The Third Son

The Earl of Berkshire was fortunate to have four sons. Vincent Duncan and his wife, Amanda Duncan, lived out in the countryside south of London. Their closest neighbor was the Marquess of Reading. They lived with their only son, Francis. Robert and Julia Ravenport took pride in their appearance and never socialized with those lower than them. It was no surprise that Francis was promised to the Duke of Havenshire before she was born. 

The Earl was happy with his life and prided himself on his sons. Amanda loved all four boys equally, even though most of them acted like their father in some way or another. The eldest, Jason, was to inherit everything of the earldom and was to marry a fine young lady to be his countess. Next was Lee, he was carefree and spirited and loved to talk about traveling the world one day. Then there was Austin, his mother's favorite. He never saw a point in learning the skills his father pushed on him. He knew he'd never need them but he learned them anyhow so he wouldn't start a fight. Then there was the youngest, Greyson. All he ever talked about was going to school and becoming a scholar. Jason was the only one who talked of marriage and Austin thought it was because he had to marry, not that he wanted to. 

The boys grew up as closest friends even though there was an age gap between them. Jason was eighteen and already looking for a future Countess of Reading, with no luck so far. He hated going to London and knew he would eventually have to. Lee was sixteen and had no intention of settling down, ever. Austin was fifteen and liked the idea of finding a woman he could trust his heart to, but doubted it would ever happen. Greyson was thirteen and wanted an educated woman by his side after he achieved his goals at school. All the boys went to Oxford together and so far Greyson did prove to be the scholar of the family. 

The next two years passed by in a flash as the boys had fun and explored what the world had to offer. When they returned home, Jason was broken off from them. At twenty, he had to start taking his position seriously and find a wife. Vincent hated having to send the three of them to London, but he had no choice. Greyson would stay behind. At only fifteen, he was not old enough to go. Lee and Austin were eighteen and seventeen and would need to look as well, or so Vincent hoped.

They were strolling through a picnic in the park they were invited to when Austin heard the most contagious laugh. He looked everywhere to find the one it belonged to, but with no luck. He went to every luncheon and picnic and dinner he was invited to in order to find that laugh again. Lee and Jason said they had never seen him so possessed to find someone. Lee met a couple of young ladies he thought were ravishing but they were on the marriage mart so they were off-limits to him. Jason met a few and danced with some but no one caught his interest. When the boys returned home, Vincent was surprised it was Austin who was stuck looking for someone. 

"All I heard was her laugh and it was the most intoxicating thing I've ever heard."

"Any luck finding her?"

"No."

"You will if you are meant to."

Austin hoped he would find her before it was too late. He fantasized over her and wondered where she was that day. He recalled the day over and over again but all he saw were young girls. Then it hit him. She was not of age for marriage and knew he had to return next year to find her. Jason was being pressured to find a wife and knew he had to bring one home next year.

At eighteen, Austin was positively sinful-looking. He had red/brown hair that curled slightly on the ends. His mesmerizing eyes were shades of blue, green, red, and yellow that were a perfectly blended sea of colors. His facial hair showed more red of the same shade as his hair. He stood tall, lean, and muscular. He was every girl's dream and stood more muscled than his brothers. Jason had soft brown hair and light green eyes that matched those of his father. Lee had jet black hair and blue/green eyes. Greyson had dark brown hair and blue eyes and matched his mother. When next year rolled around, Austin knew he had to find her and only hoped she was available. 

The boys were at the ball, dancing with one partner or the next when a lady was introduced with her parents. The Duke and Duchess of Havenshire were introducing their daughter. Austin leaned over to Jason.

"Isn't she promised?"

"To our neighbors' son, Francis."

"Then why is she being brought out?"

"She is free to choose her own husband per the agreement. The same goes for Francis. If the kids find someone their heart speaks to, they don't have to hold up the agreement. It was put in place after her twin brother didn't survive birth."

"Oh. That's awful. But unbelievable that they would allow them to choose."

"By the time she is eighteen and she hasn't found someone, she is to still wed Francis if he hasn't found anyone either."

"So they can look but if no one speaks to them, they are still stuck with each other?"

"Yes. She has never seen him."

"Why doesn't Francis.."

"He has seen her, but Francis knows how good-looking he is and wants her to explore without him."

"Arrogant bastard."

"Austin."

"Sorry."

Then he heard it. The laugh. He shot his head straight in her direction and gave a look of despair to Jason and Lee. Jason shook his head.

"No. Austin don't tell me."

"It's her."

"Austin..."

Before he could say another word, Austin was in front of her, introducing himself. Before they knew it, he was signing her dance card. He bowed his head and returned to them.

"Are you out of your mind?"

"I get a few minutes of her time."

As the evening progressed, he kept watching her with each of her suitors. She looked to be having trouble with Ronald Edwards, the son of Baron of Ludwig. She walked away from him before the dance was over and wandered into the hall. Austin would have stayed put, but Jason and Lee were off dancing and Ronald followed her. Jason saw him leave in their direction and knew he couldn't stop him.

In the hall, Austin listened to the conversation.

"Ronald, the answer is no."

"You are already promised. What would it hurt?"

"I am a lady and a Bradshaw at that. If you are wanting a woman to ruin her reputation for you, go find someone outside of this ball. I for one will have no further contact with you. It's no wonder you are a Baron's son."

"How dare you, you stuck up, teasing little..."

"I believe the lady wants you to go."

"Austin?"

"Hello again, Ronald."

"You know her?"

"Yes. Do you know who she is promised to?"

"No."

"My neighbor, Francis Ravenport."

"Francis? He is no bother to me."

"What about me? Do we need a repeat of those days in Oxford where I had to teach you some manners? It looks you need a refresher."

"No, Austin. Please. I'll go."

He gave one last look of hatred to Nicole and disappeared back into the ballroom past Austin. Nicole looked at Austin and he saw her start to shake. He immediately was at her side and held her steady.

"That was quite a show."

"One I didn't think I was going to win. Thank you."

"It's no problem. He used to be a thorn in school. A lady such as yourself should never be disrespected as such."

"That's very kind of you. I'm Nicole Bradshaw."

"Austin Duncan. We met earlier. I should be two more dances away on your dance card."

"So you are, Mr. Duncan."

He smiled at her and she began to laugh. It was music to his ears and he could hardly stand it. Marie came rushing in and grabbed her arm.

"Nic, your father is furious."

"Why?"

"Someone heard Ronald storming out saying he would have you if he had to ruin you or not."

"What?"

"I'll deal with him. Save me a dance?"

"Of course. Austin?"

"Yes, my lady?"

"Thank you again."

"It was my pleasure."

She smiled at him and his heart sang. He walked off and outside to find Ronald and Lee followed him. Once he found out his destination, he knew he could only help him. Jason was caught up in conversation with Rebecca Sanford. A fair enough looking girl and polite. She seemed a bit stuck up but she came from good breeding. He was considering her when she ruined everything by insulting Nicole. 

"Miss Rebecca, I must take my leave and find my brothers."

"Will I see you again?"

"No, you will not."

She stared after him and saw him walk in Nicole's direction. He pulled her aside for a dance.

"My Lord?"

"Lady Nicole."

"You have taken your brother's spot."

"Be ashamed to leave you on the sides."

"That's kind of you."

"Do you know where my brother is?"

"Ronald talked of ruining me to have me and all Austin said was taking care of him."

"Ronald? Ronald Edwards?"

"Yes."

"There was a rumor at Oxford that he raped one of the village girls close by."

"I would doubt it."

"Neither would I. You are a wonderful dancer. I shall be sure to tell my brother."

"That is very gracious of you, my lord. Is your brother seeking a wife?"

"As far as I am aware, I am the only brother seeking a wife."

"That's too bad. I'd love to get to know him. Thank you for the dance, My lord."

"Anytime, my lady."

He dipped his head and departed to find Austin before he committed murder. He could tell that Nicole would be Austin's undoing and just hoped it wasn't too soon.