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Chapter 25

Anne stood in the grand entry hallaiting for the butler to inform Tristan that he had a caller The London residence was one befitting a duke She’d never visited before, but it was her understanding that it was during a ball held here that Tristan and his brothers had made their notorious entrance back into London Society

Anne was not prone to snooping and while she knew she should here the butler had left her, she found herself drawn to the portrait depicting two boys that was hanging above a table adorned with flowers at the edge of the entryway The boys couldn’t have been any older than twelve They were of the sa features, and yet they were remarkably different They stood with their backs to each other, looking out, one incredibly serious, the other with a bit of deviltry in his eyes and the start of a smile that promised mischief

"Can you tell them apart?" a soft voice asked

Anne spun around and curtsied "Your Grace, ies I didn’t mean to pry--"

"Don’t be silly I’d have not placed the portrait there if I didn’t reen dress that made her upswept red hair seem more vibrant But her emerald eyes spoke of harsh wisdom "I wanted people who came here to see theed theht the portrait had been destroyed, but a servant recently discovered it hidden behind some furniture in an attic It’s been here for only a couple of weeks But I digress You didn’t answeron her lower lip, Anne looked back at the portrait that represented youth lost "The one on the left is Lord Tristan"

"You kno could ever see the difference in theht perhaps it was because I always loved Sebastian"

Anne jerked her head around, met the duchess’s speculative look She didn’t love Tristan "The artistnature, I think That’s all"

"He did have a bit of the devil in him Still does, truth be told, but it’s not quite as innocent as it once was"

"Are any of us as we grow up?"

"I suppose not I understand you’ve come to see Lord Tristan, but unfortunately, he’s not here"

"Do you knohen he ?"

The duchess shook her head "They set sail last night, from what I understand My husband saw them off at the docks"

"I see It could be years then"