“That you would even ask proves you are as dim-witted as I thought.”
“I’m serious, Annette. It is completely miserable in there. I made the mistake of opening a window, thinking to air out the room so I could sleep, and now I have an entire congregation of flies living with me. Do you know how obnoxious a single fly can be, buzzing about one’s head at all hours of the night?”
“I have experienced it, yes.”
“Then you can sympathize with me, considering I do not have just one fly, but at least a dozen. Have mercy on your brother, won’t you?”
I pursed my lips. “The flies were not part of my plan, but I must admit, the additional punishment is quite satisfying.”
“Netty.” He said my name through gritted teeth. “You’ve won. Is that what you wish to hear? I will say it a thousand times, but please, end this round of our battle. Bask in your victory and end my suffering. I’ve struggled to sleep as it is, what with Father…” He swallowed.
I considered him for a moment. Dark circles rimmed his eyes, and guilt permeated through me. Rus and I had bantered like this for as long as I could remember. We vexed each other to no end. Sometimes, we became carried away, but nothing in our exchanges was ever malicious. I did not truly wish to make him miserable, and while he would likely never admit it, my father’s health weighed on him. I had never considered the burden he carried as heir—not truly.
Perhaps now was not the time to engage in war with him.
“I will take care of them,” I said. “Under one condition.”
His eyes narrowed. “What condition?”
I knew Russell well enough to predict he would not accept what he considered charity. He had far too much pride for that. Framing my condition in a way that would benefit me rather than him was the only way he would agree.
“A ceasefire,” I said. “We both agree to stop until the start of the new year.”
“New year?” He reared back. “That is months away. I am not certain I can restrain myself for that long a time.”
I shot him a glare. “Would you prefer your room to stink for months instead?”
His brows puckered. “No.”
“Then you will give me your word.” I held out my hand.
Russell stared at it.
“Please, Rus. I think we are all on edge enough as it is with Father so ill. I’m certain Mother would appreciate a bit of peace between us, even temporarily. Might you not appreciate it, too? I know I could use one less thing to worry about.”
He met my gaze, and his expression softened. “As much as I hate to agree with my horrible sister, I find I have no rebuttal to this request. A ceasefire until the new year.” When he took my hand, there was nothing business-like about it, as I’d anticipated. He clasped my hand between both of his own, securely but gently. “For Mother and Father’s sake, we may set aside our battles for the time being.”
His voice broke a little, and moisture shone in his eyes. Russell was not one to display depth of emotion. He covered it with teasing and a carefree persona that labeled him more rake than gentleman at times. That he would allow even the smallest bit of vulnerability in my presence touched my heart, and I wanted nothing more than to comfort him.
The moment faded quickly, however, removing the opportunity. He released my hand, and a grin spread over his face. “So, where did you hide the flowers?”
“I will take care of them after breakfast. I shan’t be revealing my hiding places. After all, the battle will resume eventually.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Merciless, Netty, but I cannot say I do not approve. It is good to know at least one of my sisters is capable.”
“You underestimate Bridget if you think she is not just as capable. Only give her time.”
“Yes, well, Bridget does not claim no desire to marry. Without a husband, it is left to me to take all of the blows. I am forever designated as the victim of your larks. Shame none of the men I sent your way in London took your fancy.”
I rolled my eyes. “As you said, I’ve no desire to marry. Why should I when I could vex you the rest of my days? You are my favorite target.”
“Am I? I had thought you may have found a new one in our honored guest.”
“I…no, he is the one who vexes me. You cannot blame me for retaliating.”
Rus’s lips twisted with his smirk. “Were you to ever marry, you would require someone capable of matching your wit and propensity for mischief. Someone who could handle it.” He shrugged. “Lieutenant Paget might change your mind about marriage yet.”
I scoffed, but more heat filled my cheeks. “I would not wager on it were I you.”
