Page 75 of The Ones Left Behind
“Are your belongings packed?”
“Yes, Major.”
Matthias heaved himself to his feet and reached for his crutches. Using them, he went over to his batman, propped his crutches against the wall and pulled Hornsby into a strong hug, which ended with them slapping each other on the back.
“Words are not adequate to express my appreciation, my friend. I am glad you will be in Henry’s camp. I should have thought of that solution first, but I would not have so presumed on your good nature.”
“He is not a bad lad, but he needs someone to keep him in line.”
“Quite,” Matthias agreed. “I am indebted to you.” He held out his hand and shook Hornsby’s, then had to turn away before he became a blubbering fool like any raw subaltern leaving home for the first time.
“I must attend to our belongings, sir. I did not pack much. I fancy we won’t be needing but half the clothing England requires if it’s warm like Spain was.”
“Dunford has prepared a packet, which is on my desk. It contains sufficient funds for Henry to make a good start, and letters of introduction to my steward out there.”
“Very good, sir.”
Henry came downstairs next, accompanied by Waverley and Philip.
“We will see him to the boat in case there should be any trouble from Worth. We will not be leaving your estate and, if necessary, I will remind him of that fact,” the Duke remarked.
Matthias knew the Duke was one of the few people Worth would listen to. Nodding, Matthias transferred his gaze to Henry. Clean again and dressed in one of his own coats, his brother had opted to trim his beard rather than shave it off. He was no longer a boy, having been forced to mature overnight. Of a certainty, he was learning his lessons the hard way.
Clearly sensing the two of them needed to talk, Kitty, Waverley and Philip tactfully withdrew from the room.
“I know we have not been as close as we ought, but you are my brother and I wish the best for you,” Matthias murmured.
Henry said nothing.
“Will you write to me?”
“I don’t understand why you would do this after what I said and did, but thank you,” Henry burst out. He held out his hand. Taking it, Matthias pulled his brother forward. He had hugged more today than he might ever have done before in his whole life.
“I do not like goodbyes, so I will be off,” Henry said.
“This is not goodbye. We will meet again,” Matthias assured him. “Oh, and one piece of advice, if you will?”
Henry looked curious.
“Trust Hornsby. He will be irreverent to the point you might wish to wring his neck, but never a more honest, loyal servant will you find.”
“I think that is why I like him so much. You do not mind that he is going with me?” he asked, seemingly with genuine interest.
“I will miss him, but I am glad you will have his valuable experience to call upon.”
“I just hope I survive the journey. I am green about the gills merely from thinking about it.”
“Larger ships tend to be more steady, I hear. You told Hornsby of your tendency?”
“I did. He said he would get a remedy from Kitty for that.”
“It might also include him holding you over the side rail.” Matthias laughed. “Fair winds and following seas, brother,” he said, offering a little salute.
With Kitty by his side, he watched from the doorway as the men departed.
“That went better than I had hoped,” Kitty remarked as the carriage rolled away.
“It will either be the making of him or the death of him,” Matthias said thoughtfully.
