The Match of the Century Read Online Free Page A

But he is not, and so it falls to you.”
    “His role?” Ben echoed. “To wait in case I’m needed? To twiddle my thumbs at garden parties while you attend all the important meetings? To be a gentleman? To hop to your bloody orders? No wonder Jack ran.”
    “He didn’t run. He wouldn’t do that.”
    Ben gave a sharp bark of laughter. “Oh, yes, he would, Gavin. I remember the rows he had with Father. He didn’t want what was planned for him any more than I do.” He took a step forward. “You don’t need me, Gavin. You are not going to die anytime soon.”
    A shadow crossed his brother’s face. “You don’t know any such thing.”
    “I’m fairly certain,” Ben answered. “You look hale and hearty, and I see no reason for me to lose what I’ve built for myself because you have grown maudlin over Death.”
    That barb hit its mark.
    “I’m not maudlin. I’m practical,” Baynton said, his manner changing from brother to lord. “I accept you do not approve of my decision. However the matter has been settled. Prepare yourself, Ben. Your education is about to start.”
    “My brother, if you do not let me return to the war, then I’ll be the one to teach you a thing or two. You are not Father, and I’m not some docile lad to be led by my nose. I’ll not be the man you want me to be. You worry about the havoc of death on the title? You’d best start worrying about the devilment I can raise.”
    “The title is our family responsibility—” Gavin started, sounding like the bloody prig he was.
    Ben cut him off. “ You are a damn fool . And yet, I, of all people, understand why. Father molded you into the man he wanted you to be. You have no idea what it is like to live completely for yourself. You are full of shoulds and should nots. Be careful, the weight will crush the life out of you, but I will not let it have me. Do you understand? I’m not a bloody sheep.”
    “Neither am I.”
    Gavin took a step forward. They were very much alike, Ben realized suddenly, both sons of their father. Neither would back down. Gavin proved him right by saying, “I have had your commission recalled. You have been dismissed from the military. I give you this evening to come to your senses and realize your responsibilities. We shall discuss this matter further on the morrow.”
    “There is nothing more to discuss,” Ben returned, his fury with his brother’s high-handedness simmering under every word.
    “So be it.” Gavin turned to Elin. “I’m sorry you were a witness to this, but it could not be avoided.” He offered her his arm. “Shall we join our guests? It is past time.”
    “Yes, yes, please,” Elin murmured. She placed a gloved hand on his offered arm. Gavin led her to the door as if she was a special prize—and she was.
    At one time, she’d been everything to Ben.
    But she hadn’t been his. Except for one night.
    Had his father been right? Had he wanted her for no other reason than to spite his brother?
    Right now, Ben wasn’t certain of the answer.
    The door clicked behind them as they left the room.
    Ben was alone. Alone and dressed in a uniform that was no longer his honor to wear.
    His brother was bringing him back to where he did not want to be. And Elin was a symbol of all that. But she had changed. The woman he had just met was not the companion of his youth. That girl would have rallied to his cause. She would have dared him to stand up for what he believed right.
    But she’d sold her soul to be a duchess. Baynton’s duchess.
    She hadn’t even glanced at him as she’d left.
    Ben walked over to several decanters on a table by the desk. He poured a very healthy glass and downed it.
    This was going to be a long night.
    Elin felt ready to collapse, and not from nerves over the evening ahead.
    Her head reeled from Ben’s sudden reappearance in her life, especially at this moment. She didn’t know what to think, especially after witnessing the argument between the brothers. She felt she’d