No one's ever expected much from Dalton Irving, the reserved, sheltered, and bookish heir to the family fortune. So in order to secure their place in London's society, the Irvings have arranged for Dalton to marry the brother of a viscount. A man who comes from a family with a title and with quite the scandalous reputation. A man Dalton doesn't know. A man who's very publicly announced that he doesn't want to get married, least of all to Dalton, right in the middle of their engagement ball. In an attempt to flee whispered words and sudden gossip and unexpected hurt from venomous words, Dalton finds comfort from the very last person he would have expected -- the wry, reclusive, and unsocial Edward Whitman, Duke of Wellingham. Edward Whitman doesn't like most people on his best days. They're dull and predictable and care only about money and status. Tonight, however, is the engagement ball for his best friend's brother, so he'll make an appearance to assure the night's success even if the idea of anyone marrying young Dalton Irving puts a strange ache in the pit of his stomach. But after Dalton's intended makes a mess of the ball, Edward suddenly finds himself alone with the young man, drawn to his wide-eyed curiosity and kindhearted generosity, his rambling and odd musings. Neither of them can imagine what this evening has in store for anyone, and all it takes is one night in London to change everything.

One Night in London: Dalton and Edward

None of this was fair. Not to anyone involved.


Behind him, a door opened. Dalton turned just enough to see Robert stick his head out to gaze up and down the hallway, possibly trying to piece together what had happened.


“Anthony?” When his eyes landed on Dalton, they went wide, and he pulled the door open more. A reaction, mostly. Shock. Surprise at being face to face with him again so quickly. “Mr Irving,” he said. “I…have you seen…that is…what happened? I mean…” He looked over Dalton’s head. Beyond him, to the ballroom. “Er, I mean. I’d like to apologize?” The words came out like a question. As though he wasn’t sure of them at first. “I mean…yes. I’d like to apologize.”


“Please, don’t.” Not right now. Fake or genuine, Dalton couldn’t handle an apology right now. “I can’t…” He shook his head. “I just can’t.”


He turned and fled again. Away from expectations. From apologies. Everything.


Chapter 14