Page 42 of Foolish Bride
“You’ve never been called before. I must have really done it this time.” His voice trembled.
“Why don’t we take a walk together, Sheldon?”
Sheldon backed up to the wall. “I am not to leave here until supper.”
Michael remembered the small punishment room with only a chair and a desk. He’d hated being confined there. “I’ve made arrangements for your early release.”
“That was nice of you.” Sheldon narrowed his eyes.
“That is what brothers do for one another. I understand you have been taking a bit of guff for me lately.”
He shrugged thin shoulders and looked at the floor.
They walked out on the greens between tall buildings with arched doorways.
“You should have told me you were having some trouble, Shel.”
He shrugged again. “I can take care of myself.”
Michael adored Sheldon’s toughness, though he regretted the reasons for it. Their father had been particularly tough on his youngest son. “I would prefer if you would stop fighting. I am a duke now. There is no need to defend me. Everything will be fine. Ignore those boys if you can.”
“I do not know if I can do that, Michael. They have been saying terrible things about you. I do not even know what half of it means, but I can tell it’s not right. I won’t have them making a mockery of my family.”
Patting Sheldon’s back, Michael had to hold back a wave of emotion. “I am a lucky man to have such loyal brothers. Try not to fight. Get through the next two weeks, then you’ll come home, and the four of us will have a fine summer together. Okay, Shel?”
Sheldon’s face lit with pure joy. “Really? You will spend the summer with us?”
“I thought you and Mother and Everett might like to come to the Marlton house party with me, then we can go to the country house for a few weeks.”
“Can we go to London as well?” He bubbled with excitement.
“I think that could be arranged for a week or two. Now, I’ve cleared up the mess you’ve been in, as well as Everett’s little troubles. I have to get back to London, but I expect you to enjoy school and not show up with a shiner. You do not want to upset Mother, do you?” He pointed to his brother’s black eye.
“No. I suppose not.” Sheldon kicked the dirt.
“Good. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.” He hugged Sheldon and ruffled his dark hair. “Go to class.”
“Yes, sir.” Sheldon grinned and ran off.
* * * *
Late in the afternoon, Michael arrived in London.
“Your grace, Mr. Wheel awaits you in your study.” Dalton took Michael’s outerwear with a bow.
“My word, can’t a man arrive home to an empty house now and then?”
“Apparently not, your grace.” Dalton bowed again.
Michael went to his study. “Hello, Tom. I do not know whether to call you out or thank you for that little stunt yesterday.”
“If I have a choice, then I choose for you to thank an old friend who was only looking out for your best interest.” At least Thomas’s smile was weak with apology. He plopped on the couch and crossed his feet in front of him.
“The choice is not yours.” Michael sat.
Thomas fiddled with his pocket watch, replaced it, then brushed off his breeches. “How did it go with Lady Elinor?”
Seeing Elinor had been wonderful and painful. He longed for her, yet didn’t deserve her. “I am not sure. She said she loves me. That’s one good thing.”
