A Dangerous Lord

by Beers, Laura

  “That can’t possibly be true.”

  “Regardless, how is it possible that I, a duke, am jealous of my younger brother who lives in a townhouse small enough to fit inside one wing of my home?”

  Corbyn placed his glass down. “Happiness does not come with our many possessions, but from within us.”

  “That’s rubbish.”

  “I’m afraid it’s not,” Corbyn said, rising.

  Simon pushed off on the mantel, then asked, “How do you think Jane will take the news?”

  Before Corbyn could respond, Jane’s voice came from the doorway. “What news?” she asked.

  “You are going to be a duchess,” Simon replied dryly.

  Jane eyed him with concern. “Why is that?” she asked hesitantly.

  “I’m dying,” Simon answered bluntly.

  She gasped, bringing her hand up to her mouth. “That is terrible news, Simon!” she declared, walking further into the room.

  “I have come to accept that I don’t have much longer.”

  “Is there anything we can do to help you?” Jane asked.

  “The only thing I need is the one thing that no one can give me,” Simon said.

  “Which is?” Corbyn inquired.

  Simon grew silent before eventually saying, “Time.”

  “Have you told Mother yet?”

  Simon shook his head. “Not yet, but I will tonight.”

  Corbyn stepped closer to his brother and put a hand on his shoulder. “Jane and I will be here for you during this difficult time.”

  “I appreciate that,” Simon said. “It means more than you will ever know.”

  Corbyn gave him a reassuring smile. “Don’t give up yet,” he encouraged as he lowered his hand to his side.

  Simon returned his smile weakly. “I won’t, but it is time for me to leave.”

  “Must you?” Jane asked. “You are welcome to join us for supper.”

  “Thank you for the invitation, but I would prefer to be alone,” Simon replied as he walked over to the door.

  “I’ll call on you tomorrow,” Corbyn informed him.

  “I will be looking forward to it.” Simon tipped his head towards Jane. “I hope I did not ruin your evening with my news.”

  “That is nonsense.” She approached him and placed a hand on his sleeve. “We are just grateful that you confided in us so that we may help you.”

  “You are kind to say so,” Simon said.

  “Family supports one another, especially during times of need,” she remarked as she lowered her arm.

  Simon gave her a weak smile before he departed from the room.

  Corbyn stepped closer to Jane. “My poor brother.”

  “I feel terrible for him.”

  “As do I,” Corbyn remarked. “I never wanted to be the next Duke of Weatherby.”

  Jane reached for his hand. “I know that, dear.”

  “Are you ready to be a duchess?”

  She shook her head. “I’m not.”

  “Our children will be raised vastly differently than how I envisioned they would,” Corbyn said dejectedly. “I never wanted them to have a life like mine.”

  “They won’t,” Jane assured him.

  “How can you be so sure?”

  Jane smiled up at him. “Because they have a kind, gracious father who dotes on them something fierce. You’ve ensured they have never lacked for anything, including love.”

  “Do you mean that?”

  “I do,” she replied. “They are lucky to have you as a father.”

  He took a step closer to her. “What did I do to deserve you?”

  “I suppose it had something to do with you claiming my heart all those years ago.”

  Corbyn cupped her cheek. “Without you, I am nothing.”

  Jane’s smile grew playful. “Then I suppose we should stick together.”

  “Always,” Corbyn murmured as he leaned in for a kiss. “I intend to never let you go.”

  The End

  About the Author

  Laura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance and loves naps.

  Besides being a full-time homemaker to her three kids, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr. Pepper. She was born and raised in Southern California, but she now resides in South Carolina.