“Possibly,” Steele answered. “However, you and I have unfinished business.”
Kit frowned. “I’ve never met you before—” He paused. Or had he? “How long have I been asleep?”
“The good part of a week.”
A week? And Elise could be in London?“Who the hell are you?”
“I told you—Steele.”
“The name means nothing to me.”
“It should. I was tasked with finding Miss Lanscarr. I am also the man who was hired by your family to find you, Christopher Fitzhugh-Cox, Duke of Winderton, and a merry chase you have led me on.”
He revealed Kit’s identity with the flair of an amateur actor proclaiming some great secret, and Kit almost laughed. After all, he’d always known who he was—
The door to the room flew open. “I heard voices. Is he better—?” Kit’s mother, Lucy, the Dowager Duchess of Winderton, rushed in and then skidded to a halt when she saw him. She was dressed for traveling and hadn’t bothered to take off her stylish bonnet or her gloves.
Her gaze took him in, and for a moment, Kit feared she was going to swoon. Steele must have thought so as well because he stepped to her side. “Please, sit, Your Grace.”
She didn’t. She held up a hand to stave him off. Huge tears filled her eyes. She’d aged since Kithad last seen her. She’d worried for him... and he realized the impact of his actions on her.
“Mother, I’m sorry.”
She waved the words away and sank down on the edge of the bed beside him. “I’m just happy to see you safe. But, Christopher, you look horrid.”
Her candidness made him laugh, something his ribs did not appreciate.
Seeing his distress, she said, “I’m so sorry. You are in pain still, aren’t you? Here, drink this.” She reached for the cup on the bedside table.
Kit shook his head. “I’ve had that. It is full of sleeping draught. I’m tired of this bed.”
She set the cup down and looked across the room. “Mr. Steele, thank you for finding my son.”
“It was my pleasure, Your Grace. And now, let me give the two of you a moment alone. I know you will wish to speak to Mr. Sutton, the doctor, when you are finished.”
“Thank you,” she answered.
At that moment, heavy steps sounded outside the door. They stopped as if they had run into Mr. Steele.
His mother smiled down at him. “That is your uncle. He came with me. We have been anxious for you.”
Kit shifted in the bed. This time, he didn’t wince at the pain. He was too ashamed.
And now Brandon, the uncle he had treated in a disdainful manner, had accompanied her because Kit had been so wrapped up in himself, hehad not been present to take care of his mother—for any reason.
Or, had Brandon, too, worried?
His uncle came to the door. He was twelve years younger than his sister Lucy. They had the same dark hair, although hers had more gray... so much gray.
Brandon paused in the doorway. His gaze fell on Kit. His expression was stern. “We’ve missed you.”
Kit thought about the conversations he’d had with Elise about family and its challenges. About being angry with those he loved.
“I’d stand to greet you,” Kit said, “but Mother has me pinned down.”
His mother gave a start and began to move, but Kit caught her hand. “I’m teasing. I want you here, and I couldn’t stand if I wished.” He looked to his uncle. “Bran, please pull the chair over.”
His uncle and mother exchanged a look. Kit understood. It had been some time since he’d spoken to his uncle withanyrespect.
