“How did you determine that?” Harred asked.
Greydon smirked. “I asked nicely.”
Harred doubted that, but he appreciated what Greydon had done. His brother was worse off than he had previously thought. If his brother had killed before, what would stop him from killing again?
Fredrick must have read his thoughts because he said, “It was a duel; not an execution. Mr. Carswell challenged him to the duel and your brother accepted. Other than a questionable lack of judgment, Lord William is not guilty of anything.”
Octavia interjected, “Are duels not illegal?”
“They are, but only if you get caught,” Greydon replied. “In this case, the late Lord Kendal made it all go away by paying off the family.”
Harred leaned back in his seat and heaved a sigh. “Do I even know what my brother is capable of anymore?”
After Greydon took a bite of his pudding, he said, “I can’t say for certain that your brother isn’t behind the attacks on you, but it is evident that he is reeling from the effects of the duel. And it did not help that your parents died so quickly after.”
Harred needed to be alone as he collected his thoughts. He rose and muttered, “Excuse me for a moment.”
Once he stepped into the corridor, he placed his back against the wall and let out a few deep breaths. His brother had killed someone. How could he reconcile that?
Octavia’s voice came from the doorway. “Lord William is still your brother.”
Harred straightened from the wall and turned to face her. “I know, but I don’t know him anymore. What was he thinking?”
She approached him and stopped in front of him. “Does it matter now?” she asked. “Lord William needs you now, more so than ever.”
“He killed a man, and is now sleeping with his widow,” Harred grumbled. “He is past hope.”
“Do you truly believe that?” Octavia asked, her eyes searching his.
Harred lowered his gaze since he was fearful of what she might see in his eyes. “I don’t know what to think anymore.”
Octavia placed her hand on his sleeve. “I know the man you are and you won’t abandon your brother. Not now.”
“I can’t help him,” Harred admitted, bringing his gaze back up. “I tried, but it is too late.”
“I am not saying that I condone your brother’s behavior, but you will never regret straying on the side of kindness.”
Harred slipped his hand over hers. He needed the strength that only her touch could provide. “You don’t know what you are asking of me.”
“I know precisely what I am asking of you,” Octavia said. “But if you don’t help your brother, you will one day come to regret it.”
He winced, knowing that she was right. He hadn’t abandoned his brother yet. How could he do so now?
“I will try,” Harred said. And that was the truth. That wasall he could agree to, not knowing if William would even want his help.
Octavia smiled, and he knew that everything would be all right. A single smile from her could make him utterly undone. It was terrifying to think of how much power she had over him. But he didn’t mind.
Fredrick stepped into the corridor and glanced down at their hands with disapproval. “Time is up, Octavia,” he said.
Harred removed his hand and took a step back. “I think it would be best if I retired for the evening.”
Octavia’s smile dimmed. “I thought we could play some parlor games after our dessert.”
Not wishing to disappoint Octavia, Harred said, “I am not opposed to a game or two.”
“Good luck trying to get out of here at a reasonable hour,” Fredrick remarked. “Octavia is very competitive and won’t let you stop as long as she is winning.”
“That is not entirely true,” Octavia attempted. “I occasionally let you win because I feel bad for you.”
