“Why?” He resisted the urge to rake his hands through his hair. “Tell me, Duchess, what in your judicious opinion makes her unsuitable?”

“She is not fit for a duke. Everyone here knows that but you.”

Rhystan had had enough. “Everyone here? That woman has more nobility and integrity in her little finger than half the purported blue-bloods in this room, and if you think I give a fig for what any of these intolerant fops think, you’re wrong.”

“Embry!” His mother’s eyes widened and darted around the room. “Control yourself. This is what I mean… Look at you, this behavior is not befitting a duke.”

He let out a grim laugh. “Believe me, that has nothing to do with her. Roland and Richard were ducal material, not me.”

She flattened her lips. “Your gallivanting all over the world and consorting with these colonials has made you forget who you are.”

“On the contrary, Mother, they’ve made me see the duke I wish to become.”

Their furious exchange was drawing notice, though no one dared approach. One word from the Dragon Duchess and they would no longer be welcomed in the haute ton’s illustrious circles. Rhystan frowned. Was that what she was afraid of? That she would lose all the precious influence she’d built?

Rhystan settled a cold glare on the duchess. “Did you wish it had been me to die instead? Then you would have been content with your perfect sons and their approved wives, though at the rate Roland was going, the ducal coffers would have been empty.”

Pain broke in her eyes, and he felt the smallest slash of guilt. “No, I don’t wish that. I want only the best for you, Rhystan. I always have. Your father, too.”

“Don’t you dare bring him into this.”

He expected her to walk away. This was much too public for her tastes, but to his surprise, his mother turned to face him, her back to the crowd. “You were much too alike, the both of you. Headstrong, smart, rebellious. Until he died, he insisted on updates of your accomplishments. He was proud of you.”

Stunned, Rhystan faltered. “He had a strange way of showing it.”

“The duke was not a demonstrative man, but he loved you.” She inhaled a deep breath, looking unsure of herself for the first time he could think of. “He did not send for you five years ago. I did. I sent the message with the ducal seal to the vice admiral after we received his letter.”

He blinked. “Why would you do that?”

“To prevent you from making the same mistake as you are now with a woman who will tarnish the Huntley name. Then, you were only the son of a duke. Now, by fate’s decree, you are a duke. Consider what this will do to your reputation, our standing in society. You need to marry a woman of consequence, one who matters.”