The intensity disappeared just as quickly as it arrived. He smiled and added, “Don’t break anything.”
She rolled her eyes. “Goodnight, Anthony.”
Harriet stared at the door he’d walked through, confused. Had she and Anthony almost kissed, and why was she disappointed that they hadn’t?
Chapter Three
Anthony slowed his horse next to Philip’s. His brother grinned at him. “I’ve missed this.”
He had as well. Philip, Jon, and he had done everything together when they were young and away from London. “It is good to be back.”
“Does that mean you will stay?”
He shook his head. “I expect it from Mother, but not you as well.”
Their horses stopped by an old hunting cottage on the grounds. They were meeting Jon there. Both Anthony and Philip dismounted. His brother swallowed and pressed his lips together. Eventually, he said, “It has been difficult without you here. I know you needed to leave because you were upset. I want you to know that Lillian and I never intended to cause you harm. I hope at some point we can all start anew.”
Anthony saw that his brother’s eyes were watery. His heart ached that he’d made Philip endure this much guilt. Truthfully, his heart hadn't lingered on Lillian as he thought it would. “I was a foolish young man. I wanted her because everyone else did. She was the lady to wed that Season. You were different; you married her because you loved her. Father would have been proud of you. He wanted that for you. I remember how he loved to tell us how he and Mother were a love match.”
Relief filled Philip’s face. Anthony added, “I was upset, but it was my ego that was hurt, not my heart. Let go of the guilt you are feeling. It isn’t necessary. Let Lillian know that as well.”
His brother smiled softly at him. “Father would want you to find love, too.”
He snorted. “I’m not looking.”
His brother smirked at him. “It won’t be long before everyone discovers you are the King of Garnets.”
His eyes flew to Philip’s face, who was grinning at him. “Come now, you haven’t requested money from me in years. You live in Bohemia and are one of the smartest men I know.”
Anthony could deny it, but he had no desire to lie to his brother. “Most say I’m a rake carousing on the Continent.”
His brother chuckled. “I have no doubt some of that is happening as well.”
He laughed. “I’ve missed you.”
Philip hugged him. “I’ve missed you, brother.”
After they pulled apart, he said, “I’m happy that Lillian is with child. You must be thrilled.”
Philip winced. “It has been difficult. Lillian is so worried that she will lose the babe because it has taken us years to conceive. She blames herself. It upsets me greatly. It could be any number of things, but she is certain it is something wrong with her.”
Sadness clouded his brother’s eyes, and Anthony hated it. “Hopefully, this one will be a boy.”
His brother frowned and shook his head. “Honestly, I couldn't care less if it is a boy or a girl. I want Lillian to make it through this safely, and I will consider us blessed with any child. That would probably upset Mother, but I'm content if we never have a son and you remain my heir. There is also cousin Reginald after you.”
“Christ, Reginald can’t be the duke. He can barely string two words together.”
A bark of laughter escaped Philip. “Thank you for that. My point is, Lillian worries too much about it. Had I been told, before we married, that having children would be difficult, I would still choose for us to spend our lives together.”
Anthony smiled at his brother. “I’m glad you found your other half.”
“I am too,” his brother said gruffly.
“Does this mean everything is mended?” Jon said, riding up on his horse.
Philip laughed. “Come give me a hug, friend.”
The two men embraced, and Anthony said, “We are good. My brother is madly in love with his wife. I never had a chance. It appears love always triumphs for the Webster men.”
