Benedict beamed up at him, their height difference suddenly feeling as wide as a river instead of only a finger span. “It is good to see you.”
“It is, but you must tell me everything. How did you come to be here? Where have you been all this time? Why haven’t you responded to any of my letters? I expect you have gone to see your mother. She’s worried about you,” Owen added.
The mention of Lady Carlisle made Benedict’s smile falter. “Yes, I’m sorry about that. I had hoped she would be well. I wrote her a letter not to worry.”
Owen couldn’t keep the irritation out of his voice when he dropped his arm back to his side and said, “It would have never worked. You didn’t think she would really stop wondering what happened to you, did you? She is your mother, Benedict.”
His cousin had the good decency to look embarrassed. Glancing away, he nodded. “Yes, you are right. I should have told her something. Or visited her.”
“You haven’t been to see her?” Owen pressed.
“Owen.”
His name was drawn out like a whine. But he said nothing as Benedict collected himself.
The younger man glanced back at the house before giving him a lopsided grin. “It really is good to see you again.”
Though he felt very much the same, Owen couldn’t just stand there any longer without knowing what had happened. His skin itched in anticipation. He fidgeted before forcing himself to relax. “Yes, yes, very well. Now, answer my questions.”
“Oh, yes! Yes, I can do that. Certainly, Cousin. I’m here to see you.”
“That’s all you have to say?”
“Well, I wasn’t certain I should come home just yet. I know my disappearance hasn’t exactly taken London by storm, but I wouldn’t want my return to do that. I only came back because I’ve been to Gretna Green.”
Gretna Green. Of course. But how did the men I hired never find him? Never mind that. I should only feel relieved that he is safe and clearly very well.
Exhaling loudly, Owen nodded. “And now you’re back to stay?”
“Yes.” Benedict hesitated. He smiled, rocking on his heels. “You must know why I was there. Aren’t you going to ask?”
But Owen’s mind had gone blank. Gretna Green was in Scotland. The land was filled with marshes and heather. A beautiful, wild land but few rare plants, in his opinion. Besides, their lives were here. Benedict had never gone beyond his country estate, as far as Owen knew.
“Go on, ask!”
“Fine. Yes, well, why were you… Blast it!”
He finally made the connection and took a step back to stare at his cousin in astonishment. He had forgotten all about the possible reasons why Benedict had left. Yes, his cousin hadn’t wanteded to marry Georgiana.
But that is only because he loves someone else. How did I miss that? I should have reached out to the young woman’s family. They are poor if I recall correctly, or at least lack the resources I have. If only I had pieced it together sooner, I would have found Benedict weeks ago.
“You got married,” Owen said, uncertain how he felt about this.
“I did!” Benedict beamed up at him with bright eyes.
It reminded Owen of the day they’d escaped into the gardens as boys on a summer morning and pretended to look for pirate treasure. Benedict had found a particularly fine stone and thought it must be worth something. They’d been so young back then, young and filled with hope.
Owen felt his throat close up. He tried to find something to say. He was glad for his cousin. Hewas, wasn’t he? Benedict deserved happiness after everything he had endured at home.
“That is… very good. And she is well?” Owen asked while he tried to gather his thoughts.
“Yes, indeed.” Benedict glanced back at the carriage. “Florentia fell asleep just as we arrived in the city. I don’t know how she does it, sleeping in there. Otherwise, I’d have introduced you to your new cousin. It would be nice for you to meet again.”
Nodding, Owen glanced at the carriage as well before turning toward his cousin.
Happiness. Joy. Eagerness. Benedict was practically glowing with glee. He had always been optimistic, but this was new. Owen tilted his head, studying his cousin curiously. The man was positively happy. He was in love. Though Owen had long since given up on that notion, he could see it clear as day on his cousin’s face.
“Good,” he said at last. “That is very good.”
