Everyone present looked puzzled except Edward and Hobert.
The old duke looked surprised for a moment, then glanced at Edward.
Edward's face darkened. "Hobert, why did you bring him here?"
"Will needs the family's help with something." Hobert hooked an arm around Edward's neck. "You're his father. Don't make that face."
Everyone looked at Will in surprise. So this was Edward's illegitimate son?
He was handsome enough. A shame he was illegitimate.
Edward's wife, Tina, looked between him and Will in surprise. She seemed to be learning of it only now.
But it didn't take her long to accept it. It was hardly a big deal. Noblemen having a few illegitimate children was perfectly normal.
What surprised her was that Hobert had brought him to the family dinner. This boy named Will Behrens must have something remarkable about him.
The old duke studied Will with interest. If Hobert got along with him this well, the boy probably wasn't a fool.
"You bastard, you've still got grease on your hands!" Edward shook Hobert off and turned to Will. "Get out, Will. This isn't a place you should be right now.
"As for asking Hobert to bring you in, leave now and I won't pursue the matter."
Will glanced at Edward, his eyes carrying a contempt that infuriated him.
Anger flared in Edward's chest. He dared look down on me? A lowborn bastard dared look down on me?
"What's that look supposed to mean? Get out, Will 'Behrens'! Don't make me say it a third time!" Edward put particular emphasis on "Behrens."
"That's enough, Edward. Mind your manners."
The old duke had spoken.
"Will, is it? I wanted to meet you a few years ago, but Tina and her father happened to be visiting then. I had no choice but to keep