Page 46 of An Accidental Bride for the Duke
Iris and Percy had only just arrived home, reaching the foyer with the intent of changing their clothes before presenting themselves for supper. Having waded their way through the forest, blind for most of it, their clothes were torn and their skin was scratched and Iris didn’t want to think about how her hair must have looked.
“Philip!” Percy cried cheerfully. “You missed quite the little adventure.”
“I don’t want to hear it!” Philip barked as he reached the lower landing. “Now answer me. Where have you been?”
Percy’s cheerful smile faded when he saw the anger in his brother’s eyes. “I was… we were out for a walk, is all. The swimming hole in the forest. You know the one.”
“This late?” Philip snapped.
“To be fair to us, it was not so late when we left for it…” Percy affected a chuckle to try and diffuse the tension. “But we lost track of time and?—”
“And you put my wife in danger,” Philip growled.
“Danger?” Percy frowned. “There was no danger. Just a little… caution required, was all. Truly, it was no big thing.”
Philip groaned and rubbed his eyes with vexation. “Do not treat me like a fool, Percy. I know the forest as well as you, just as I know what might happen if one is lost in it.” He fixed Percy in a glare. “The two of you were lucky to find your way out.”
Percy snorted. “You ask me not to treat you like a fool, but that is precisely how you are acting?—”
“Silence!” Philip roared.
Iris stood frozen as she watched the scene unfold. Philip’s anger was palpable, and he fixed it entirely on his younger brother in a way that, had Iris not known how close they were, might have made her fearful for the young man.
He is worried for me, that much is clear. But is it really necessary? A tad over dramatic by my estimation.
“Philip…” Iris’ voice was soft, and she reached for her husband, her intention to rest a hand on his arm and calm him. “He speaks the truth, it really was no big?—”
“I will deal with you in a moment,” Philip snapped at her.
Iris reared back, caught completely off guard by his venomous spray. And the look in his eyes… rarely could she remember a time she had seen him so enraged. Perhaps it was for good reason. Perhaps it came from a place of worry and concern. But that did not negate how unnecessary it was. How darn rude!
Thankfully, Philip seemed to realize that he had taken his frustration too far.
He sighed and rubbed his eyes again. “You have no idea how worried I was. I thought that… it is not safe in those woods at nighttime. Regardless of how well you know them.”
“We are sorry, brother,” Percy eased him. “I was not thinking.”
“No,” Philip said sharply. “You were not.” He looked between them, clearly still brimming with anger. “Percy, if you do not mind, I think it will be best if you sup alone tonight.” He raised an eyebrow in warning. “In your room, would be best.”
Percy looked to argue but caught his tongue. “Yes… perhaps you are right.”
“Good.”
A moment of tension passed between the three of them. Philip was still shaking. Iris was still bewildered. And Percy, luckily, could take a hint.
“I’ll just…” He clicked his tongue and stepped around his brother. “Leave you to it, shall I?”
“Percy, wait,” Iris spoke after him. “You don’t have to go.”
“I do,” Percy said. “Believe me when I tell you that.” He then reached out and rested a hand on Philip’s shoulder. “Sorry again, brother. I’ll be more careful next time.” Philip said nothing and Percy dropped the hand, quickly scurrying from the foyer.
She and Philip stood in silence as they listened to the fading sound of Percy’s footsteps.
Iris watched Philip closely as they did. His brow was furrowed, his body was trembling, and he could not bring himself to look at her. That he was so worried about her brought hope, and she reminded herself of what Percy told her earlier. Philip’s need to care for people. The constant battle his conscience had, this need against that of his upbringing. This was not him being mad at her, but with himself.
And with all that had happened between them this last day, Iris decided that she would not try and match the duke’s anger. She did not appreciate him speaking to her this way, but she understood the reason.
He cares for me… I just wish he had a better way of showing it.
