Duncan shut his eyes. He and Hannah had talked about convincing Ian of the steadiness of their bond. The one that might change his brother’s mind about the inheritance.
“The moment I saw Hannah, I knew I had to have her,” Duncan said, and that was not a lie. “The time I’ve spent with her since has made me keenly aware of a great deal. It turns out we are compatible in many ways that matter. And I think we could make a decent union, assuming you actually release the funds you have held over my head so that I may provide.”
Ian held his stare. “Do you like her?”
Duncan balked. His staid brother normally kept out of the realm of such romantic fantasy. But Ian seemed keenly interested in his answer. “Why do you care?”
“Because you and I were the product of a union that had a muddied relationship with affection. Love existed, but it was complicated. And it burned in the end. Hurt and changed.” Ian sighed. “I would not wish the same on you. I do love you, brother. No matter what you think to the contrary.”
Duncan let out his breath. He and his brother never discussed the past. So Ian must truly be troubled. “I like her,” he admitted. “Perhaps even more than I should.”
Ian’s brow furrowed. “Then I hope you willtrywith this woman. Hannah.”
“Does that mean you will stand up for me on the date of the wedding?” Duncan asked.
Ian stepped forward. “Of course I will. Was that ever in doubt?”
“Since you took the title, I know you have been disappointed in me. What I am. I wasn’t certain.”
Ian clasped his upper arm and squeezed. “I have never been disappointed in what you are, Duncan. I just know what you can be. I will stand with you proudly and accept Hannah into our family without hesitation.”
“Thank you,” Duncan said, relief flowing through him. If his brother loved him, he certainly felt the same affection. That Ian had been disappointed in him had stung more than he cared to admit. “And now I am off, for there is a great deal to do.”
He moved toward the door when Ian’s voice stopped him. “Duncan?”
He turned back. “Yes?”
“The funds for your inheritance will be released fully to you. I will have it done by your wedding day. My gift to you.”
Duncan stared at him a moment, then inclined his head. “Thank you. I know you do not have to resolve the matter in this way. I appreciate it. Good day.”
He stepped out of the study and strode down the hall for his horse on the drive. But as he swung up and rode away, he was surprised to find himself not in a better mood. He had, after all, just gotten everything he’d wanted out of his plans to arrange a hasty marriage to prove to his brother he could settle down.
And yet he felt very empty. Like he had done something not exactly right and perhaps missed an opportunity that might not ever come again.
