The Rebellious Twin Read Online Free Page A

totally content to visit but occasionally.”
    “Incredible,” Lucius muttered.
    Robert remained silent. Lucius would never understand how content he was to spend his time at Oakley House, his estate in Kent, where he satisfied his passion for breeding horses — many said some of England’s finest. After his father died, and he received his title, he had played the popular London bachelor for a time. But he had soon grown weary of the marriageable chits and their eager Mamas. Now, as far as he was concerned, the best part of coming to London was gambling at the city’s leading clubs, visiting his current ladybird, and above all, examining the fine horseflesh at Tattersall’s. After such visits, he returned to Oakley House happy and content, delighted to be back with his cherished thoroughbreds.
    “My rakehell days are over,” he remarked to Lucius. “I must be getting old.”
    “At twenty-eight?” Lucius chuckled. “It’s more likely the time has come to settle down. You need a wife.”
    “I detest the thought.” Robert shrugged. “My father warned me not to marry until I was at least forty, and that, my good fellow, is excellent advice. My parents bickered constantly when I was growing up. I hesitate to subject my own children to the same misery.”
    “But surely you want sons.”
    Robert shook his head adamantly. “It’s not worth the price, at least not for now.”
    “But not all women — “
    “Every woman I meet is flighty, full of artifice, with not a brain in her head.”
    Lucius chuckled. “You want a woman who would simply be herself? Not likely! Not here in London with these silly, husband-hunting chits.”
    “Well, then, don’t tell me I need a wife.” Robert was silent a moment. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to sound so disagreeable. I hate to admit it, but you’re right. Long ago I found the London Seasons excruciatingly superficial and insipid. Still, I know the day will come when I shall be compelled to grit my teeth, plunge into the marriage mart, and chose a bride.”
    “Dare I mention that if you marry, it might be for love?”
    “Love? Ha! Love is an illusion. I shall never fall in love.” In the dimness of the gas lit street, Robert cocked his head and regarded his friend skeptically. You’re as old as I, Lucius. I don’t see you heading for the altar.”
    “At least you don’t have parents breathing down your neck,” Lucius replied. “My parents grow ever more impatient — like you, the price I pay for being a first son. I must marry soon, but unlike you, I won’t worry one wit. After all, a man of sense only trifles with women — humors them — plays with them as he would a child. So it’s most certainly not required I love her, only that she possess a title and suitable dowry. After I marry, I shall take the time to beget an heir, then continue my fine life in London, just as before.”
    “I am so relieved,” Robert answered sarcastically. “If ever there was a man who adores the bachelor life, ‘tis you.”
    “Exactly,” answered Lucius, nodding his head vigorously. “‘Tis the only solution. I love all the girls and would have the devil of a time settling on just one.”
    “Well said,” Robert answered offhandedly. “As for me, at the moment, my life suits me well enough. Some day I’ll get around to looking for a wife. I don’t expect her to be beautiful, and have no notion I could ever be in love with her. I would be content if I could find a woman with half a brain in her head who would just be herself. That will be many years from now, however.”
    They rode in silence for awhile, Robert allowing his thoughts to drift back to old Lord Westerlynn and the game of whist that had ruined him.
    Not fair…
    Not right, taking advantage of an old man…
    He could not do it!
    Without warning, Robert poked his out the window and yelled, “Stop, Jeffers! Turn around. Go back.”
    “What the deuce?” exclaimed Lucius.
    “We’re returning to White’s,”