“Mercy?” Her voice sounded like steel. “Our enemies will be at our throats the moment they believe the duke isn’t fit to do his duty. Anthony, you must go.”
“No.”
“You must leave the house! I understand a trip to Cabo Verde is too much, but you can’t stay in your room forever.”
“I will not show my face to the House of Lords until I’m ready.”
“Anthony—”
“No. I want to be alone. Out!” It was the first time he’d raised his voice with Grandmama.
The shock froze her, and she was about to say something, but Patrick led her out of the room.
Breathing hard, he turned his back to the mirror.
For once, he didn’t want to do his duty. For once, he wished the darkness would take him again.
