Page 81 of His Accidental Duchess

“If this is Henry writing to tell me he’s in another mess and requires my help,” he muttered, mostly to himself, “I shall be furious.”

When he had the letter free, Anna stood on her tiptoes to read over his shoulder. He turned the letter to help her read better.

Dear Theo and Anna,

When I first heard that you got married, I thought it was just nonsensical gossip. I now know that it’s true. I’m not sure if I should congratulate you, but I know that I wish you happiness with all my heart.

I am glad you have found a solution when I have proved so very disappointing. I am afraid I am about to disappoint you both quite a bit further.

Perhaps you, Anna, have always suspected this, but my brother is another matter.

George and I have found a place to settle in Italy. It is small, and not at all what I am used to, although I can’t imagine that you two care very much about my small discomforts at the moment. The truth is… oh, I can hardly even write it.

I always knew I was never cut out for a wife and family, but there’s more to it than that. I am here, as I said, with George. My George. I love him, Theodore. I have for years, and ours is as domestic and stable a relationship as any conventional marriage.

Not, of course, as acceptable in Society, though. Are you shocked? I dare say you are. That, Anna, is the reason I could not marry you. I could never be the husband you deserved, and it seemed so unspeakably cruel to us both. To all three of us, in fact, as George would never be the lover of a married man.

So, there it is. The facts. I am sure that you at least, Theo, are entirely disgusted. I have not included an address, as you mightdecide not to forgive me. If you can forgive me—or feel that you can get past the matter with only a few good boxes of my ears—then wait for another letter. I will not be returning to England anytime soon. Aside from this, I am well.

I am happy, Anna, Theo. I am happy for the first time in the longest time.

Your brother and friend,

Henry Stanley.

There was a long moment of silence. Anna, the faster reader and more used to Henry’s spiky handwriting, finished the letter first. She stood back, watching Theo’s face change.

“George, the art tutor,” Theo repeated. “That explains a great deal. I’m no fool, I am notquiteas shocked by this as he seems to think, but…” he trailed off, his eyebrows knitting together. “He thought I would be disgusted with him? That… that I would never forgive him? Why would he think such a thing?”

Anna bit her lip, putting a hand on his arm. “I… I think that Henry believed that the world was against him. But look, he says he’ll write again, and he says… he says that he is happy.”

Theo swallowed. “Well, that’s something, I suppose. We should destroy this letter. It would put him in danger if it were found.”

“Yes,” Anna agreed, relief flooding through her. “I’ll stoke up the fire. So you see, the marriage between me and Henry would have only ever been…” she trailed off, meeting Theo’s eyes.

He lifted an eyebrow. “You knew?”

“He never told me, but…” She shrugged. “Yes, I knew.”

Theo made a strange noise, half scoff, half chuckle. He turned to sift through the pile of fresh scandal sheets while Anna poked at the modest fire in the hearth, Henry’s letter clutched in her hand.

“Do you think that Henry will come back to England one day?” she asked over her shoulder.

“Perhaps.”

“And… and would he be welcome in our home?”

Theo fixed her with a stare. “He is my brother. He is a Stanley. Of course, he’ll be welcome.”

Anna had already known that, of course, but it made her feel warm and relaxed to actually hearit.

And then the newfound contentment was dashed quite efficiently, when Theo gave a roar of anger. She flinched,straightening up. Martha and Kitty glanced up from their breakfasts.

“Theo?” Anna ventured.

He was holding a scandal sheet in his hands, his fingers almost tearing into the paper. Just like before, Anna hurried to his side, peering over his shoulder to read.

Duke and Duchess Continue To Cause A Stir!

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