Realm 02 - A Touch of Velvet Read Free Page B

care for myself and to protect Velvet–you would be in error. You have stolen my childhood as much as father stole yours. That is something for which I will never forgive you.”
    Her charges put him on the defensive. “I did what I had to do. If I stayed at Thorn Hall, I would have killed him with my own hands. I wanted him dead. God forgive me, but I wanted him dead!”
    “And you think I did not wish him the same fate?” The sarcasm dripped from her mouth. “Yet, unlike you, circumstances forced me to stay and make something out of nothing, and I will not see everything for which I have sacrificed turned over to the likes of Horton Leighton. I do not deserve it; Velvet does not deserve it; the people who depend upon Thornhill for their existence do not deserve it.”
    Bran walked to the fireplace, stirring the embers and rekindling the fire. Artificial warmth radiated into the room. “From what you said earlier, Ella, you do not seem to believe my return would benefit Thornhill either. What did you call me? A rake? How would my lifestyle be different from our father’s or Horton’s?”
    Eleanor finally allowed her eyes to meet her brother’s gaze. “You do not want the title, but it is yours. You may claim it and leave Thornhill to my care. As I did with father, I could act in your stead when it comes to the estate. You would be free to continue your lifestyle in London as a member of the ton . Town life surely holds more appeal for a young man than Cornwall. You would have a house and access to all the pleasures you desire. The title would open doors currently closed to you, and I could remain at Thorn Hall.”
    “You thought this through,” he added with a renewed admiration for his sister’s intelligence. “Horton has no idea how persuasive you can be.”
    “Then you will agree?” Eleanor’s voice jumped in anticipation.
    “I will agree to think on it. I suggest we retire for the evening. After a good night’s rest, we will speak more of this. I never make such a momentous decision on such short notice. You will stay with me a few days, Ella, and then I will decide what is best for us. Come, I will show you to your rooms.”
    For a few fleeting seconds, Eleanor started to object to his delay, but she knew the Fowlers never permitted anyone–friend or foe–to force them into making a decision. Instead, she lowered her eyes and allowed him to lead her to her private quarters. “Thank you, Bran,” she murmured.
    “I am pleased that you are here, Ella.” He caressed her cheek. “I have missed you terribly.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead. “Besides I have someone to whom I wish to introduce you.” They were standing outside her suite. “Good night, Ella.” Bran turned the handle and waited for her to enter the room. “I will see you at breakfast.” With that, he was gone.
    *
    When Eleanor entered the morning room, she found Bran already seated at the table. Several newspapers lay folded and pressed beside his plate. He stood upon her entrance. “Good morning, Eleanor. I hope you slept well.” The footman held her chair.
    “I did, Bran. Thank you for such an exquisite room.” She accepted the tea the server had placed before her.
    “You deserve the best, Ella. What may I bring you from the sidebar?”
    She smiled brightly at him. “You may choose. I wish to see if you remember some of my favorites.”
    “I am pleased to see you smile at me,” he added, glancing over his shoulder at her. “After last night’s conversation, I feared you would be disputatious.”
    “I was simply exhausted,” Eleanor added quickly. “Although you have given me no real answer, I trust you to make a fair decision; I will wait for you to do so.”
    Bran’s eyebrow shot up with interest. “I have not decided to agree, Ella,” he cautioned.
    “I know, Bran, even with your faults, you could not be a Fowler without a sense of honor.”
    “How can you say such things? Obviously, our father, a