Page 50 of Tied to Hope
“Not just the three of us,” Brie said, looking at Hope. Brie realized that her daughter was going to lose him, too, and she was sad for Hope.
Brie understood sacrifice. She had faced it once before with Sir in Italy when she had offered to let him go so that he could pursue Isabella. She had believed Isabella was a better match and was willing to step aside for Sir’s sake.
It was the hardest thing she’d ever done, but it was done out of pure love.
Now it seemed she was facing a similar situation—except for one thing. She wasn’t sure this woman was the best choice for Rytsar. However, shedidknow Rytsar was the best thing for that little boy.
“We will survive this.”
“You certainly will,” Marquis assured her.
“But I’m still uncertain if that will be the case for Anton,” Sir growled. “I can’t help feeling this could be a trap.”
Marquis laced his fingers together thoughtfully. “Do you think it’s possible that your experience with your sister has clouded your ability to be unbiased in this situation?”
Sir sat back in his chair, folding his arms. “I don’t…” He paused for a moment. “Perhaps.”
“Your real struggle may be more about yourself than a legitimate concern over Durov’s situation.”
Brie saw the look of disgust on Sir’s face and knew he was directing it at himself. Her heart broke, and she called out to him, “Sir…”
Brie did not miss the momentary flash of darkness in his eyes and she gave Marquis Gray an uneasy look.
Marquis Gray, however, did not seem concerned. “What you need is a clear mind.” Looking at Brie, he added, “Your wife knows the power of a good flogging.”
To Sir, he said, “I’d be willing to do the same for you.”
“A flogging?” Sir seemed thrown by the offer and got up to walk away. “I came to you looking for answers, not a flogging.”
Brie held her breath, believing that Marquis Gray’s offer was exactly what Sir needed, whether he realized it or not.
“Give me a minute,” Sir stated, heading outside.
The three of them watched as he stood on the porch, looking out at the ocean.
“It’s fine if you want to leave us to talk to him,” Celestia assured her.
Brie shook her head. “No. Sir left us because he needs time alone to think this through.”
“You agree it will help?” Marquis asked her.
“Of course. It’s exactly what he needs.” She glanced back at Sir. “I just hate seeing him in pain.”
“I’m proud of him,” he stated. “The Thane Davis I knew would not have reached out for help.”
Brie nodded. “Sir has changed a lot in the last few years. He isn’t willing to suffer in silence any longer.”
“That’s the sign of maturity.”
Brie frowned slightly, her eyes drifting back to Sir. “I wish that his maturity hadn’t come at such a high cost.”
“We aren’t given a choice on what we will face in life, but wedoget to choose how we react to it. Thane is a prime example of that.”
Brie gazed back at Sir, saying with admiration, “He is a perfect example.”
“And you, Brianna, are his compliment.”
She blushed.
