“How’s the patient?” Finn asked. He appeared, it seemed, to try and hide a smirk, only to fail abysmally.
“Better. Thank you for asking. She’s resting now.” He glanced across at Lucy, whose attention had quickly returned to the keys on the instrument. “How are you fairing today, Lucy?”
She met his gaze. “I’m feeling much better. Perfectly fine, actually. I even managed to eat some eggs along with a bit of bacon.”
“I’m pleased to hear it.”
“Will Harry be down soon?” she asked. “Losturn says he’s also been sick so I didn’t want to go check in case I disturbed him.”
Brody shared a quick look with Finn before approaching Lucy. “I know Harry’s your sister and that her real name is Harriet.”
Lucy stilled. Concern puckered her brow. “Oh no. No one’s supposed to know that. I hope I didn’t say anything to give her away.”
“You’re not to blame,” Brody hastened to tell her. “I found out from Harriet herself.”
“I see.” Lucy bit her lip. “What will happen now?”
“Well, something did come up – something that put your sister’s reputation at risk. Which is why I’ve asked her to be my wife.”
Lucy gasped while Finn voiced his own dismay.
“Harriet will be a duchess?” Lucy asked, her eyes wide.
“Yes,” Brody confirmed.
“And she will live here?”
“As will you,” Brody told her, intent on putting the girl at ease.
“Cor…that’s marvelous news!”
“It’s certainly sudden,” Finn murmured.
Brody turned to him. “You disapprove?”
“I didn’t say that, but are you certain this is what you want?” The look Finn gave him was steady. “Marriage is permanent, Brother.”
“I’m aware, and yes, I’m certain. She’s…perfect for me.”
“Then I shall wish you both happy,” Finn said as he pulled Brody into a hug.
Brody patted his brother on the back and stepped back. “I’ve summoned Mama.”
Finn snorted. “You’ve certainly decided to shake things up around here.”
“I’m not the one who engaged in a duel this morning.” Brody gave Finn a pointed look.
“A duel?” Lucy asked. “Over a lady?”
“In a manner of speaking,” Finn said.
“How positively romantic.”
“It really wasn’t,” Brody told her. “It was mad.”
“Says the man who’s marrying a woman he thought was a man until just—” Finn glanced at the clock and grinned— “twelve hours ago or less?”
“Precisely.” Brody had no idea how he managed to say this with a straight face. In truth, the situation was farcical. Harriet’s concern about their brief acquaintance had merit. Had Betsy not threatened to cause a scandal, he never would have proposed. Or rather, he’d have waited. But for what? Harry was Harriet and Harriet was Harry. He’d fallen in love with Harry’s smile, the sparkle in his eyes, and his wonderful personality.
