Love me Always by Marie Higgins

Author:Marie Higgins [Higgins, Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-04-30T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Nick tucked the blankets around his uncle’s waist and straightened. Weary lines creased around Grant’s eyes and lips. His uncle smiled, and even the corners of his mouth struggled to lift.

“Uncle Grant, I believe you have worn yourself out. Now the doctor will reprimand me for being a poor nursemaid.”

Wearily, Grant chuckled and shook his head. “I had a wonderful evening. It was good to reminisce with Henry. It’s been so long.”

“Yes, I’m certain it was good for your heart. Too bad your body disagrees.”

Grant flipped his hand through the air then dropped it to the bed. “Balderdash. I needed that time with my family.” He turned his head on the pillow and met Nick’s gaze. “Did I ever tell you about my scandalous younger days?”

“Yes.” Nick ground his teeth. He’d didn’t want to hear the duke’s stories again. Not when spending time with Catherine would bring him more enjoyment.

“No, dear nephew, I don’t believe I have told you.” Grant inhaled deeply then struggled a smile again. “This was right after my dear Elizabeth passed.”

Mary, Grant’s nurse, hung by his bed to pour him a drink of water. The duke accepted the glass and sipped. When he handed it back, he gave her a wink. Nick grinned to see such an exchange between his relative and the other woman.

Letting out a deep sigh, Nick sat on the edge of the bed, trying to concentrate on what his uncle wanted to discuss. Hopefully, Grant’s story wasn’t very long. “So you were scandalous?” Nick asked.

Grant nodded. “Although I missed Elizabeth terribly after her death, it was as if a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders, and I felt free. I wanted to punish society for making me act and behave the way they thought I should. My father was dead by this time, and I wanted to prove that I could be my own man.”

Curiosity overcame Nick. He’d never heard about this part of his uncle’s life. Hard to believe Grant would be rebellious.

“There wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do or say just to make people react. People were reluctant to invite me to their parties, only because they feared what I’d do next.”

Nick grinned. “Indeed? Pray, why are you telling me this, uncle?”

Grant shrugged. “Seeing Henry made me think back to those days.”

“But you knew Catherine’s parents before you married Elizabeth.”

“Yes.”

“So why would Henry’s presence remind you of those days?”

Grant blindly reached for Nick’s hand and clasped it. “Because I hadn’t talked to Henry and Sophia since I married your aunt. During my rebellious time, I became reacquainted with them.”

“Is this when you thought about marrying Catherine? After all, it would be scandalous to offer for a young girl who was younger than your own nephews.”

Grant’s gaze moved around the room before finding a point and staring. Nick didn’t know what he was looking at, and could only assume memories ran rapid through his uncle’s mind.

“No. That came much later. But after your father died, I took you boys with me when I visited Henry and Sophia.

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