Hector stared at him for a moment with accusing eyes, then, unable to contain himself, he burst into laughter, the sound carrying across the garden. “Ah, I knew it! I saw you attempting to engage in conversation with Bridget earlier, only to be ignored.”
He took a swig of his drink and winked. “You’ve landed yourself on her worst side, it seems. A silent Bridget Fadden is not for the faint-hearted, indeed.”
Abel caught Elliot’s questioning and slightly accusatory gaze from the corner of his eye, and his eyes widened as he tried desperately to explain himself.
“Oh, no! It’s not what you assume… I merely sought to offer my sincerest apologies for our… quarrel earlier in the day.” He laughed nervously. “We tend to argue a lot, as you know.” He cleared his throat, desperate to rid the men of their judgmental gazes. “She and I were only?—”
“I implore you, stop pestering His Grace, Brother.” Elliot laughed lightly, finally relieving Abel of his predicament.
“Oh, please.” After a mischievous laugh, Hector rolled his eyes and retorted, “Don’t act like you’re not curious about the immense animosity between him and our dear little sister.”
Elliot sipped his drink and shrugged. “Bridget has always been a feisty one.” Then an accusing glint lit his eyes. “And we have one here to thank for encouraging her in that manner as well.”
“Very desperate for your brother-in-law to approve of your grand wedding ideas, aren’t we, Elliot?”
As Elliot threw a spoon across the small table in Hector’s direction, the men burst into laughter.
“Forgive me, Your Grace. He’s always been this way.” Elliot chuckled as he glared at his younger brother, lackadaisically sipping the wine. “But now, I’m sure you understand why our sister has grown to be quick with her words as well.”
“Well, some of us in the house had to take on the responsibility of being the interesting ones.” Hector bent his head in fear of another table item being hurled at him as he spoke.
“And that is the word you use to defend your incessant disturbance wherever you go?” Elliot raised a mocking eyebrow.
“Oh, please, Brother, I’m a joy amongst the ton. Theyloveme. You, however, are the less fun one. The perfect Borthwell son. The one who carries all the responsibilities, and so you are hardly ever called to the actual parties.”
Elliot’s offended gasp showed that Hector had hit a nerve. “Only the surface routine meet and greet balls.”
The light banter between the brothers escalated, each retort being met with a clever comeback. Abel found himself thoroughly enjoying their company and wit. Laughter filled the air, creating a warm and convivial atmosphere.
As he watched them interact, he realized just how similar he and Elliot were in little ways. The way the man spoke of his younger siblings and the manner with which he carried himself were all too familiar.
In the midst of the playful exchange, his judgment from earlier, along with Bridget’s disappointed expression, returned to his mind once more. He sighed and downed another glass.
“You know, Lord Fadden, earlier when I couldn’t find you with my sister…” His voice rang out, cutting short the playful argument between the men seated with him. “I must admit, I had some… unfounded suspicions.”He let out a guilty laugh. “I thought you were up to something improper. But now, I know, I couldn’t have been more wrong.”
A gentle smile spread across Elliot’s face as his words registered. “Ah, I can’t fault you for your protectiveness, Your Grace. If I were in your shoes, I might have reacted similarly.” He let out a short laugh. “After all, when it comes to matters of young family, it’s only natural to be cautious.”
He filled his glass as he spoke. “We’re only just getting to know each other, after all. You barely knew me.” He smiled and raised his glass. “Here’s to knowing me, Your Grace.”
“Don’t be so modest, Brother,” Hector interjected before Abel could respond. “What he meant to say was, we hope now that you know him better, Your Grace, you won’t jump to such heavy assumptions so easily.”
He turned his eyes away from Abel and raised an eyebrow at Elliot. “That’s what youreallywanted to say, now, isn’t it?”
As Abel’s ears heated up, Elliot playfully nudged Hector, shaking his head in mock exasperation. “Brother, must you always attempt to read my mind and fail so miserably?”
“I promise you, I have never once been wrong in my judgment of your true thoughts.” Hector nodded his head to himself as he brought his glass to his lips.
“And how would you tellmesuch? It’s my mind, Brother.” Elliot shook his head, laughing in disbelief. “I assure you, I was merely expressing my understanding of the Duke’s sentiment.”
“Care to spit on it?”
Soon enough, the brothers began bantering back and forth again, leaving Abel amused.
When the exchange between the two managed to reach an impasse, Elliot turned to Abel again, his voice carrying a note of sincerity. “Sincerely, Your Grace, I want you to know that I hold no ill will towards you for your initial doubts.” He smiled as he went on, “In fact, I appreciate your concern for your sister’s well-being. It shows the depth of your love and protectiveness. I truly hope our relationship can improve, for all our sakes.”
Abel’s eyes met Elliot’s, filled with gratitude and newfound respect. “Thank you. I fully agree. I see now that you are a man of integrity and honor.”
As Hector opened his mouth to speak, Elliot countered before he could get a word out, “Jealous of this blooming friendship, are we?”
