, Lord Kilburn, but most men would not be sorry to become the heir to a dukedom. It is hardly your fault that your brother did not breed sons to succeed him.”
    “It was never my ambition to be the Duke of Windermere.” Face set, Ross tried to adjust to the fact that he now carried the title of the brother who had spurned him. “Becoming the heir means that my traveling days are done. My parents want me to return to England immediately, for my father cannot afford to lose his last son. Besides, there is a great deal of family business that must be attended to.”
    Canning nodded slowly. “I see. I’m sorry. I hope you will find some comfort in the fact that you have already been to many places most men only dream of.”
    “I know.” Ross made an effort to master his disordered emotions. “I have had a great deal of freedom and privilege in my life. Now the bill has come due and I must take up the responsibilities that go with privilege.”
    The tea tray arrived then, and for the next half-hour they spoke of more impersonal topics.
    When Ross rose and took his leave, the ambassador said, “I hope you will dine with us before you leave Constantinople. Lady Canning most particularly desires to meet you.” He stood to escort his visitor out. “Perhaps tomorrow night?”
    “It will be my pleasure to join you.”
    The two men left the