Read The Only One for Free Online

and to the outside observer, Giles’ parents were excessively handsome people gifted in commerce and conversation. Yet they never indulged in demonstrations of sentiment or warmth. Behind closed doors, the two shared no more than a dwelling. It was a wonder he had been born. But then, he supposed it had not always been that way. And a dukedom must have an heir.
    “Our cook has excelled this evening in honor of your presence.” Sarah beamed with pride. “She has prepared roast pigeon, a kettle of fish, mince pies, sweet potato pudding, and syllabub with cocoa beans in a frothy dessert.”
    “Sounds delicious. I shall be sure to thank her personally.” Giles bestowed a smile.
    Through the first and second courses, Cornelia tried to keep generating interest on topics of England and his nobility. He had no desire to embellish on his private life, and steered her in other directions, all the while keeping up with the conversation and allowing his mind to drift to Alex. He darted short glances to better note her sparkling brown eyes, her high cheekbones, her sun-glistened blonde hair.
    When Alex smiled favorably at him, Giles let his gaze linger on her full lips. With his strength of mind in diplomatic affairs and daring escapades, it astounded him that this bit of fluff disturbed him.
    He held her gaze for long moments before Ben’s voice shook him free.
    “Found something interesting today, Papa.”
    “I’d say,” Sam added with a mouth full of food.
    With a slight shake of her head, Sarah gave a look of reproach to her son.
    “Pardon, Mama.”
    “Sam and I rode out on the north meadow.” Ben leaned back in his chair, sending glances between Alex and his father.
    “What was so interesting out there?” James stabbed a piece of meat with his fork.
    “Well, we found something. Just wandering around on our land.”
    “Yeah, Pap. Just grazing in the grass.” Sam attempted innocence, but his grin suggested tomfoolery. Same with Ben. The two were leading up to mischief. Being a curious sort, Giles’ ears perked up with interest.
    “An animal?” James asked.
    “Yep. And this particular animal belonged to someone,” Ben answered.
    “Yeah,” Sam chortled.
    “Well, what was it?” James raised a brow as though he tired of the game.
    “A stallion.”
    “Black.”
    “Alone.”
    “With no rider.”
    Back and forth, taking turns, one brother started a sentence and the other one finished it. Giles swallowed a chuckle.
    “Had a saddle, though.”
    Of the three, Ben gave the impression of being the most outspoken. By his smug countenance and flamboyant gestures, he took great delight in teasing his sister. Alex shot him a spiteful look. Any moment Giles expected her to explode. With his long legs in close proximity, he only hoped he did not receive a kick meant for her brother.
    “Can’t imagine why anyone would let a shiny black wander off like that.”
    All eyes turned to Alex.
    “What’s this?” James asked, his brow furrowed. “Surely this is not the same horse I purchased for Alex from Hudson’s.”
    “Papa, I can explain,” Alex sputtered.
    “We figure the black threw her,” Sam said with glee.
    “He did not!” Alex shrieked.
    Sarah gasped. “Alex, are you all right?”
    “Mama, I did not—”
    “He’s a big one, Pap. I think you should give him to me.” Kit joined into the fray.
    “Now just a minute. That’s my horse.”
    “Which evidently you can’t handle.”
    Alex glared at her brother. Giles held back a chuckle.
    “Young lady, I’m waiting for an explanation.” James’ gruff voice rang with chastisement.
    “It’s his fault.” Alex jumped up and pointed a finger directly at Giles.
    Silence filled the room.
    Cornelia and Sarah looked like they were about to have apoplexy. Kit grinned in amusement. Sam’s mouth hung open and Ben looked incredulous.
    “Alex,” James said in a low voice with a hint of embarrassment. “Sit down.”
    Glances swung from Alex to Giles. After a gasp