None of that would change. Harriet had the same smile, the same sparkle in her eyes, the same wonderful personality he so adored. And after last night, it honestly felt like he’d known her forever. Marrying her would be easy.
Or so he thought.
Until his mother arrived.
23
The Duchess of Corwin was uncommonly tall for a woman. At just over six feet in height, she was only slightly shorter than her sons. This, however, did not diminish her elegance. Edwina Evans moved with the grace of someone who weighed no more than the air around her. Even after two years, Brody acknowledged, she hadn’t changed.
She arrived in the parlor after being announced, but rather than greet him or Finn, she remained near the door while giving them each a hesitant look. “What’s happened?”
“An astounding amount,” Finn quipped.
“That’s not reassuring,” Mama murmured.
Brody sighed. “Please have a seat, Mama. Tea and cake will arrive shortly.”
She hesitated briefly before crossing to one of the two vacant armchairs. Finn claimed the other, leaving Brody alone on the sofa. A maid arrived bringing the tea tray. It was carefully placed on the table between everyone. She arranged the cups and saucers, then offered them each a plate for the cake before she bobbed a quick curtsey and left, shutting the door on her way out.
Mama picked up the teapot and started to serve, as she’d always done when they’d lived together. It was the strangest feeling – like visiting a dream from another lifetime.
“I’m to be married,” he blurted before she was done pouring. He stood and proceeded to pace the length of the room. It had not been his intention to make the announcement like that. He’d meant to wait for them to exchange a few pleasantries first. But after more than two years of not seeing each other, the words had simply popped out.
He took a breath. What a relief it was to have that off his chest. He glanced at Mama, who’d turned to look at him with a slightly owlish expression.
“Are you really?” she asked.
“Yes.”
She suddenly smiled. “What a relief.”
He halted his strides. “I beg your pardon?”
“Keeping in mind the urgency of your note, I feared you might have gambled away the estate.”
He gaped at her. “How could you possibly think so?”
“You’re honestly asking that of me?” She shook her head. A pained expression captured her features. “I lost him too, you know. What I hadn’t expected was also losing my sons.”
Brody took a few steps in her direction. Her comment speared him. “You didn’t lose us, Mama.”
“Didn’t I?” The smile she gave him was so sad it twisted his gut. “My words of warning fell on deaf ears. Worse, you told me to leave you alone, that I was to stay out of your affairs. You were duke now and you’d manage things as you saw fit.”
“I don’t believe those were my exact words,” he muttered, recalling all too well how angry he’d been with the world back then. He’d taken it out on everyone, especially those who’d attempted to make him move on, be responsible, stop wallowing in his own grief. Like Mama.
“You’re my son,” Mama muttered. “But you were intent on destruction, and you pushed me away. Both of you did.”
“I know,” Brody admitted. “I’m sorry. I—”
“Me too.” To his amazement, she stood and gathered him in her arms, hugging him until he felt the world shift. “I shouldn’t have stayed away. I should have visited both of you, but as time went on it got harder. More awkward. So I’m glad you finally chose to reach out.”
“Do I get a hug as well?” Finn asked.
Mama grinned and let Brody go so she could embrace Finn next. “I trust your duel went well this morning since you’re still breathing?”
“You know about that?” Finn asked in dismay. He stepped out of her arms and gave her a curious look.
She chuckled. “Did you honestly think I wouldn’t take steps to ensure I’m informed of what my sons get up to? Which brings me back to you, Brody. I hope you didn’t take that job because of financial troubles.”
