“Daisy wanted to meet you,” Gus said. “He’s in front of you, Daisy, and Katherine is leaning on his legs.”
Daisy raised a hand and touched Katherine. She was blind, Ash realized.
“This is Ash,” Katherine said, placing Daisy’s hand on his chest.
“Hello, Daisy,” Ash said. He could play nice while he was here; he could do that at least for the brother who had nearly died because of him.
“Hello. May I touch your face? I want to see if you look like Gus.”
“Yes.”
Her fingers were soft and light and traveled over his cheeks and nose. Too much emotion, Ash thought, forcing it back down. He’d lived emotionless for the years since Gus had been carried away from him bleeding, possibly dead. He liked it that way. But coming here today had forced things up and out of him. Feelings.
“You do look like your brother. But you should eat more, as your cheeks need filling,” Daisy said, forcing a laugh from him.
“I will try to remember that.” Ash shot his brother a look.
“Are my cheeks too full now, Daisy?” Gus said.
“No, they are perfect.” She smiled.
How were they standing here, so close, acting like the years had not passed with each not knowing where the other was? With Gus not knowing that he’d not left him for dead by choice.
“Gus,” he rasped, the name coming out of his mouth before he could stop it.
The hand on his shoulder squeezed hard, reassuring.
“Tomorrow we talk, brother. For now it is enough you are here.” He turned to speak to Baron.
“Good to see you again, Baron.”
“You also, Gus. I like your family.”
“So do I.” Gus smiled, and it was full of the boy he’d once been. “You saved me, and for that I never really got the chance to thank you. So thank you.” He held out his hand, and they shook.
“It was my privilege to save the life of the brother of the man who saved mine, but I thank you for your words.”
“Baron—”
“Tomorrow.” Gus cut Ash off. “There is much for us to discuss, but for now I want to enjoy the evening and know the man I call brother is here.”
“Yet you must loathe me,” Ash said softly so the children could not hear.
“I did, but that changed over the years. Somer helped me to see more clearly.”
Their eyes locked, and something passed between them. Once, they often communicated that way, knowing the other’s thoughts and what they would say before it was said.
“I’m glad you found happiness.” Ash’s words came out brusque.
“As you will.”
He dismissed those words by ignoring them. “There is accommodation in the village. We will go there and return tomorrow before leaving for London.”
“This is a castle.” The Duchess of Raven appeared with James at her side. It was she who had spoken. “There are so many rooms, I have yet to visit them all. But I have had staff make up two for you and Baron. So there is no need to seek lodgings elsewhere.” Her smile was wide.
“I would rather leave now.” He watched Katherine take Daisy’s hand and lead her away. He missed her warmth against his legs.
“And yet you will stay,” the duke said in a steady voice. “We are your family, and you have only just reunited with your brother. It will not hurt you to sleep under our roof for a night.”
