I must not allow myself to grow too hopeful. It has all come apart once before. Yet, I cannot contain myself.
“Topher! I do not know what to say.”
“It is not ideal. Certainly, it will complicate our relationship with her Father. And I apologize if it causes difficulty when it comes to the business, but I–”
Henry raised his hand. “You cannot let the love of your life be forced into a marriage with that arrogant oaf. I understand. And so will the Earl. In any case, what is done is done.” A haunted expression crossed his face, followed by a sigh. “Although it will make it more difficult for my future plans.”
Christopher frowned. “I am certain the Earl will eventually accept our union and any impact on the business will soon ease. I did not mean to make you doubt that your future is in danger.”
“I am certain the Earl will overlook the manner in which you wed his daughter. If nothing else, he is a shrewd businessman and he will see the success of the vineyard come to fruition. I was talking more about my personal…plans.” He swallowed and blushed, averting his eyes.
Suddenly, it dawned on Christopher just what he was talking about.
“Catherine. You had made plans to ask for the Earl’s permission to court Catherine.”
He had of course known that his brother was enamored of the young woman. He did frequently mention her and many days he could be found pouring over his stack of books, selecting which to loan to the young woman.
And of course, Christopher had noticed the way the two young people looked at one another at the vineyard. Yet, the seriousness of his brother’s feelings had escaped him. Until now.
“Well, I had considered it. Not for a while. I suspected you had some grand scheme when it came to Rowena that I thought it best to wait. I was going to speak to him maybe once we bottle our first wine.” He shrugged. “But perhaps it is not to be. Perhaps it was silly of me to consider.”
A crushing guilt descended upon Christopher.
Is my happiness going to come at the cost of his? Can I allow such a thing?
Before he could worry about the matter more, Henry turned to him.
“Please, do not worry on my behalf. I can see you are just by the way you look at me. Take your love to Gretna Green. Make her your wife. I will do all I can to keep you from being discovered. Once you are wed, perhaps you can repay me.”
“Henry, you are a blessing indeed.”
“It is what brothers are for, isn’t it?”
“I will indeed owe you Havisham House once we get it back. It will be the least you deserve for all the support you’ve given me.”
Henry winked at him. “I shall remind you of that when the time comes.”
Christopher chuckled and then returned his gaze to the street, where people were still filing past.
“I shall keep you company until she arrives, if you like.”
“I would like that, thank you.”
Henry raised his legs up on a small wrought-iron table that sat by the steps and leaned back.
Together, the brothers sat on the porch, eyes peeled to the street, an anxious silence between them.
Chapter 26
At last, the final overture of the piece her sister was playing came to an end. Rowena willed Catherine to look up at her, rejoicing when she did. She mouthed ‘Air’ to her sister, their secret code word for when they needed a way out of their current situation.
To her relief, Catherine winked at her at once and placed the music sheet down.
“You look pale, Rowena. What is the matter? Is it the headache again?”
Rowena placed a hand on her forehead. “I am afraid so, Catherine. I could really take the air, that usually helps.”
“Not again, my dear. We ought to call the physician in,” her mother said, genuine concern in her voice. Her father, meanwhile, sat quietly.
