A long-buried memory surfaced, striking Stephen with sudden clarity. A storm. A shattered branch. He had been sixteen when a brutal storm tore through the area, leaving a trail of destruction. The next morning, as they assessed the damage, a massive tree limb had cracked above where Miles stood—ready to crash down and crush him. Stephen had acted without thinking, shoving his brother out of the way just in time. The branch had splintered against the ground, mere inches from where Miles had been. It would have killed him. Stephen had forgotten—buried the memory beneath years of drinking, lost in anger and bitterness. But now, in the presence of his brother’s spirit, it all came rushing back.
“Don’t forget what we’ve spoken about,”Miles bade him.
“I won’t. I promise,”Stephen said.“But can’t you stay longer?”
His brother smiled and nodded.“I have a little more time.”
Stephen relaxed and began to tell Miles about Elizabeth. He told him about the ball, about waking up drunk on the beach—all of it. How she listened to him without judging. By God, Stephen loved her, he realized. He’d loved her ten years ago, and then, when he lost her, he’d pushed those feelings away. But he loved her still.
“She’ll be good for you,”Miles said.“I always thought you should have fought for her when her father announced the engagement with Earl Rivers, but sometimes things happen for a reason. Sometimes we have to lose something before we see its true value.”
“There is still so much I want to ask you, Miles.”
“We are running out of time. I must bring you back, so ask me what you will…”
“I think of you every day, Miles. I miss you. And I’m sorry for the childish way I reacted when you were only trying to help me. I have so many regrets,”Stephen said, his voice cracking with emotion.
Miles touched him gently on the shoulder, sending a comforting warmth through Stephen, which puzzled him, since his brother’s earlier touch had been icy.
“I miss you too, Stephen… more than you know. But I trust that one day, we will meet again and speak as brothers do—with the ease and certainty of eternity.”
Stephen cleared his throat.“I promise to remember everything you’ve told me.”
“One more thing… the treasure is there, but it may not be what you expect.”Miles’s voice remained steady, though his form had begun to fade, dissolving like mist.“You must go the rest of the way alone, but trust yourself—you will find what you seek.”
Stephen strained to hold on to the moment, but Miles was vanishing before his very eyes, his form growing fainter, slipping beyond reach.
“But there is one more thing… something you must know.”Miles’s voice, though distant, rang clear with urgency.“My death was not an accident…”
~*~
Stephen jolted awake.
His valet was pushing open the dark green drapes to the windows, letting the bright sunlight stream into the chamber.
Stephen’s heart pounded; his mind was clear.
He was stone-cold sober.
For the first time in years, he knew exactly what he had to do.
“The ladies are in the breakfast room, my lord. And your bath is ready.”
“Good,” Stephen said, stretching and drawing in a deep breath. Determination settled in his chest, solid as iron. “Let’s make this quick. There’s a great deal I need to see to today.”
His gaze flicked toward the window, to the morning sky beyond.
“And by God, I will see everything done.”
~*~
Chapter Fifteen
Later that morning
“Good morning, Grandmama, Grandmère,” Bella said as she stepped into the dining room. “Lord Dudley is accompanying me and Winterborne on a morning ride. Would you mind if Michael stayed with you both?”
“My goodness, no. He’s a delightful boy,” Grandmère said, pouring herself a cup of tea. She turned to Grandmama. “Isn’t he delightful, Anne?”
