Page 29 of The Duke Who Loved a Widow
“You mean me and Simon?” Robert said quietly.
Elinor sighed and touched her brother’s arm gently. “I do. I know it may never be healed, but it would be nice for Mama if you and Simon could at least tolerate each other’s company.”
“I never wished to cause Mama distress, but I think it unlikely that will happen soon.”
“But you were so close when you were growing up. I remember you had very few squabbles, let alone fights. I miss my big brothers, too.”
Robert fell silent, lost in memories and flashback images of what had happened that summer when Rosalind, his betrothed, had jilted him for his younger brother Simon.
“I can’t forgive him. I’ve tried, but the anger is too strong.”
“I know. But she abandoned him, too,” added Elinor. “Within weeks, Rosalind Seymour was married to the Duke of Wyndale. Now, she’s a widow. I pity her in some ways.”
“Well, I don’t,” he said, almost shivering with distaste. “And at least I won’t have to see the fickle, social-climbing Rosalind again.” He looked through the window at the blue sky waiting outside. “Let’s find young Frederick and tell him he can come with me to the village.”
“Thank you. It will make your nephew a very happy little boy,” said Elinor, smiling.
“I’ll enjoy his company. We might even call in to see the gamekeeper on our way back.”
“It’s good for him to have you here. He needs role models, with the colonel away so much.”
“He’ll return soon. I think within a sixth month,” Robert reassured her.
“I hope so, Robert. Or I very much fear that we will all have forgotten what he looks like,” Elinor joked.
“You must miss him every day,” commented Robert.
“I do indeed. Very much. I loved it when he was home when they first captured Napoleon. Freddy needs his father here more of the time. And I’m not getting any younger. I still hope for another child,” confided Elinor.
“It won’t be long now. The final troops should leave Belgium in the next few months.”
“I know. Some days, it is just more difficult than others.” She took a deep breath. “I’ll go and find Freddy. Enjoy your walk – and thank you, dear brother.”
As Robert walked towards the boot room, his mother intercepted him.
“Where are you going, Robert? Our guests are arriving soon.”
I wish I’d got her agreement in writing to my not having to be involved in more than two or three of her social events, he thought ruefully.
“I have an appointment to see a prospective candidate for the job as a new steward. If I don’t hurry, then I shall be late. Freddy should be here any minute as he’s joining me for a walk into the village.”
He could see her dilemma. She could hardly tell him to stay and cancel the interview, but he could see she wanted to.
“It’s going to be such a lovely few weeks with picnics, soirees, and a grand ball,” his mother commented, reminding Robert of all the things he wanted to avoid.
“And you will grace all those events as a very talented hostess. I hope you enjoy our little summer season, Mama. I am so pleased you included the village summer fair in your plans. Simon and I always used to sneak off there when we were boys,” he confessed.
He saw the look of pain in her eyes, but despite his sorrow, he knew he would never easily forgive his brother.
“Well, the guests will arrive soon. Don’t be late back,” his mother warned him.
How old am I? he thought. I’ve been living an independent life in Italy for several years, yet my mother is clearly still trying to manage my time.
“Enjoy your day, Mama,” he said, smiling to her, very aware he had not agreed to return for her guests. He felt in no hurry to see his brother Simon again.
***
“Can we walk by the lake on the way back?” asked Freddy.
