Page 57 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

Once in the bath, both men worked on scrubbing him. Owen was more gentle as he lathered Percy’s hair and rinsed it, probably knowing just how violent the headache was. It did seem to recede as the bath continued and he didn’t know if it was the hot water or the horrible concoction he had drunk but he was feeling a bit better.

They helped him to stand and dried him off, getting him into his banyan. His belly grumbled and Owen nodded. Huston went and rang for a servant who must have already been given instructions because she appeared with a tray. He spied a pot of tea and dry toast on it. Owen got Percy to move to a chair and he collapsed into it. Owen nodded and Huston left the room.

“The tea is strong and overly sweetened with honey, which will aid in your recovery. Tear the toast into tiny bits and go slowly.”

Percy did as ordered and it took a good hour to get the entire pot of tea and two pieces of toast in him.

“What is wrong?” Owen asked. “You seemed so happy the opening night of the Season. I believe that happiness was due to Miss Nicholls.”

He flinched upon hearing her name and said flatly, “There is nothing between us, Owen. Don’t push it.”

Fire sparked in Owen’s eyes. “I will push, Percy. Hard. It is obvious to the Second Sons and the Three Cousins that Miss Nicholls and you are made for one another. I want to know what happened. She was at last night’s ball and I know she wasn’t happy. What passed between the two of you?”

He sighed. “I called upon her and told her that we had no future together.”

Surprise filled Owen’s face. “Why would you do something so foolish, Percy?”

“I did itforher. I am not good enough for her, Owen. She deserves a whole man, not half of one.”

“Is it the nightmares?” his friend asked quietly.

“You know of them?”

Percy had shared a tent with Win while at war and he had thought only his cousin knew of the nightmares.

“Yes, Win shared his concerns with us. They still linger, I am assuming.”

He nodded. “They are worse than they ever have been,” he admitted. “I thought being away from the battlefield would cure me of the nightmares. Instead, they have grown in intensity and frequency.” Sadness draped him like a cloak as he said, “I could not let an angel such as Minta be stuck with a broken man. She needs love and laughter in her life.”

“Don’t you think she could bring those things toyourlife, Percy?” Owen asked pointedly.

He shook his head. “No, I will not subject her to my deficiencies. I did everything in my power to shove her away as hard as possible. The things I said to her, Owen. If she ever lays eyes upon me again, she would probably spit in my face. As it is, she slapped me before we parted.”

Sympathy filled his friend’s eyes. “Oh, Percy. You aren’t giving her enough credit. I think all of us came back from the war much different men than when we left. The love of a good, kind, strong woman would be the beginning of your healing.”

Could it be true? Could he have a future with Minta? Would she take him, knowing how damaged he was?

“I don’t know if she would even speak to me, much less consider, marrying me after the hateful things I said to her.”

“You should trust more in her, Percy. She is meant for you and you for her. At least try to see her and discover if a future together is possible. Either she will forgive you—or she won’t—but either way, you must try or you will live with regret the rest of your life.”

Shakily, Percy rose from the chair. “I will do as you ask,” he said quietly. “I don’t carry much hope of her bestowing forgiveness upon me, but it is worth a try.”

Owen stood and smiled, placing his hand on Percy’s shoulder and squeezing it in support. “Good. We should get you dressed. There is a garden party this afternoon and Miss Nicholls told Louisa that she would be attending it. Perhaps you can steal a private moment with her and see where you stand.”

Owen himself helped to dress Percy and the pair left the bedchamber and went outside, where Owen’s carriage had just pulled up. Louisa sat inside it and beckoned for Percy to join her. He sat beside her and she took his hand, threading her fingers through his. He saw no judgment on her face.

“It is good to see you again, Percy. We have missed you.”

Those were the only words spoken as the carriage made its way through the streets of London and delivered them to the garden party.

*

Minta rode withher aunt and uncle to the afternoon garden party. She hoped today she might make a new start as far as the Season went. Uncle West had invested heavily, not only in her wardrobe but her dowry, and she owed it to him and Aunty Phyllis to put forth her best effort in finding a husband.

The card party she had attended had been a disaster. She had told Lord Boxling of the vicious things Percy had said to her and even the viscount was puzzled by Percy’s sudden shift. They had partnered in cards and Minta had needed to excuse herself three different times to rush to the retiring room and weep.

Each time she emerged, Lord Boxling was waiting for her. His steady presence truly comforted her and she wished she could have more than a sisterly affection for him.

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