Lord Lowell had not joined them for dinner that evening. Lord Hart and Mr. Trent were fairly worried about him, seeing as how he had seemed fine only hours before. When Derry had gone to the boy's room that evening though, it was to find him completely passed out on his bed and deeply asleep. He had rather thought that a good sign.

He resolved to awaken early and see the boy at breakfast. He told his valet to get him up around the same time as Lowell, and the other man promised it would be so. He went to bed with a lingering desire to make sure his brother was alright. The look on his face, contorted in pain like that, fair haunted him.

So, when he was woken at the wee hours of the morning while the sun still hung low in the sky, he did not complain and dressed for breakfast. He was so quick that morning, he actually was able to meet Low in the hall and accompany him down the stairs with a smile.

"I am glad to see you up this morning. You gave us all quite a scare yesterday." He told him as they descended. Lowell was blushing furiously and scratching his head. His hesitant look towards him reminded Derry of a guilty puppy trying to avoid punishment. He chuckled at the thought and ruffled the boy's hair.

"S-sorry. I didn't mean to. It was just a stomach ache." He mumbled without conviction. Derry shrugged off the feeling that his brother was hiding something and preceded him into the dining room.

"I told the cooks to make some more fresh meat pies this morning for breakfast, since you did not get to finish the ones from yesterday lunch. I know they are your favourite." He pointed to a tray stacked with the flaky pastries and grinned when Lowell made for them immediately.

"Thanks Derry." He mumbled as he stacked four on his plate. He closed his eyes to enjoy the first one, licking the flakes from his lips in delight. Derry looked away from the sight, feeling oddly embarrassed for watching him eat like that. When he heard a low moan come from the boy, he felt his trousers twitch and took a deep breath.

"No problem." He said. It was as much to convince himself as it was to reassure Lowell. He gulped down some of his own breakfast and thanked the maids for the juice and tea that was poured.

"I was meant to go riding yesterday. Did you want to join me this morning instead? My mare needs exercise." Low offered hesitantly. Derry nodded before he was even done his bite.

"Yes. I would be happy to. You will have to recommend a good mount." He replied with a smile. He was rather relieved that Low was not planning on avoiding him. His brother cleared his throat and smiled back.

"Sure. I think Skipper or Peaches would do for you nicely." His eyes held a bit of mischief. Derry raised an eyebrow.

"Is that related to Peachtree? I remember that horse you know." He gave him a look and Lowell blushed. His little brother shrugged and took a sip of his juice before answering.

"She wasn't that bad." He murmured with a grin. Derry shook his head.

"Right. She threw three grooms. A real good runner though, if I recall." He gulped down the last of his tea and took a big bite of toast with marmalade on it.

"Yeah. She was a goer. Skipper is from Dancer with the Montgomery's stallion. Turned out very nice." He smiled across at Derry. They sat and ate companionably for a bit. When Lord Hart was done his food, he got up and excused himself.

"I will go get dressed for riding then." He bowed slightly. Lowell smiled as he finished the last of his juice.

"I will follow you momentarily. Meet you out front?" He asked. Derry nodded and left. It did not take long for him to change into riding breeches and coat. His boots were already shined to a high gloss and his hat was placed jauntily on his head. He pulled on his gloves as he went down the front stairs and tipped his hat to Margery on his way out the door.

"Ah, what a pretty lass." He murmured as the appaloosa mare was proudly brought around with her saddle in place. He patted her nose and rubbed her neck as she danced a little in place. High spirited but sweet, she nuzzled his side a little in response to his pats.

"Ready to go?" Lowell came down the steps in a smart looking riding outfit. Derry grinned and hopped up into the saddle.

"Are you kidding? I was born ready." He joked. Low laughed and joined him on horseback, turning almost immediately to trot down the main drive. Derry followed him out to the pasture entry and they took off for a run across the field. Lowell knew all the best routes, so he took him for a leap over a low fence and down by a small brook.

"I come here a lot. It is a good place to think." He admitted as they slowed to a walk in order to enjoy the scenery.

"What's bothering you Low? You haven't been yourself lately." Lord Hart asked kindly. Low tossed a look at him and huffed.

"Why should I tell you? You don't tell me anything. Nobody tells me anything. Let's all keep poor little Lowell stupid and blind." He grumbled suddenly. His brows were dropped and his mouth pulled in a frown as he stared out over the hills. Lord Hart considered his profile a moment. His brother was not so little anymore.

"You are right. I am sorry, Low. It is not fair of me. Shall I tell you why I am here?" He offered seriously. Low looked at him in surprise.

"It is not just to visit?" He knew the question was naïve, but he was genuinely curious. Derry shook his head with a rather scary grin.

"That is just a bonus. As much as I enjoy seeing you again, that was not why I came. Did I ever tell you that I met my grandparents while I was overseas?" Lord Hart began. Lowell shook his head; he had not heard that.

"You mean your mother's parents?" He inquired.

"Yes. I learned some very interesting things from them while we visited together. That is why I am here now. You see Low... I am actually here so father will disown me." He laughed at the incredulous look his brother cast him.

"What? Why would you want him to disown you? I don't understand..." His brother's voice was faint with confusion.

"I know he wants to. I think he was hoping I might just die or disappear, but now that I am here in the flesh and not going anywhere... there is a very good chance he will put it in writing. If he does, then I can make my move." Lord Hart was facing Low with a rather scary face.

It was angry and sad, but at the same time so confident. Lord Low stayed silent, just assessing his brother while the breeze blew his stray hairs into his face. He dropped his eyes, considering everything his father had done over the past weeks now that Darian was home. Darian, his Derry, his brother, Lord Hart.

"Whatever that is, I will support you." Lord Lowell said in a dark voice. Lord Hart looked surprised at the words. He clenched his teeth and nodded abruptly.

"Thank you, Low. You know I would never do anything to hurt you. I will do what I can to keep you safe from our quarrel." He replied. Low smiled and shot an... almost teasing glance at his brother.

"I know. I heard it from your own mouth." His words were laced with humour. Derry looked perplexed at the statement.

"What? When was this?" He uttered in bafflement. Low chuckled.

"That night. You said: 'Whatever happens between the Duke and I, it will not involve Low.'" He announced with a playful glance. Derry blushed and shook his head, looking away from him.

"I can't believe you remembered that." He grumbled. He heard Low laughing and refused to look at him.

"Oh my dear lord brother, I remember far more than that." His words dropped deeper at the end, nearly a purr that had Derry's head snapping around. He stared at the back of his brother as the boy nudged his horse to a trot.

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