Northport shook his head. “Never say never, young man. There are plenty of women out there for you to enjoy.”
Drew hastily put the gems away and brought up a subject that always improved the duke’s mood. “How is Juliette?”
Unfortunately, the duke scowled at the mention of her name. “How the devil should I know or care?”
Drew gaped. “Did you not see her this morning?”
“No.” Father waved his hand in dismissal. “She was weeping the last we spoke, and I have not bothered with her since.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Drew murmured, but he closed his eyes, appalled at how callously the duke ignored his long-term mistress’ emotional distress.
If Northport thought Juliette might have ceased crying because he was avoiding her, he was in for a rude shock indeed. Likely the woman had taken to her bed in an even worse state. Drew might call on her in a few days and see if there was anything he could do to patch up the rift. Something must be behind her tears. Juliette had given up a respectable life and a chance to marry to be mistress to a duke. She had probably always hoped for more from Drew’s father. Like a proposal, and even children, too. Neither had happened that Drew had ever heard about.
Drew would never treat Aurora that way. He was proud that he was not made in his father’s image. He would marry Aurora when she judged the time was right. “I’ll see you out, Father.”
“Yes, yes. Going to White’s now, and then on to that scandalous place, Mrs. Bradshaw’s, tonight. I hear it’s all the rage with the younger set. The ladies, I hear, are simply scandalous.”
Drew had been a member of Bradshaw’s since last season, and until now. He’d never had much use for low places, not that he’d ever indulged there, but friends went frequently. He hadn’t been the least bit tempted the few times he’d gone this year to do more than dine. Hearing his father was stepping out on Juliette with prostitutes did not please him to hear. “Enjoy your evening.”
“I intend to. I wish the same for you,” the duke said with a spring in his step as he set his hat at a jaunty angle and headed down the stairs and into his gleaming black carriage waiting before the house.
Drew stood watching until Northport was well on his way before he had the butler bring his carriage back while he fetched his small trunk from the landing. He thanked the butler and wished him well for the future as he climbed aboard. He gladly gave directions to his new abode, and imagined the woman he loved, waiting for him to arrive.