"He's my brother," Benjamin said simply. "Whatever the state of things between the two of us might be, I care about him. I care about what's best for him. He's had little enough of that in his life, and I'm not going to be one more person who refuses him the consideration he deserves."
That was a statement full of mystery. Victoria wondered what it might mean. What had happened between them in their past, and who had failed to give James the care Benjamin thought he deserved? She wished she could ask, but she knew she couldn't—he'd made it clear he wasn't going to answer any questions that got too personal.
"I'll tell you what," Benjamin said. "Since he seems to have left you here on your own, would you like to remain with me until he returns? I'd love a dance, if you're amenable to that."
"That would be lovely," Victoria said gratefully, knowing that dancing with Benjamin meant she would be spared—at least for the time being—having to dance with anyone else. He wasn't interested in her romantically, she could sense it, and because of that he would be someone safe to spend time with.
He led her out onto the dance floor and held her loosely in his arms. The music began, and they fell into an easy step.
"You're a good dancer," Benjamin observed.
She blushed and smiled. "I haven't actually had much practice, she confessed. "I was out for three seasons before I married, but I didn't spend much time dancing with gentlemen in those years."
"No one asked you? I find that difficult to believe."
She blushed again. "You're very flattering. No, it wasn't so much that as it was my own reluctance. I've always been a bit…shy."
"And that's why you became a recluse after my cousin's death? I knew there had to be some explanation—it couldn't be what people were saying, that you were hiding because you were responsible for it."
"I wasn't hiding at all," Victoria said. "I was most comfortable in my home, so I chose to stay there. I had no desire to marry again, and I certainly had no interest in listening to what the gossips had to say about me. There was no reason to venture out of the house when the few friends I had were more than content to come and visit me there."
"That makes sense," Benjamin said.
"You're the first to see it that way. I wish you would explain it to your brother."
"He may understand better than you think," Benjamin said. "I wouldn't judge him too quickly. You're not the only one who has been challenged by your past."
"What do you mean?"
But Benjamin only shook his head, and she knew that she wouldn't get him to say any more on the subject.
The dance ended and he gave her a bow. "Thank you for your time and the pleasure of your company, Your Grace," he said. "I hope you enjoy the remainder of your evening."
"I hope you do as well," Victoria said. "I'm very glad I met you."
They smiled at one another, but as he walked away, Victoria was aware that their encounter had left her with more questions than answers.
Why had James never mentioned having a brother? And what other secrets had he been keeping all this time?
She was determined to find out.
CHAPTER 21
"Ididn't realize he was going to be here," James said, his voice low.
"I didn't know he was coming back to London," William said. "There was no advance notice of his return. You know that if I had been aware, I would have warned you."
James nodded. His friend was one of the only people who understood why Benjamin's presence was so complicated for him. "I wasn't prepared for this," he said. "I just wish I had known, that's all. I wish I could have done something to better brace myself for seeing him again after all these years. It's a bit difficult to face."
"He's always been a kind person, at least," William said. "I truly believe he only wants to get along with you. To have a good relationship with you."
"But it isn't that simple. You know it isn't."
William sighed. "He's going to be married soon, you know."
"I didn't know. How could I have?"
"Rumor has it that's why he came back from Rome—to marry."
