“Anthony?” Patrick asked from the other side of the door.
He straightened and brushed his curls from his face. “Come in.”
Patrick entered the room with his usual swagger, already half-undressed with his waistcoat unbuttoned and bow tie undone.
“How are you?” He made himself comfortable on the armchair in front of the bed.
“I’m not sure.” Anthony scrubbed the back of his neck. “Grandmama was right. I shouldn’t have worn a mask.”
“Rubbish. The masquerade was a great idea.” Patrick kicked off his shoes. “You didn’t dance at all.”
“No.” Isabella had disappeared for a while, and when she’d returned, he hadn’t had the courage to dance again after their quiet exchange at the window.
He’d ordered some moonflowers for his conservatory with the idea to show them to Isabella as an apology for not having answered her messages, but at the last moment, he’d changed his mind, not convinced she would have appreciated the gesture.
“Try to organise another event,” Patrick said. “The longer you wait to lead a normal life again, the harder it becomes.”
He smiled. “Since when are you so wise?”
Patrick crossed his arms behind his head. “Since I’m leaving for Cabo Verde and the Continent on my first official mission for my family. I’m looking forward to going. Unless you need me here, of course, or unless you changed your mind.”
“No, go. I’ve neglected my duties here for too long. I must work hard to recover the lost time. You have a delicate mission, and I’m happy you’re ready to do it. Just make sure to use the right words with von Gruner.”
“I have everything written down.” He patted his jacket until he fished out a notepad. “All the suggestions you gave me are here. I’m studying them every day, learning them by heart.”
“Remember to tell von Gruner we’re sorry for the inconvenience several times. He likes that.”
“Wait.” He searched the room until he found a pencil on the escritoire. “Repeat several times…” he muttered while writing, “incon…invec…incon…hell, how do you spell inconvenience?”
“One letter at a time.”
“Ha-ha. Funny.”
Anthony chuckled, standing up. A certain restlessness bothered him, which was strange. He’d been idle for weeks, but now, all of a sudden, he needed to be active.
Patrick became serious. “Thank you for trusting me, especially on something so delicate.”
“You love Maiden Hill as much as I do, but you aren’t as short-tempered as I am. I believe you’re a better negotiator than I am. After all he has put us through, I would most likely end up punching von Gruner after two minutes. Besides, I don’t want to give von Gruner any power over me.” He rubbed his neck. “And I haven’t fully recovered my strength yet.”
“I know I’m not the best man for the job, but I appreciate your trust in me.”
“Wait to thank me. If you think Grandmama is proud of being a Beaufort, the von Gruners are absolute fanatics about their prestigious family, and they strictly follow the Spanish court ceremonial. One mistake, and they’ll send you back to England or shoot you.”
Laughing, Patrick rose and hugged Anthony. “Nothing to worry about, then.”
The hug caught him by surprise. It wasn’t the first time Patrick had hugged him. His brother had always been the one who openly expressed his affection. But for some reason, the hug had a different flavour. He blinked to clear his vision.
“Thank you for always protecting me.” Patrick squeezed Anthony.
He patted his brother’s back. “Be careful in Cabo Verde. You can’t behave like a rake with the von Gruners.”
“I know. I know.” Patrick ran a hand through his hair. “They’ll shoot me.”
“I’m serious. They won’t take any bad behaviour lightly.”
“I’ll be a careful. I promise. Good night.” Patrick left the room, humming a tune.
Anthony wished he were more like Patrick.
