Benedict’s smile only grew. “I’m very glad you feel that way. Say, Owen, I left in such a rush. Only made it halfway to Scotland before realizing I left my note for you in my pocket. I’m awfully sorry for the position I put you in.” He hesitated. “You won’t hold it against me, will you?”
“Certainly not. Nor will your mother. She’s been worried sick about you, Benedict. I’m sure she is… You haven’t been back to your house, have you?”
Benedict’s face fell.
“Benedict, really.”
“We only just returned tonight. I wanted to do the right thing and beg for your forgiveness before we went any further,” Benedict explained.
There was something else that was left unsaid. Neither of them had mentioned the Marquess of Carlisle, who would be furious. Most likely, the man would demand an annulment if that could be bought. If it couldn’t be, Owen wondered what might happen. He wouldn’t be surprised if his uncle barred Benedict from the house until he finally died.
“Benedict… I can lend you some money,” Owen offered, careful not to hurt his cousin’s pride. “Perhaps if you want to stay away a little longer? Or you can stay at my country house. I’ve been here all this time and may not be there for a few more months.”
Shaking his head, Benedict said, “No. I’ll manage this. We have a little bit of savings and purchased a cottage by the shore. Just to give Father some time to… you know. There’s an extra room for Mother, should she like to come.”
“I think she would like that,” Owen agreed.
“Right, yes. Well… We shall stay the night in town. I’ve rented rooms at the Blue Crown for us.” Benedict glanced around, as if he wasn’t quite ready to leave. “I read the papers this morning. The rumors don’t quite let up, do they?”
“No, they don’t. They never do. It’s best to ignore them, I find.”
“Ehm. Yes, yes, I suppose you’re right. Just didn’t think anyone would be interested in where I’ve gone…”
Owen shook his head. “They’ll lose interest soon. Your father has most likely been silencing everyone. They only mention you occasionally, since you used to make quite a splash at some large events.”
“Right. And the wedding…” Benedict sucked in a deep breath before meeting his gaze again. “I know I was supposed to marry Lady Georgiana. We had a legally binding contract. I’ve worried about you all this time, Owen. When I saw in the papers today that you had married her… well, I didn’t know what to think.”
Owen stiffened. “You needn’t worry about that.”
“But I do,” his cousin insisted. “I knew how much you disliked the thought of marriage. It should have been something I considered before fleeing the way I did. I should have come back with my letter, at least. You never meant to marry, we both know that. The only reason you are married now is because of me. I’m awfully sorry for that, Owen.”
Even while he spoke, Owen was shaking his head. There was no apology needed.
He didn’t regret his marriage. While Georgiana certainly challenged him and forced change into his life, he couldn’t find it in himself to begrudge her. The feelings he had denied for so long were simmering to the surface. Even now, he had to suppress a smile as he thought of the way the candlelight caressed her soft features.
“Owen, you do forgive me for that, don’t you?”
“Yes. Georgiana and I… we get along well enough.”
He didn’t know how to put his feelings into words. So, instead, he nodded. Maybe someday he could tell Benedict. Maybe even thank him.
As Benedict’s eyes widened, he smiled in relief. “I’m very glad of it. She’s a fine lady, from what I’ve heard and in the short time I spent with her. The two of you deserve happiness. Perhaps you’ll eventually find the joy I have with Florentia.”
The two of them looked back at the black carriage. Beside it were the horses and the driver. Sprinkling rain continued to fall on them, soft and light enough to be nearly forgotten. The night was quiet.
So much had happened, Owen realized, in the last couple of hours. He was surprised to find himself at peace as exhaustion slowly crept into his bones.
“I won’t keep you if that’s all you came here to say,” he said.
Turning back to him, Benedict nodded. “I wanted to do the right thing. Thank you, Owen, for everything. Once we’re settled, I’ll send you my address. Come see me in the morning, if you like.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“Florentia wants to see her father. That’s the real reason we came back here. I’m sure he’ll come to visit us as well when he can. And I’ll send another letter to Mother, but… you won’t mention any of this to Father, will you?”
“No.” Owen paused. “But he will know, eventually. You must know that.”
“I do.” Standing tall, Benedict didn’t look any part the anxious child once scared of the dark. “But he’s not my biggest concern any longer. He can do as he likes, but he won’t touch me or Florentia. Ever.”