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‘Granville. Do you love me?’

His face was a mask of anguish, and tears gathered in her eyes at the sight.

‘I don’t know,’ he whispered. ‘I don’t think I know what love is anymore, but I want us to try. I just need to tell you…’

She shook her head, chin wobbling, and walked away.

PART THREE

Chapter 51

HARYO

Chatsworth House – December

Chatsworth House was always beautiful, but never more so in the approach to Christmas. With a heavy frost spangling every branch on every tree like something from a fairy tale, and a soft dusting of snow, it was magnificent. Enchanted.

Harriet stood in the long gallery looking out of the window over the frozen gardens and woodlands as Hart came to stand beside her.

‘One day, brother dear, this will all be yours.’

Hart bumped her shoulder with his. ‘And whatever is mine will be yours, darling. This will always be your home, as will all the rest of the houses. For as long as you want or need.’

Harriet rested her head against his shoulder, and he put his arm about her waist.

‘When I am duke, I shall make this house glorious again,’ he said, with a quiet intensity. ‘Papa has allowed it to become worn and tired, and it will not do. I shall fill the place with books, create a magnificent library, and I will fill the rooms with sculptures.’ He chuckled softly. ‘Did you know I have developed quite the passion for sculpture?’

‘I did not.’

‘Well, I have, and what better setting for art than Chatsworth?’

‘I cannot think of one,’ she murmured, then sighed.

‘Don’t be sad, darling,’ he said. ‘She’ll be good for Papa. You’ll see.’ Hart was talking of the wedding of their father to Lady Liz.

‘I know, I know. It’s just that sometimes I miss Mama so much and it feels as though this is the final thing. Accepting that she is never coming back and things will never again be the way they were. I know I’m far too old for this kind of nonsense, but…’

Hart took hold of her hand and squeezed. They stood in silence for a moment or two, her head still resting lightly on him, and her hand in his. Harriet was grateful for his company. Grateful that he didn’t tell her not to be silly or say that the past was long gone. Grateful for the silence and understanding.

‘You’re not a bad brother, you know.’

He chuckled softly. ‘And you’re not bad for a sister.’

‘Papa and Lady Liz will expect us. We should go.’

‘We should,’ Hart said, but neither moved.

The duke had made Lady Liz his duchess in a quiet ceremony a few days earlier, with only family and a few close friends in attendance. Standing here, Harriet had to accept that it was time for them, or perhaps her in particular, to be more cordial with Lady Liz. Papa seemed genuinely happy, so any kind of objection now seemed… well, pointless.

She huffed a loud sigh. ‘I’ll be nicer to her.’

Hart squeezed her. ‘Good.’

‘As long as that damned dog of hers doesn’t bite me. If he does…’

Hart chuckled. ‘The Greys and the Ellices will be here soon,’ he said.

‘I know. I’m looking forward to seeing them.’