Josie Dennis by Return to Norrington Abbey Page A

desperation on his face, but Frederick wouldn’t hide behind his usual sardonic expression. It was past time to show himself to his brother.
    “All right.” He stood, placing his napkin on his empty plate. “I suppose five minutes in your company is sufficient tariff to pay for release from the abbey.”
    He let his brother’s well-deserved comment go and waved him ahead of him toward the library. Once inside, he closed the doors and faced Henry.
    “I have to ask you something, Henry. And I need you to be honest with me.”
    Henry bristled. “I have never been anything but. It is you who dissembles as easily as breathing, Frederick.”
    He took a breath and held out his hands. “I know it will take a lot on my part to make up for my behavior since Mother’s death. I ask you to set that aside for a moment and listen to my plea.”
    Henry raked his fingers through his hair and sat. “I am surely a fool, but go on.”
    Frederick took a breath of relief. “Thank you. I have fallen in love, Henry. With Isabella.”
    “You?” He snorted. “In love? Never say it’s so.”
    “It is. And what’s more, I believe she loves me.”
    Henry shrugged. “Father will be pleased. She has a generous fortune.”
    “That is not what draws me. Not her money or Father’s dubious approval.”
    “Then what? Ah, you think to have a wife here at the abbey and diddle all the maids. Lovely. It will be a marriage as our father had before you.”
    “Never!” Henry seemed surprised by Frederick’s outburst, so he took the opportunity to forge ahead. “I want a true marriage, one our parents never had. I need your help, however.”
    “With what? Convincing the lady in question? You hardly need my help to coax a woman to do what you wish.”
    “I want to marry her and bring her to the abbey. But I do not want the general anywhere near her. Now and forever.”
    Henry crossed his arms and leaned back. “You astound me yet again, brother.”
    “I’ve astounded myself, actually. Should she agree to marry me and stay here, James will stay as well.”
    He let his words settle on Henry, and knew they struck the proper chord when his cheeks reddened. “You and Isabella. And James?”
    “You do not wear a look of shock, Henry. Then my suppositions are correct?”
    “I will not speak of Catherine,” Henry bit out.
    “And I should never have spoken of her last year. That was poorly done of me.”
    Henry gave a curt nod. “Good. But what do you want from me?”
    “The truth is I need you.” He swallowed. “You are my brother and I value your opinion. Please help me.”
    Henry studied him then nodded. “You are dead serious, Frederick. You will keep yourself to Isabella? I think of her as a sister of my own, you know.”
    “I know. She is fortunate to have the family I wish we had growing up.”
    “Father is a reprobate and Mother was miserable.” He ran his gaze over Frederick once more. “I admit that I almost believe you do not want to follow in Father’s boot tracks. At long last.”
    “I do not. I want what you have, Henry. I want love.”
    Henry smiled, a bright expression he hadn’t seen on his brother’s face since his abrupt departure from the abbey last year.
    “You have my support, Frederick. Together we’ll convince the general to relinquish the abbey to you and your wife.” He waved a hand. “He has any number of friends who would accept him for extended visits, both in London and in the country. And when he stops here for the occasional visit? All three of you shall come to Thorne Manor.”
    Frederick grinned and grabbed his brother in a hug, tears stinging his eyes. “Thank you.”
    Amazingly, Henry returned the embrace. If he could gain a bit of his brother’s love at this late date, perhaps he and James could convince the woman they loved to take an even bigger chance on the two of them.
     
    * * * *
     
    Isabella sat once more with Catherine, seeing the excitement and relief on her friend’s face.