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Considering someone had tampered with his curricle with the intention of killing him, Rafe thought he probably would have found himself in harm’s way sooner or later anyhow. But he wasn’t about to let Sebastian know that little tidbit. The last thing he wanted was to cause his brother even more distress.
“As though you wouldn’t be racing curricles if you had the chance. I’ve heard some of the stories about what you and your best mate have gotten up to.”
“Yes, but I would have won the race, not died.” He glared at Rafe, then muttered under his breath, “You complete dunderhead.”
Rafe’s lips twitched. “I didn’t die.”
Sebastian’s eyes narrowed. “Smartarse.”
“Is your tirade over?” Rafe—carefully this time—pushed to stand.
Sebastian watched him warily. “Perhaps. Perhaps not.”
Rafe took a hobbling step toward his brother, wincing slightly.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m sorry, Sebastian. I shouldn’t have left the way I did. If I hadn’t gone and gotten myself knocked unconscious, I would have written to you right away.” He swallowed past the lump forming in his throat. “I’ve missed you and your mother. And I’m so grateful to be able to see you again.”
He held out his hand. Sebastian eyed it as if it were a dead fish.
“What do you want me to do with that?”
“I was hoping you’d shake it. And possibly forgive me.”
“Unbelievable.” Sebastian rolled his eyes, then stepped forward and swamped Rafe in a hug. “I’m not shaking your bloody hand. You really are daft, aren’t you?” He squeezed Rafe tight.
Rafe stood stock still, eyes wide.
“This is horribly awkward. Do you not know how to give a bloody hug?”
Not really. The only person he got this close to was Theodora. He stiffly patted Sebastian’s back with his good hand. “Who in the blazes would I be hugging?”
His brother pulled away and cocked his head. “I suppose that’s true. How bloody sad is that? We’ll work on it, don’t worry. I am a supreme hugger. The best out there.”
“You make it sound like I’ll be seeing quite a bit of you,” Rafe said quietly.
“You have no idea, brother. After what you put us through? Prepare to be suffocated by my presence. I’m going to be the most annoying younger brother you’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.”
What his brother didn’t know was…that sounded rather perfect to Rafe.
“Where is your mother?”
“I believe she and Grandmother are speaking with Theo.”
Rafe’s eyebrows shot up.
“I-is that bad?”
Not bad per se, but… “You don’t know Grandmother.”
She was always plotting. And she was a force to be reckoned with.
Though…so was Theodora Dawson.
48
Theo
