Page 84 of The Courtship Trap
Sebastian exchanged a look with Richard and nodded. Harriet had given her consent to share some of her activities with the duke in an effort to mend things between him and Sebastian.
Richard leaned forward. “She has made it her mission to help those who cannot help themselves. To make up for her misdeeds. Women who have been cast aside. Servants who had nowhere else to turn. She took in Lady Wood when her own family would not aid her. She saved her maid, Jem, from life on the streets. She fought for Belinda Cooper when Lady Slight’s father left her to ruin. And Finch, her housekeeper?—”
Philip held up a hand, stopping him. He exhaled through his nose and looked away for a moment. “And you believe she has done this all out of genuine goodwill? A sincere desire to … change her behavior?”
“Yes,” Sebastian said without hesitation. “I have seen it with my own eyes. She is not the woman she once was.”
The duke was silent for a long moment. Then, to Sebastian’s utter surprise, he nodded.
“Very well,” Philip said. “You are determined, and I can see I will not sway you. If this is what you truly want, then I will not stand in your way.”
Philip exhaled slowly, as if steadying himself, his fingers still loosely steepled beneath his chin. He looked past Sebastian, his gaze unfocused, lost in memory.
“For years, I have made decisions with the belief that I was acting in your best interest, but since your return, I have been reflecting on our strained situation,” Philip said at last, his voice quieter now. “I believed I was protecting you. I thought I knew what was best.” He paused, his mouth pressing into a firm line. “But I suspect now that I failed you, Sebastian.”
Sebastian frowned, his back straightening. “What are you saying?”
Philip’s gaze met his directly, his usually impenetrable mask giving way to raw regret. “I should have had more faith in you. More faith in your ability to choose your own path, to make your own future. You carved out a career in Florence, far from my influence.” He shook his head slightly. “When I refused to support your courtship all those years ago—when I let my reservations about Harriet Hargreaves cloud my judgment—I was certain I was preventing disaster.” His lips curved wryly. “And yet, all I did was ensure years of unhappiness for the both of you.”
Sebastian’s breath caught. Of all the things his brother could have said, he had not expected this. Not an admission of fault. Not this … this understanding.
Philip sighed. “I should have listened to you back then. Stood beside you. But I let duty, and my own beliefs, dictate my actions. I forgot that you were my brother deserving of my fraternal appreciation, not merely a duty.” He hesitated, then continued, “I do not wish to make that mistake again. I want to be part of your life.”
Sebastian’s throat was tight, his emotions warring within him. He had spent so many years resentful of his brother’s interference. Had spent so much time convincing himself that Philip would never see him as anything but the younger brother, the reckless, impetuous spare who needed to be managed.
But now, now his brother was sitting before him, acknowledging his mistakes. Accepting them.
And deep within his chest, Sebastian’s heart softened.
He did not hesitate. Rising swiftly, he strode forward, and before Philip could react, he grabbed him in a crushing embrace.
Philip stiffened in shock, his arms pinned at his sides. “Sebastian?—”
“Shut up,” Sebastian muttered against his shoulder, squeezing tighter.
For a moment, there was only silence. Then, with an exasperated sigh, Philip relented, his arms coming up to clap Sebastian on the back in an awkward, hesitant motion.
Richard, still seated, let out a low chuckle. “Well, this is unexpected.”
Sebastian pulled back, clapping a firm hand on Philip’s shoulder. “You were a bastard about it, you know.”
Philip rolled his eyes, straightening his coat. “I am aware.”
Sebastian grinned, warmth spreading through him. He could feel the past shifting, settling into something lighter.
Philip gave him a long look. “You truly love her, do you not?”
“With everything in me,” Sebastian answered without hesitation.
Philip nodded. “Then I suppose you should marry her.”
Sebastian grinned. “I intend to.”
Philip exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “God help me, I am going to have to be civil to her, am I not?”
“Yes, you are.”
Philip sighed. “Well, let us hope she does not make it too difficult.”
