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Harry secured another shot to Simon’s upper arm and then to his belly again. Simon hit back.
“I do wonder if any of the gentlemen kissed Miss Drake last night,” Simon mocked.
Harry did his best to ignore the taunting from him. Instead, he focused on gaining the upper hand in this contest, but Simon’s practiced moves were lithe and light.
“I should have focused my attention on her. She must be something special.” Simon avoided a jab to his middle. “Perhaps, I am just what she needs.”
The idea of any other man kissing her, much less his wicked brother, infuriated him. Forgetting their rules, he slammed his fist into his brother’s jaw. “You’re not going to touch her.”
Simon fell back against the wall with a bloody grin. “Feel better yet? That last one was more than I expected from you.”
Harry closed his
eyes and nodded. “I apologize.”
“Let us go get some breakfast and talk about what happened.” Simon held out his hands for the attendant to remove his gloves. Another man gave him a cold cloth for his jaw.
Harry followed him, but the feeling of shame would not leave him. He’d allowed his brother to goad him into injuring him.
“We need sustenance,” Simon said once they were both dressed. “And since you bested me, you must feed me.”
“Something tells me I would never have won if you’d been serious.”
Simon only shrugged.
By the time they arrived back at his home, Charlotte was on her way for a walk in the park with Nurse.
“Uncle Simon!” she shouted, seeing him jump off his horse. “We’re going for a walk in the park. Will you come with us?”
Simon picked her up and kissed her cheek. “Sorry sweetling, your father and I just returned from the park.”
“Please,” she begged.
“Not today.”
“What happened?” she asked, touching the mark on his jaw that had already started to turn purple.
“Your father punched me.”
“Simon,” Harry said in a low tone.
Charlotte laughed. “Uncle Simon, you’re funny. Papa wouldn’t hurt you.”
Simon gently placed her back down on the step. “You go. Your papa and I must talk.”
“All right. But I might see Miss Drake in the park.”
Harry closed his eyes but could still feel Simon’s penetrating stare on him.
“If you do, tell her your papa says good morning,” Simon said with a smirk.
“I will.” Charlotte took Nurse’s hand to start their walk.
Harry opened his eyes to find Simon’s sardonic gaze still focused on him. Now there would be no reprieve until his brother knew the truth.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” Jenkins said as he opened the door for them. “Mr. Kingsley.”
“Good morning, Jenkins. How are you today?” Simon replied in a booming voice purely meant to irritate the old butler.
