Page 69 of Miss Wylde and the Wynd

His heart seized, something that had never happened to him before. Was this panic or was he suddenly suffering from heart failure? Damian had heard that in some cases it could come on quickly. But that usually happened to people much older than him.

No, it was panic because Georgie mentioned her return to Italy.

He did not want her to leave yet. He did not know everything about her and he wanted to know everything.

How was it possible that he had gotten so attached in five days? Such should not even be possible, but he had and he wasn’t ready to let her go.

“Damian, is something wrong?”

He blinked and tried to form words but could not speak since he did not dare admit the direction of his thoughts. Georgie would certainly be surprised and likely taken aback.

“What has you worried? Do you fear we will not find Grace? Do you think it is too late?”

Now she was growing anxious, and it was his fault.

“I am certain she is still in England and you will likely find her today.” He offered a smile of reassurance, which only caused his heart to ache.

“And then will you help me book passage home?”

“Yes, of course,” he answered just as their breakfast of eggs, kippers, and bread was placed before them.

“Are you eager to arrive back in Italy,” he asked.

“I have not even had time to miss home, if I am to be honest,” she answered. “I have been too caught up with worrying about Grace.”

“I was once told that nothing is worse than a parent worrying about a child. I think those comments are made by people who never had to worry about siblings.”

Georgie frowned. “Do you worry about yours?”

“Only Jules,” he finally answered.

“Which one is he?” she asked. “You have four do you not?”

He couldn’t remember if he had told her about his brothers, but she knew enough about Trade Wynd and that it sailed in and out of Southampton, and she had met Sterling in Italy, so it was possible she had learned about his siblings as well.

“Jules is the fourth born,” he answered. “Father had wanted him to take over management of Wyndview Farm but Jules wanted to attend The Accademia dell Belle Arti.”

Georgie pulled back. “I do not believe you.”

“I had forgotten the name of the school until you mentioned it and since you were telling me about your father, I did not want to interrupt you.”

“Was he interested in architecture?” Georgie asked.

Damian chuckled. “He is an artist. He started carving marble when he was just a boy after father had given him a piece that had broken off and could not be sold. From that moment on, Jules was at the docks as soon as any ship arrived from Carrera hoping that some marble had been damaged so that he could have it.”

Jules had been such a happy child, so excited for those ships to come in and eager to keep sculpting. Damian smiled remembering how his young brother had been during a more innocent time.

“He wanted to study art. Father wanted him to manage Wyndview Farm. They argued often and for days and after one terrible row, Jules left. He was eighteen and joined the footguards with his closest friend.”

“Why would he do that when he wanted to sculpt.”

“I think Jules believed that if he could not do what he wanted, then he would not give father the satisfaction of following his orders. However, it wasn’t until he returned from Waterloo that we became worried. He had changed. We had expected him to marry his childhood sweetheart, but instead, he has become a hermit and spends his time sculpting.”

“I am sorry that you have reason for concern, which is why I hope even more that we find Grace today so that you can return to your brother.” Georgie reached out and placed her hand over his then quickly withdrew it.

Damian wished that she hadn’t. He would like the comfort of her hand, even her arms.

“And, if Jules one day decides that he wishes to attend The Accademia dell Belle Arti, make certain that you send him to Accetta Panetteria and have him ask for me. I will make certain that he is fed and taken care of while in Carrera.”