Page 4 of The Duke's Concealed Vow
Harry rolled his eyes with exaggerated weariness as he grinned at Rowan. Rowan returned his smile, knowing how his sister tended to favor the dramatic, even when she was happy. He gave his brother-in-law a wink, turning his attention to his sister. He noticed that she was glowing with a radiance he hadn’t seen in her before. Whatever she had to say, it had to be something that brought her a great deal of joy.
Rowan and the dowager turned their attention to Louisa. The duchess smiled warmly at her daughter, gesturing for her to continue.
“Of course, darling,” she said. “What is it?”
Louisa looked at Harry with unbridled delight. When her husband nodded, she took a slow, deep breath, her light blue eyes shining as her perfect smile widened.
“Harry and I are expecting our first child,” she said.
The dowager gasped, immediately leaving her seat to rush to her daughter and take her in her arms. Harry was next, moving from across the table to his wife’s side to share in the joy of their wonderful news. Only Rowan hesitated, longing gnawing at him. But before anyone noticed his long face, he also left his seat, going to his sister and brother-in-law with a bright smile.
“Congratulations, Sister,” he said, kissing her on both cheeks. Then, he turned to Harry, clapping him firmly on the back as they embraced. “I know that the two of you will make excellent parents.”
Harry beamed, clearly already the proud father Rowan could easily imagine him being.
“Thank you, Brother,” he said. “And I have no doubt that you will be the most doting uncle in all of England.”
Rowan smiled, ignoring another twinge in his heart. Harry had been like the brother he had never had from the moment he had asked Rowan’s blessing to marry Louisa. They were close, to be sure, and it was an honor for Rowan to be considered Harry’s brother, as well.
“The most doting in the world,” he said.
“Oh, the two of you will be staying until after the event this weekend, won’t you?” the dowager asked as everyone took their seats. “It is Lady Serena’s debut ball, and the entire ton is buzzing about it.”
At the sound of Lady Serena’s name, Rowan’s chest tightened. He looked down quickly at his plate, trying not to allow thoughts of her to overwhelm his mind. He had made an arrangement, which was to be solidified on the eve of the young lady’s debut ball. And while the invitation had put the reminder starkly in front of him in beautiful script, hearing his mother say it aloud was the final step in making his plans very real to him. Not even his sister knew what was to commence following Lady Serena’s come out. But he knew. And it was all he could do to maintain his composure and shield his inner turmoil from the prying eyes of those around him.
He was only too relieved when the meal concluded and he and Harry excused themselves to the billiards room, while the women went to the drawing room for tea and cakes. Rowan wordlessly arranged the table to prepare for the game, and he could feel Harry’s eyes scrutinizing him. As the guest, Rowan allowed Harry to take his shot first, and the game commenced in continued silence. But as Rowan moved to take his fourth shot, Harry set aside his stick and looked Rowan in the eye.
“Is everything all right?” he asked. “I cannot help noticing that you seem rather distracted and distant this evening.”
Rowan bit his cheek. It would feel good to confide in someone, especially someone he trusted as much as he did hisbrother-in-law. But he did not want to reveal too much, as his mother still knew nothing about his connection to Lady Serena and her father, and he did not want to risk being overheard.
“Yes, Brother, I am well,” he lied. “I simply have a great number of things on my mind.”
Harry stared at him, clearly unconvinced.
“I see,” he said dubiously. “Well, if there is a chance that there is more to it than that, and you ever need someone to talk to without fear of persecution or gossip spreading, I hope you know that I am always here for you. I will be here to help in any way I can, any time you need.”
Rowan gave his brother-in-law a wan smile. He appreciated Harry’s gesture, and he knew very well that the marquess meant every word. He had been a strong source of support for Rowan as he continued struggling to deal with the late duke’s passing. But he knew that for the time being, he had to keep his true thoughts and feelings to himself.
“Thank you, Brother,” he said. “I assure you, if there is anything you can do, I shall let you know at once.”
Seemingly satisfied, Harry nodded.
“I am glad to hear it,” he said. “Shall we finish our game?”
Rowan nodded, stepping back up to the table to take his interrupted shot. Harry went next, and the conversation switched to silly anecdotes they had heard at gentlemen’s clubs and in taverns. But even though Rowan enjoyed having a good laugh with his brother-in-law, his mind was still plagued with the invitation to Lady Serena’s ball as the game finally came to an end. He knew he had to attend if he intended to keep the promise he had made years ago. But did he truly have to keep his word?
