“The duchess is expecting,” Hugh said, and there was no denying the joy to his expression. “No one knows, not even Lizzie. We planned to announce to her and all our friends before we return to London.”
“Congratulations,” Morgan said softly, though his mind went to Elizabeth. She would be happy for her brother, he knew. She was incapable of anything but joy for him. But he also worried about her. She put so much blame on herself for the past. Would she feel she could be part of her family’s new future?
“Thank you. But you can see why my worry is increased.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” Morgan sighed. “I’d like to explain.”
He did so, telling Hugh the same sordid story about Gareth Covington as he had done with Elizabeth. About Robert’s intervention on his behalf in the thwarted duel. Brighthollow’s expression remained impassive through it all. Unreadable. The man seemed an expert at that.
Morgan sighed when he’d told it all. “I’m not proud of what I did. Or how it was handled afterward. It was evident in my recent interaction with Gareth that he didn’t feel appeased by a payout. He wanted personal vengeance. And I can hardly blame him.”
Brighthollow got up. “You didn’t know the woman was his lover, so you do not own all the blame.” He ran a hand through his hair. “How can he be dealt with?”
Morgan stood up, as well. “I’ve thought about that. I know this man. He was once my friend. I owe him what he was denied by my well-meaning brother.”
Brighthollow’s eyes widened. “A duel? You want to let the mankillyou?”
Morgan gripped the back of the chair he’d just abandoned. Once he’d not thought much of death. Men died young all the time. But now…now he felt like he had something to lose. Something of great worth.
Even though she wasn’t really his.
“I-I don’t think Gareth would actually kill me,” he choked. “His honor was damaged. If we met on the field and I owned my part, I think he wouldn’t shoot. And that would end it.”
Brighthollow ran a hand through his hair. “Your brother will be livid at this option.”
“And it is not his decision. I never should have allowed him to intervene in the first place.” Morgan shook his head. “I’m a man. It was my situation to create and mine to solve.”
“Fuck.” Brighthollow muttered beneath his breath. “But I know a bit about well-meaning brothers. Could you find this Covington if you tried?”
“I think so,” Morgan said slowly. “He came all the way to Brighthollow to manage this. He must be staying close by. A few feelers in the village and I’m certain he could be reached and offered the option to finish what he started.”
There was a long silence, and he could see Brighthollow was considering this.
“If Robert will not be your second, I will,” the duke said at last.
Morgan stared at him, wide eyed with surprise at the offer. “You do not owe me that,” he said. “I wouldn’t be offended if you sacked me.”
Brighthollow shrugged. “I did consider it. I hired you because of Robert, after all.”
“I’m sure my brother would understand your position,” Morgan said, straightening and preparing himself for the worst.
“Only the longer you’ve been here, the more you’ve proven yourself to be bright and capable. You are a good addition to my household. And one I do not regret making…on the whole.”
Morgan swallowed hard. “On the whole?”
“Yes.” Brighthollow arched a brow, and discomfort entered his expression. “Lizzie is my only remaining hesitation. I’ve seen you two interact. More to the point, I’ve seen how you look at her.”
Morgan set his jaw. Every baser instinct inside of him told him to turn to flippancy and distraction to address this issue. Only he wasn’t the same man anymore. It was shocking to realize that fact in this uncomfortable moment looking into the face of his lover’s brother. He didn’t want to dismiss or play or dance around this subject.
“I understand your hesitance. Even if I were to harbor some…attraction toward your sister, I assure you Iknowit would have no good end.” He bent his head. “For either of us. I am not good enough for Lady Elizabeth, for a great many reasons.”
If he had expected Brighthollow to heartily agree with that sentiment, he was surprised that instead the other man looked troubled. “Well,” he said. “I’m glad we’re…apparently of a mind.”
“Yes,” Morgan said as he got up. Brighthollow extended a hand and they shook. “I’ll reach out and let you know when I’ve heard from Covington. In the meantime, may I hire a few men to watch the house? I will pay for it from my own pocket since this is my doing.”
“Do hire them,” Brighthollow said. “But I’ll pay.”
The two men held stares for a moment, then Morgan inclined his head. “Thank you.”
