“You can’t stay here.”
Bran stared at his sister. “I own here.”
“I denied everything you said,” she announced.
“Helpful of you, Your Grace.”
“I wouldn’t have had to do it if you hadn’t talked to him without discussing the matter with me first.”
“And did he believe you?”
“You know he didn’t.”
“I definitely need a drink for this conversation. Where is that port? Do you wish one?” he asked his sister.
“Of course not,” she snapped. “And why are you walking off when I am talking to you?”
“Then follow,” he threw over his shoulder.
Reaching the pantry, he uncapped the decanter. He took a cup and poured himself a generous measure.
Lucy appeared at the pantry door. “I’ve never seen Winderton so upset. He’s young—”
“He’s coddled. He needs to be out in the world.” Bran downed the drink. “He also needs to understand that nothing is handed to a man just because he has a title. He must earn his rightful place, not whine about it.”
Lucy frowned like a hen eyeing a distasteful worm. “What has come over you? You sound angry. And I should mention that he, too, is drinking hard spirits this early in the morning. See? He isn’t that coddled.”
“Drinking does not make a man.”
His sister shrugged. “Says you with a drink in your hand.”
Her words reminded Bran of his and Kate’s game about being “naked.” He wished Kate was here instead of Lucy. His sister was infuriating, and Bran was tired. Too much was happening over which he had no control. “Lucy, nothing happened to Christopher other than that his pride was bruised which isn’t a bad thing for any of us from time to time. You didn’t want him with Kate Addison. Well, he isn’t with her. ButIam.”
“And I am supposed to be at peace with that?”
“You aren’t supposed to be anything. It is my life.”
She made a disgruntled sound. “Next thing I know, you will be telling meyouwant to marry her.”
“I do.”
He’d answered without conscious thought. The words had just flowed out. Bran frowned, examining what he’d just said and discovered it was true. He did wish to marry Kate. He certainly wasn’t going to allow her to go to another man. She washis.
Lucy appeared horrified. “Are you mad? She’s as old as you are.”
He was still trying to overcome his own shock at his statement. “You are right. She is old.”
“You won’t have any children.”
“Possibly. I haven’t ever felt the need for any.”
“Younger women are more biddable.”
“They would bore me.”
Lucy rocked back throwing her hands up in the air. “The world has gone mad,” she muttered. “It is as if no one knows their place anymore. Or values their class.”
“I make my own place, Lucy. I’m the son of a younger son.”
