A Brother's Duty by Kelly Anne Bruce & Sweet River

Author:Kelly Anne Bruce & Sweet River [Bruce, Kelly Anne & River, Sweet]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sweet River Publishing
Published: 2017-10-22T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“It is a very lucky thing that you did not break your neck when you fell off that horse, Holgrave,” the Earl of Southwick was saying when James walked into the library.

James winced and turned quickly to leave. The last thing he wanted was to relive the incident.

“I am quite lucky. I owe my life to my brother, James. Is that not right?”

James turned to see his brother and Lord Southwick smiling at him. “I would not say that, at all. You were quite all right after the fall.”

“My brother, so modest,” Philip smirked at him.

“I did not mean to interrupt I was just leaving.” James turned to leave but Lord Southwick stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

“I was just talking to your brother about his plans for the rest of the Season,” Southwick gave James a knowing look.

“Oh, I am sure my brother has plenty planned.” James smiled when Philip glared at him from over the Earl's shoulder. “Philip is quite popular in London. He gets invited to the most exclusive balls and parties. He’s busy every single night.”

Southwick laughed, a deep rumbling sound. “Yes, I am quite sure of that. Perhaps as his brother, you can persuade him to make some plans that will affect his future and not just this Season.”

James tilted his head to look at Philip. “I do not think that I have much control over the Marquess of Holgrave, but I will be happy to be his counsel if he so desires.”

“I suppose I will have to take that then,” Southwick said with another laugh and clapped James on the shoulder before leaving the two brothers alone in the library.

“Well, thanks a lot for that,” Philip said the exasperation clear in his voice.

“Thanks for what?” James shrugged.

“For what?” Philip repeated. “For telling him that you would talk to me about my future.”

“Why would that bother you?”

Philip pointed toward the hallway. “Because he is pushing for a wedding announcement. He wants me to marry his daughter, that is why!”

“I thought you and Lady Elizabeth were getting along quite well,” James replied.

“Lady Elizabeth is fine if you like that type.” Phillip snorted. “I may just have to marry her to get Father off my back but I am not going to rush into it. There are so many other women in London.”

James clenched his fists at his sides if only to keep from slamming them into his brother’s heartless, vain face. “You do not want to marry her?”

“Lawks, no,” Philip said with disgust. After a moment, he smiled. “She is not totally without her attributes, though. I am quite sure she would make a fine wife and a suitable Duchess of Castborough. I certainly would have no trouble bedding her, that is for sure.”

It was James' turn to be disgusted. He turned away from his brother and walked to the window and looked out to the garden. “Perhaps you should just be honest with Lady Elizabeth and end your courtship now.”

“What would the fun be in that?” Philip asked with a laugh.

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