" I guess you'll have to be a sodding duke now," I tried-clumsy, tasteless, and he only winced. "Sorry." I covered his hand with mine. "That was dumb." "No, you're right. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't been stewing about it. Me and Reggie both. I think it's safe to say that this isn't remotely what either of us wanted." "I'm sure you'll do swimmingly." "Bugger that," he said, tired. "And bugger Aubrey, too. I wish I could say that to his face, even if he did go down a hero in a dogfight. Tell him what an ass he is for dying. For leaving me here like this." "I know." His hand twisted around until it covered mine. "