The Duke's Twin novel Chapter 2

Marrying for love-or marrying at all-was something Miles had never thought much about. He and his twin were now thirty-four years old, well past the time most men married. But as a duke, Justin had a duty to marry and produce the next Duke of Wiltshire. Justin had always proclaimed he would marry for love, and now that hope was being dashed because Justin had fallen prey to pride?

"Don't look at me like that, Miles. I am ready to settle down once I find the right woman. The estate needs every penny of whatever my future wife will bring to the marriage. I'm working the tenants as much as I can, but we need more to square off what is still owed to Father's creditors." Justin scrubbed a hand over his jaw and then finally met Miles's gaze.

Miles frowned. Their father had frequented gambling hells far too often not to have dented the family's coffers. The last five years had been an exercise in both grief and panic as they adjusted to life as a duke and a duke's brother.

"How much do you need? I'm happy to give it to you." Miles didn't want Justin marrying the first woman he encountered with a large dowry and accounts at Drummonds. Just because Miles didn't believe in love didn't mean he would let his brother sacrifice that dream.

"You know I won't take money from you, and the debt is too great for us to share it," Justin said. "Besides, as I've said, the help I need involves guests at Wiltshire for the next week."

"Ah yes, the mysterious guests," Miles mused. "Well, don't leave me in suspense. Out with it."

Justin relaxed a little, his old confidence returning. "When I was in London last week, I was introduced to a man named Mr. Livingston. He's quite well off and has two unwed daughters. One is rumored to be a great beauty and has just come out."

"So you've invited the two heiresses here this weekend? The comely one and the other? Tell me this other one isn't anything like Pepper Poncenby." Miles prayed he wouldn't spend the entire week running from a marriage trap.

"No, nothing like Miss Poncenby. Lydia and Rebecca are, I'm told, quite lovely ladies in both disposition and manner. Lydia is the younger and prettier one. Not that I chose her because of her looks. I haven't seen either of the women yet. It's just..." His brother struggled for words. "When I spoke with their father, his eyes lit up when he talked about Lydia. She's intelligent, beautiful, able to run a large household, and she enjoys society as I do. I need that in a wife, someone who will competently handle the duties of a duchess."

On that Miles had to agree. A duke needed a wife with a very particular set of skills and a social personality.

"And what of the other daughter? Did the father talk about her?" Miles was curious to know what sort of lady he would no doubt be in charge of somehow.

"Of course. Rebecca is quiet and sweet natured."

"Sounds dreadful."

"She's not, I assure you. Say you'll help me, Miles."

It was hard to resist his twin's pleading, but that didn't mean he had to sound eager to do so. "Very well, I shall endeavor to help. What part must I play in your scheme, then?"

"How very dull, brother," Miles said with a laugh. "You know, being a bit wicked might do you and the young lady you desire some good."

Justin smiled. "Perhaps, but it's my duty to be good."

A duty indeed. A duty that Miles would be forced to endure for an entire week.

A young footman appeared in the doorway. "Your Grace, I have received a message from Wiltshire Manor. Your guests will arrive in a few hours."

"Thank you." Justin nodded at the footman, who then disappeared from view, leaving the brothers alone.

"Now then. I suppose it's time for you to become the duke, brother," Justin said with a grin.

A grim smile settled on Miles's face as he followed his brother outside. Bloody hell, what the devil have I gotten myself into?