Page 37 of Stealing the Rake's Heart
“It’s for the best.”
“The best for who, William? You or me?”
Alexander stamped over to the fireplace, trying to get his brother to look him in the eye. William half turned so that he could avoid Alexander’s face.
“I am the Duke of Dunleigh,” William whispered. “I am an important man. You have no idea of the responsibilities weighing down on me.”
Alexander couldn’t help it. He rolled his eyes.
“You remind us often enough.”
William rounded on him. “How dare you. I am heartily sick of you, Alexander. You’re like a weight around my neck, Mother and you both. I spend all my time making sure you don’t embarrass the family and me. I am running as fast as I can, using all my strength, and I never even get any further forward. I’m tired of it, do you hear? It’s high time for you to grow up, Alexander Willenshire.”
Alexander flinched backwards at the venom in his brother’s voice. Silence landed between them again. In the distance, he heard cheers and clapping as another dance ended.
William blinked, as if taken aback by his own anger. He stepped backwards a full pace, putting more distance between them, and folded his arms behind his back.
Just like Father used to,Alexander thought, before he could end the thought. It had always been the most cruel insult any of them could fathom –you’re just like Father.
Sometimes they wouldn’t even use his name, as if he might be conjured through his name.
You’re just likehim.
As if he could read Alexander’s thoughts, William swallowed hard, eyes fluttering shut.
“That was… that was uncalled for,” he said at last. “I’m sorry, Alex, truly I am. I’m… I’m tired, and my head hurts, and your friend…” he trailed off, gesturing at the rumpled couch and the accusing urn standing before it, which wouldhaveto be dealt with before somebody knocked it over. “It was just a lot, you know? I’m sorry. Please, forgive me.”
Alexander shook his head. “Nothing to forgive. One can’t resent honesty.”
William started to look panicky. “It wasn’thonesty, I didn’t mean…”
“Yes, you did,” Alexander interrupted. He turned abruptly, moving towards the door.
“Wait! Where are you going?”
He paused, fingers curled over the brass doorknob. It was cool to the touch, and Alexander had a wild vision of himself kneeling in front of the door, resting his forehead against the smooth brass. He cleared his throat, and the vision was gone.
“I’m going to bed, William. That was what you wanted, wasn’t it? Things will be easier with me out of the way. Tidier. You like things tidy.”
He heard William swallow hard. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Yes, it was,” Alexander responded, opening the door and stepping out into the cool hallway.
***
William did not see Miss Bainbridge when he returned to the ball. That was probably for the best. Perhaps she had chosen to disappear, or perhaps she had simply gotten lost in the crowd. It was hard to tell.
He was wondering whether it would be too rude to return to his quiet spot at the mantelpiece when Mary appeared from the crowd. Her cheeks were flushed with laughter and probably too much wine, and she laid a cold hand on his forearm.
“There you are, dearest! Where is Alex, do you know? I have a young lady I want him to meet.”
William cleared his throat. “I believe Alexander had gone up to bed, Mother.”
Mar’ blinked. “What, already? He can’t have.”
“I believe he has.”
“But I want him here. It won’t be the same without my little Alex.”
