him since he and Dominic became estranged. Only much later did he realize that he gave much to her as well. Even so, she’d resisted when he asked her to become his mistress, saying that she was past her prime and a beautiful man like him deserved an equally beautiful young girl. It was true that she was no longer young, and that she faced a future of increasing bleakness in a trade where youth and beauty were the only coin that mattered. But his desire to keep her safe had been only a small part of his decision; far more important was his fierce need to keep her close, for he could not imagine life without her.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Spain. You’ve given me a reason,” he said in a light voice that showed none of his thoughts. “We shall lie beneath an orange tree and smell the flowers on the warm Spanish wind.”
“Yes.” Despite the fatigue in her dark eyes, she gave him her wonderful Madonna smile again. “Surely God will grant me that much.”
He smiled back, and wondered with despair what he would ever do without her. The small boy emerged from his father’s study, so stunned that he knew only that control was essential. Shoulders rigid, he walked through the grand hall, steps echoing, then down the wide stone steps after a footman silently swung the door open.
Kyle raced around the corner, face alive with excitement. “Did you fool him ? ”
Dominic licked his dry lips. “Oh, yes, he thought I was you.”
His brother grinned mischievously. “I told you Wrexham couldn’t tell us apart, even though he is our father.”
Dominic could no longer remember why the idea of trying to deceive the earl had seemed amusing. “Of course he can’t. He hardly ever sees us, and he’s shortsighted as an owl.”
Catching his mood, Kyle frowned. “What’s wrong? Was I summoned for punishment and you got beaten in my place? Honest, Dom, I would’t have suggested tricking him if I thought that’s what he was going to do!”
“Not a beating. Worse.” Dominic glanced at the broad, grimly impressive facade of Dornleigh, chilled to the heart. “Race you to the gazebo. I’ll tell you there.”
He took off running, his twin a half step behind. By the time they reached the circular Greek temple that presided over the gardens, both were panting with effort. Fiercely competitive, Kyle dived the last few feet, his hand slapping the bottom stone step just as Dominic reached it. “I’m first!”
“No, you’re not!” Chest heaving, Dominic glared at his brother, but his protest was halfhearted. He turned and dropped onto the top step, his blind gaze not seeing the lush greenery. “He…he’s going to send us to different schools.”
“What!” Kyle sank onto the step beside him. “He can’t do that!”
“He can, and has.” Dominic swallowed, afraid tears might start. “Come Michaelmas, you’re going to Eton, while I’m being packed off to Rugby.”
He felt the silent wave of pain from his brother, an echo of his own horror when Wrexham had made the announcement. His earliest memories were of Kyle. He could sooner imagine cutting off his right arm than living apart from his twin. “Maybe Mama can change his mind.”
“He never listens to her,” Kyle retorted. “He never listens to anybody.”
Too true to be argued. “I’ll get myself sent down from Rugby. Then maybe he’ll let me go to Eton, too.”
“He’ll beat you, but he won’t send you to Eton.” Kyle frowned. “In a way, it makes sense. After all, I’m going to be the earl, and the Earls of Wrexham have always gone to Eton.” His assessing gaze scanned the Northamptonshire hills, Wrexham land as far as the eye could see. “You’re only a younger son.”
“Just because you’re ten minutes older!” Dominic’s distress turned into rage, and he launched himself at his brother, fists flying.
“I’m the heir and you’re the spare!” Kyle taunted, striking back. “It was me he called in to discuss our schooling. You