Miles Lesson - Jennifer Connors.pdf

“I missed you last night at my dinner party. I had many young ladies
lined up for you to peruse. As a duke, you really must think about
getting married.”
This was an old argument that cropped up every few months since
he'd left school. Of course, in those days, he was only the heir
apparent. Now that he assumed his role as duke, he needed a wife
and an heir of his own.
“You would not even have to like her. Just enough to produce an heir.
Your life does not have to change, Sutherland. You can continue your
tom cat ways.” Her small smile was an indication of how devoted she
had been to her own wedding vows.
“Thank you, mother. That is of great reassurance.” Miles stood as the
footman entered the room with the tray. He saw that his chef was
smart enough to put coffee on the tray, instead of tea. Pouring himself
a cup, ignoring his guest completely, Miles sat at his desk and drank
deeply of the rich brew.
“I am planning a party at my estate in Shropshire. You are to attend
and mingle with the young women. Then, you are to choose one to be
your wife.” Miles realized that it was entirely too early for his mother's
high-handedness and bad attitude.
“No,” was his only reply, which he made before taking another sip of
his coffee.
“You have no choice.”
Turning his head to side and regarding his mother carefully, he asked,
“And why is that?”
“Because if you don't attend and make a match, I shall start talk about
you and that married woman you spent a year cavorting with. When I
am done, she won't be able to be seen in respectable company.” The
dowager's eyes sparkled with the venom she spewed.
Miles' expression remained passive, but inside he reeled over the