Page 73 of The Beastly Duke's Christmas Bride
He couldn’t help but glance about the dark corners of the carriage with suspicion. A bitter taste coated his tongue as he shook his head. “I’m afraid not. But I’ll be riding alongside should you need my assistance.”
“The roads are dangerous,” she protested. “If anyone should need assistance it may be you and your horse.”
“Are you a good nurse?”
A wrinkle crossed her brow as Isabel said, “I suppose I might be a fair one.”
“Then I have nothing to worry about today.” Holding back a chuckle at the aggravated expression that covered her face, Sebastian moved back and clutched the door. “I’m close, Isabel, should you need me. We’ll be in London before you know it. Rest if you can.”
It looked like she needed the sleep. Sebastian said no such thing as he gently closed the door and put some distance between them. Darling as Isabel appeared, there were dark circles under her eyes.
It better not be from her brother’s visits.
A week had passed them by since their morning ride together. Although he invited her several times to join her, and twice she had even agreed, it appeared Thomas was indeed attempting to monopolize her time. The man was ever-present in their house. At first, Sebastian had attempted to be agreeable, but his suspicions and doubts could not be ignored forever.
“Do you think it wise to spend so much time in his company?” He had forced himself to ask two nights prior when it was just him and Isabel at supper.
“Who, Thomas?”
“Aye. Your brother.”
Isabel had pushed her peas around on her plate with a furrow in her brow that looked deeper than he liked to see it. Although he wished to put the subject at rest, he couldn’t very well let her get hurt.
“He’s not a very good person,” Isabel said at last, showing she still carried her wits about her. “But I do think he is trying. Thomas grew up expecting the world on a silver platter, didn’t he? As did you, I’m sure. He made countless mistakes. However, I don’t think anyone is irredeemable.”
“I am glad you are making an effort. It shows your compassion and kindness.” He paused to swallow, measuring his words carefully. “But others may not look well on you for the connection should you strengthen your family bonds in this way.”
She set her spoon down. “Since when do you care what other people think?”
That garnered a frown as he said, “I don’t.”
“Then you shouldn’t say such things, Sebastian. I would think you of all people would appreciate that I am trying to keep some family connection whereas you have none.”
Stilling, Sebastian needed time to digest her words. It felt like she had wrapped him in a blanket of frozen thorns. He stared at his plate.
What was I to do, tell her the childhood story of how no one cared for the spare? How no one searched hard enough for me for years? How they hardly celebrated my return and merely sent me away once I was back? There was no family connection to cherish. At least not in my bloodline. But there are people in my life who would do anything for me, and I for them. That is real family.
A shaky breath sounded in the silence of the dining room, feeling much too large for them. At first he thought it was himself until Isabel was rising to her feet. “I… I shouldn’t have said that. I’m terribly sorry, Sebastian. I think I am out of sorts. I’ll retire for the evening now. Do enjoy your supper. Good night.”
It had been one of their more unpleasant conversations since having her in his life. The following morning when he met her in passing in the hall after breaking his fast, Sebastian had immediately assured her that he held no ill will against her.
“Thank you,” Isabel had said in response. “I mean to think well of people, Sebastian. Of you and my brother, for example. He can be charming and clever. I wish you would give him a chance.We’re going down into the village to visit the vicar this afternoon together. Perhaps you would join us?”
He did join them.
Not wanting to give her too much time with Thomas in hand, Sebastian had left a few final duties to his steward while he enjoyed afternoon tea and crumpets. The furniture creaked under him and he spilled crumps everywhere, but Sebastian had gone. Isabel had even slipped her hand in his twice during their visit.
This should have made Sebastian feel much better. And yet, he didn’t like it. She’d had an evening alone with her brother and looked exhausted.
“Early, eh?” His driver asked as he swung into the saddle. “You’ll be nodding off on your feet before long, Your Grace.”
Maybe he had a point. Sebastian glanced out across the horizon where the sun was barely peaking over the hills. He hesitated, wondering if he was growing paranoid. His awareness helped him in the ring. But in this life, especially this marriage, he wasn’t so sure. “We’ll see about that. Are you ready?”
“Aye, Your Grace.”
They managed their journey westward to London. The drive was wet and slippery, but his horse was capable and their wheels were sturdy. He stopped them twice to switch horses, ensuringIsabel was warm and safe every time. By the time was setting, they made it to his town house.
Just for us. Not that bloody brother.
