Samuel’s mouth pulled into a rueful smile. “If you can convince Mother, I’d like nothing more.”
“It is as good as done then.” Leonard stood. “Right after I speak with Father about some things.”
“Are you going to tell me aboutyouradventure?” His brows shot up as his gaze roved Leonard’s face.
“How about this?” Leonard leaned on the back of the chair, lowering his voice. “When you come to the townhouse next week, I will tell you everything. Square?”
Samuel grinned and huffed out a laugh. “Square.” He nodded with another of his cheery smiles, jerking his head to see him off on his task.
Leonard wove through the house to his father’s study. He would do everything within his power to get him to agree to let Samuel come for a visit. It was the least Leonard could do.
As he entered the study, Father’s head jerked up. But before he uttered a greeting, a quiet curse slipped from his lips. “What has happened to your face?” he demanded while Leonard strode to the seat across from his desk.
“Someone punched me.” He crossed his legs, clasping his hands over his stomach as he gave his father a smug smile.
His father’s jaw clenched. “I see that. My question iswhy.”
“It was a matter of honor, I can assure you.”
“I’m assuming this has to do with the woman I’ve heard about.”
Leonard took a deep breath. “I see the servants have been talking.”
“Did you really think you would get away with it? It sounds like you haven’t been very discreet.”
“What will my punishment be? No allowance this quarter?”
“Why would I punish you?” His father reached forward and took a pen, scribbling something onto a piece of foolscap laid on his desk. “I just want it official. Sooner rather than later.”
“That will be a difficult task.”
His father’s dark eyes shot up to him. “And why is that?”
“I am no longer seeing the woman.”
His father’s face scrunched, mouth tightening as he tossed his quill down. “Blast it, Leonard. You need a wife, and I do not condone leaving a woman’s honor in the balance.” And then his face sobered. “Is that why your face is bruised? Did her brother call you out?”
“Not exactly.” Leonard stuck his tongue in his cheek. “I did not do anything to this woman’s reputation. She sought me out, and I put an end to it. That is all.” At least, all his father needed to know.
“Perhaps your brother will have to make a few appearances in society. Or we can invite some neighborhood girls and their families to dinner.”
Leonard’s frame froze. “You wouldn’t.” He pictured Samuel marrying whatever young lady his parents chose for him. And because of his role as first-born, it was possible that even despite his health, a lady would say yes.
“Don’t you dare force that on him.” His fingers folded into a fist.
“If you aren’t willing to marry, then what choice is there?”
Once again, the guilt was heaved upon him. For since Samuel couldn’t, Leonard must. And he loved his brother too much to put that burden on his already weak shoulders.
Thus, the charade would continue.
The sky hung heavily over them as they stood huddled about the opening in the ground and stared down into it. Rain sliced down on them, soaking into his coat and pulling his hair into his face. Leonard feared he might fall in.
The earthy smell of dirt choked his nose, making it difficult to breathe. He leaned forward as he stared into the square opening in the ground. If he could only get down there, perhaps there was still time to trade places. Samuel and his smiles could live to see another day—to fill the world with his brightness. And Leonard could simply climb into the casket and feel the peace of knowing he didn’t have to watch his brother wither away anymore. Samuel could be healthy.
But as he stared down and heard his mother’s wails from across the grave, Leonard was startled by a soft, warm hand gripping his. He turned his head, and Honora stood beside him, staring down at the grave as well. He narrowed his gaze, his mind trying to understand why tears were streaming down her face. Something about the image didn’t sit right. She did not even know Samuel. And yet, she was clearly mourning.
Leonard turned to look back into the grave, and there, beside his brother’s casket, sat one of a much smaller size. He sucked in a breath that seized in his chest.
