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Healing, he supposed.

Maybe she felt that too because her smile grew, even though her eyes had grown moist with unshed tears. “Of course he was,” she said. “Your brother had many wonderful attributes, most of which you seem to share.”

He kept his mouth shut as he had no idea what one should say to such an obvious exaggeration.

“You share his desire to do right,” she said. “Your loyalty to your family and your devotion to the title…they do your brother justice.”

He looked down at their feet, ashamed and guilt-ridden at the fact that he’d been hoping to shirk that duty. That his desire for Clara had very nearly won out over what duty told him he must do.

“Your brother always felt that you were so responsible, so reliable…that you would have made a fine earl.”

“Yes, well,” he managed to mutter. “I hope he’s correct.”

She said something else. Something complimentary, he assumed, judging by the sweet softness of her voice. But he failed in his new lesson to listen because he couldn’t concentrate on her or her words. All he could hear was Clara’s voice. I’d take responsible over charming any day.

His heart was twisting painfully in his chest, and it took everything he had not to turn and face her.

If he did, there was no way he could go through with what he must.

“I do have a responsibility,” he said, his voice so low it was surprising anyone could hear it.

Olivia stopped speaking, her eyes widening in surprise.

“I have a responsibility to you,” he said, his voice firmer and louder now. Resignation settled in his bones as he straightened his spine, assuring himself for the millionth time that he would still do right by Clara. He would fund her school singlehandedly, if that was what it took. He’d make sure she wanted for nothing.

And if she chose to marry another, he would…

What? Wish her well?

The thought was unbearable.

He cleared his throat and narrowed his gaze on Olivia, whose eyes were wide with surprise. He knew what he ought to say. The words were there, waiting to be spoken and he willed himself to say them.

But he could not.

He would not.

“My brother made you a promise, and while I know what I ought to do, I am afraid that I cannot. However, you must know that I will help you in any way that I can, and I—”

“Alex,” Olivia interrupted. All laughter was gone, her eyes now filled with unbearable sadness that made him curse his brother’s fate. So tragic, and so many lives destroyed. “Stop, please.”

Blood rushed through his ears at the realization that he’d done it. He’d chosen Clara—he’d chosen himself—over his duties and obligations. The sense of freedom was marred by guilt, but he did not doubt his decision.

He did not doubt his heart.

And yet… Determination had him straightening, his hands clenching into fists. He would never abandon his brother’s fiancé. He would find a way to help her, to make this right. His brows drew down as he stared at Olivia.

Perhaps it was more of a glare.

“My brother would want me to ensure that you are taken care of,” he continued.

“And I will be,” she interrupted. When he opened his mouth to speak again, she placed a hand on his arm. “Alex, I will be all right.” She pressed her lips together and drew in a deep breath. “I will be all right without your help.”

Silence fell between them, tense with all that was unspoken between them. “Tonight I had intended—”

“I know,” she said. “And I appreciate what you had planned to do.” She cast a quick glance over his shoulder in the direction of her father. “My father does as well. If it were up to him…” She shrugged, her smile rueful. “But he has allowed me to have a say in my future, and while I admire you immensely…”

Her gaze fell to his feet just as his had done before.