AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘Good. Because I love you.’
‘I lo—Sebastian?’
She tried to catch him, but it was too late. She never got to repeat the sentiment as he tumbled to the ground, unconscious.
* * *
‘I thought she might want a cup of tea.’ David hesitated in the doorway, looking surprised to see Sebastian awake and Henrietta sleeping soundly in a chair by the bed. ‘I suppose you can have it if you like?’
‘Thank you.’ Sebastian answered in the same low undertone. ‘I could do with one.’
‘Well then...’ David put the saucer down on the bedside table and took a few steps back. ‘How are you feeling?’
‘Better now I’m warm and dry. Well enough to know I owe you an apology.’
‘You do?’ His brother-in-law lifted an eyebrow dubiously.
‘Yes. I haven’t been particularly welcoming.’
‘No, you haven’t.’ David frowned and then relented. ‘But I would probably have behaved the same way if our positions had been reversed. You didn’t say anything this morning that wasn’t true.’
‘It still wasn’t my place to say it. I was afraid of what you coming back might mean for me, but I shouldn’t have said those things, especially when I know a little something about abandoning sisters.’ He shrugged at the other’s enquiring expression. ‘I’ll tell you another time. How’s Peter?’
‘Lying on a sofa, enjoying the fuss.’ David scratched his chin. ‘Thank you for bringing him back safely.’
‘He’s a good boy. They all are. They’ll grow into fine men.’
‘I hope so. I never meant to hurt them. I just couldn’t see past my grief.’
‘And now?’
‘It’s still not easy, but from now on I’m going to behave the way Alice would have wanted me to. I’ve been as low as a man can go and I won’t go back.’
Sebastian nodded sombrely. ‘I’d shake your hand, but I’m not sure I can lift my arm.’
‘I just need to know one thing. Do you really love my sister?’
‘I do.’
‘Then we’ll shake hands later.’ David jerked his head towards the chair. ‘She hasn’t moved from your side since they carried you up.’
‘I know.’
‘How long have you been awake?’
‘Only ten minutes or so, but I know her.’
David smiled for the first time, revealing a familiar dimple in his left cheek. ‘I’ll leave you to drink your tea in peace, then.’
Sebastian leaned back against the bedhead, watching as Henrietta’s eyelashes slowly fluttered and then opened.
‘I must have fallen asleep.’ She seemed surprised by the fact.
‘You did.’ He smiled. ‘Fortunately, it gave your brother and me a chance to talk.’
‘Oh.’ She looked worried.
‘And to make friends.’
