“My lord, I… will you… require anything else this evening?”
“No. I wish to be left alone. I am tired.”
“Right, my lord.”
Tobias nodded as he left the man behind, climbing the stairs hastily in an attempt to get away from the barely concealed curiosity. Once in his chamber, he poured himself another brandy—one he drank in a single, quick gulp. Then he sank into the chair by the window, staring out at the glittering lights of London.
Was this not what he had desired all his life? Freedom from expectation. License to do precisely as he pleased, without anyone holding him back. It was why he remained unmarried, after all. And yet… as he sat now, he felt a strange… emptiness.
A soft knock interrupted his brooding and his frown deepened.
“I want to be alone!”
The door opened slowly, revealing Morrison’s hesitant face.
“Apologies, my lord… but a letter has arrived for you. The messenger said it was urgent.”
Tobias scowled. Urgent letters rarely brought pleasant news and there was only one person who would send him such notices. He held his hand out without looking at Morrison.
He looked at the Redmond Crest, bright red on the stark white envelope, suddenly worried.
Had something happened to Amelia? To the child?
“Thank you, Morrison, you may leave.”
“My lord…”
“You may leave.”
The valet retreated without another sound and Tobias turned the letter around. Something was wrong. He knew not how he was so certain of this, but he was certain without doubt that whatever was in this letter was not going to be good.
His fingers fumbled with the seal before breaking it. He scanned over the words, then read them again and again, as though reading them multiple times could change them.
Lord Tobias Grant,
It is my sad duty to inform you that your brother, Viscount Redmond, passed away three days after developing a sudden fever. Despite the physician’s best efforts, the illness progressedwith alarming rapidity. By the time this letter reaches you, I believe the funeral will have already taken place.
As the new Viscount Redmond, your immediate presence is required at Redmond Park to settle estate matters and assume your responsibilities.
Your brother’s widow and son remain at the estate and are in need of your guidance.
I remain your humble servant,
Mr. Pemberton
Estate Steward
Again and again, he read the words—then crumbled the paper in his hands.
Edward was dead.
Gone. The brother who had never been much of a comfort or confidant had ceased to exist—just like that. Edward, who was perfect at everything, who was meant to live to a ripe old age to be disappointed in the world below him.
The brother he had resented for thirty-one years was gone.
The insane impulse to laugh and cry at once coursed through him, and he shook his head before running his hands through his hair.
He always thought that they would, somehow, someday, find each other. That perhaps once the child was grown a bit, Edward would loosen up and they would talk and truly be brothers.
