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Goodbye, Brothers
Terric rose before dawn, his heart heavy. Today might be the last time he saw his beloved sister. His valet had him dressed and ready to face the inevitable when someone tapped on his door.
Assuming Adelina had come to say a private farewell, he was surprised to find it was Adrien seeking entry.
“Come in, cousin,” he said. “What brings you to my chamber?”
Adrien’s clenched jaw indicated he had something serious on his mind. “With your permission, Terric, I would like to stay here at Melton Manor. You’ll need a lieutenant you can trust.”
The advantages of having a Montbryce by his side weren’t lost on Terric, but… “Have you spoken to your brother about this?”
Adrien shook his head. “I am not needed in Normandie. I have a father and two older brothers who are more than capable of protecting Montbryce. You need me here. Roland will understand.”
Terric wasn’t so sure, but that was a matter to be sorted out between the brothers. He extended a hand. “I appreciate your offer more than I can adequately express. You’re aware of the dangers.”
Adrien accepted the gesture. “I am, but I’m confident I can pass for an Anglo-Norman. In a way, this arrangement benefits my family too. I can be their eyes and ears here in England.”
“And help guide my decisions as we navigate the treacherous waters of English politics.”
Adrien stiffened his shoulders and thrust out his chest. Terric suspected this third son wasn’t often asked for his opinion. He slapped his cousin’s back. “We’d best adjourn to the hall to break our fast and share the good news.”
* * *
“It’s suicidal,” Roland exclaimed, rising abruptly from his seat in the dining hall when Adrien informed him of his intention to stay in England.
His outburst drew the attention of a few servants and filled Adelina’s brown eyes with concern.
“There is danger here for Terric. He needs a lieutenant he can trust,” Adrien retorted. “I can play the part of an Anglo-Norman.”
Roland acknowledged inwardly that Adrien was right. The majority of the English nobility had strong family ties to Normandie. But he might not see his little brother again for years. “How will I explain this to our parents?” he asked, regretting the inane utterance as soon as it was out of his mouth.
“Papa will understand the advantages of the family having a spy in England they can trust,” Adrien replied. “And Maman will be proud I came to Terric’s aid.”
“But I need you at Montbryce,” Roland insisted, though his heart couldn’t disagree with Adrien’s reasoning.
“For what?” his brother retorted. “Papa has two other sons. You’ll have Adelina. Becket has Marguerite. I can be useful here. Or perhaps you don’t think I am capable of anything except being the third son with no real role to play at Montbryce.”
Roland inhaled deeply. A bitter argument with his brother was the last thing he’d expected on this day. He met Adelina’s sympathetic gaze and knew what had to be said. “I think you are an honorable and courageous man, Adrien. I have never once doubted your capabilities as my lieutenant. Terric is fortunate you have chosen to remain at his side.”
Adrien strode around the table and embraced him. “I’ll miss you, brother.”
Choking back the emotion constricting his throat, Roland grasped his brother’s nape. “Always remember you are loved.”
“That’s one of the advantages of being a Montbryce,” Adrien replied.
* * *
Buffeted by the strong sea breeze, Adelina clung to Terric in Melton’s courtyard. Beside them, Roland and Adrien embraced. “It seems Roland and I are both destined to bid farewell to beloved brothers we might never see again,” she said.
Strangely, she had no regrets at leaving Melton Manor; the parting from her brother was tearing at her heart.
“I still think you should take the dowry money with you,” Terric said hoarsely.
“No,” she replied. “William was correct that it should be used for Melton Manor. He wanted you to have it.”
“We do not need the dowry,” Roland confirmed, having apparently overheard. “You must use it to strengthen your position here. My little brother’s appetite will eat up a lot of it,” he quipped, punching Adrien’s arm.
Terric gave his sister one last kiss on the forehead. “Farewell,” he rasped. “I will miss you, but I know you’ll be happy.”
Her throat constricted with emotion, she could only nod in reply. She sniffled back tears as Roland took her by the hand and helped her mount. “I wish we still shared a horse,” she said. “I need your strength.”
“I’ll be right here beside you,” he agreed. “But it isn’t far to Portsmouth.”
