He thought about their last conversation — how Harriet had expressed a desire to get to know him more, but he had all but shut her down.
“That is no fun,” Anthony groaned. “I was told that marriage is dry, but not to this degree, surely.”
“Anthony, why must you push this conversation, when you know that it is only a marriage in name?” Simon asked, irked.
“I do not know myself,” Anthony said, his tone surprisingly contemplative, “I suppose you could call it an inkling.”
“Aninkling?”
“Yes, I think that…” Anthony chose his words carefully. “Well, do not get upset when I say this, but I believe that your marriage is not as doomed as you think.”
“What makes you say that?”
“From what you have told me about her, she seems like a sweet girl.”
“She is as stubborn as they come,” Simon laughed. “You should meet her to form your opinion.”
“Oh, I would love to,” Anthony nodded, “Perhaps then I can offer you some real advice on how you can fix your marriage.”
“I do not need advice,” Simon pressed. “For now, you should only be helping me in locating my brother. That is the only thing I ask of you.”
The carriage rolled to a stop at the entrance of the estate, the crunchin sound of the gravel under the wheels filling the air as the two gentlemen made their way out of it.
The estate was abuzz with energy, and many people were in attendance it seemed.
Simon and Anthony made their way through the crowd, their presence commanding respect and attention. Anthony led the way, his familiarity with the estate’s owner granting them access to the inner circle of guests.
“Do you think he is here?” Anthony asked.
“I have a feeling that he is…” Simon looked around the area. The rowdy energy of the event was exactly the type of place that his brother would gravitate towards.
Simon’s gaze landed on a group gathered near the edge of the field, their attention fixed on the spectacle of the cockfight that was about to begin. Among them, he spotted a familiar figure — Tobias, his brother, looking every bit the part of a carefree rakehell.
“There,” Simon said, his jaw tightening at the sight.
Tobias was engaged in animated chatter, the sound of his loud laughter ringing through the air. He was the life of any party, and this felt no different.
His brother’s antics were a constant source of frustration, and seeing him so nonchalant in the face of his mounting troubles only fueled Simon’s resolve.
Anthony followed his gaze, recognition dawning. “Ah, the prodigal brother. Shall we?”
“Yes. Let’s end this nonsense once and for all.”
Simon and Anthony made their way through the crowd, the press of bodies parting before them as they approached Tobias. The younger Wylde seemed unaware of their presence, too busy was he with his own little world.
As they drew near, Simon’s voice cut through the noise, commanding and firm. “Tobias.”
Tobias turned, surprise flashing across his features before he masked it with a smile. “Simon! What an unexpected pleasure.”
Simon’s expression was anything but pleasant. “We need to talk.”
Tobias glanced around at his companions, a flicker of irritation in his eyes. “Now? Can it not wait?”
Simon’s patience was wearing thin. “No, it cannot.”
With a resigned sigh, Tobias excused himself from the group, following Simon and Anthony to a quieter corner of the estate where they could speak without fear of eavesdroppers.
Once they were away from prying ears, Simon rounded on his brother, his frustration boiling over. “What are you doing here, Tobias? You’ve caused enough trouble as it is.”
