Page 43 of An Accidental Bride for the Duke
“I feel bad for him already,” Percy laughed. “Finding himself on your bad end is not a place I envy.” He then leaned back and studied Philip and Iris together, his eyes sparkling. “Although, I can’t help but sense that his err was your gain, aye?” He winked. “Tell me true, Your Grace?—”
“Iris, please,” she spoke over him.
He laughed further. “Iris then. Tell me, how is married life to my brother? And don’t lie, I can always tell.”
Again, had this been just a day ago, who knew what answer she would have given. But the mere act of a single conversation between herself and Philip and so much had changed. An understanding reached, one that was desperately needed, and where Iris wasn’t going to start fawning and waxing lyrical about love and happiness and all that… she wasn’t about to dismiss Philip entirely.
“Hard work,” she said. Percy cried with laughter. “But not without gains,” she followed up. “It is still rather early, to be fair, but we are getting there.”
“Sounds promising.”
“If you don’t mind…” Philip cleared his throat. “I would appreciate you not sticking your nose into my married life.” His hand around her waist and he pulled her in a little closer. “At least not while I’m present, Percy.”
“Always the shy one,” Percy joked.
“Always the chatty one,” Philip shot back with a wink of his own.
As strange as it was, with the arrival of Percy, the atmosphere between Iris and Philip was as comfortable as it had been since her first day here. And for the first time, Iris was starting to feel as if this house, this life, was her own.
Soon, the three of them found their way outside. The day was warm and sunny, and they sat at a table beneath an oak tree as tea was served so Percy could tell them of Eton and what he had been up to.
“You know well enough what it is like,” Percy said with a dismissive wave. “You went there yourself.”
“Years ago,” Philip said.
“I assure you, nothing has changed,” Percy sighed. “And it is not nearly as fun as you might think, being in the shadow of your older brother. Although our brother Robert made it a little easier on me,” he added with a grin. “His is one reputation I have quite easily surpassed.”
Philip sighed. “At least he is good for something.”
Iris sat in silence mostly, listening and observing so she might form her own opinion. It was clear that Percy was a favorite of Philip’s, and she wondered further to the true nature of their relationship.
She also got the sense that Percy wasn’t nearly as happy with his time at Eton as he was letting on. He said the right words. He spoke well of the educational institute. But she could hear in his tone a derision, the implication that he did not like it as much as his brother hoped.
But the afternoon was pleasant, and Iris was glad for Percy’s arrival. Even if his reason was suspicious, she felt that with him at home her marriage to Philip would strengthen. That he would be given a reason to try; Percy seemed to remind him of the positives of having a family and what that meant.
Unfortunately, the afternoon was brought to an end sooner than she hoped by Mr. Tibbitt.
“It cannot wait, Your Grace,” he informed the duke of some business he needed to attend. “Parliament meets shortly, and they need your approval.”
“Oh, is something the matter?” she asked, not considering that she might be butting in where she should not.
Philip sighed. “Not particularly. Just a bill that has been on the floor for months. One that I…” He shook his head. “It is busy work and nothing more.”
“Important busy work,” Mr. Tibbitt interjected.
“The life of a duke!” Percy chortled.
Philip groaned and rose from his seat. “I’ll need to be going—just my office,” he added. “There are some papers I need to read and sign before sending off.”
“Fear not,” Percy cried. “We will manage without you.”
Iris laughed. “I promise I will not corrupt your brother, if that is your fear.”
Philip laughed softly and then looked between them. There was a smile in his eyes and the sense that he had no urge whatsoever to leave. But not because he was worried, but because he was enjoying himself.
“I’ll see you both at supper, yes?”
“Without a doubt,” Percy said. “The food at Eton…” He made a face. “I am looking forward to a good meal.”
