fell, sadness overtaking it. Dalinda was right, seeing much of herself in this boy. Rhys glanced to Arthur and saw him sitting very still, his face void of emotion. Arthur would always be one who kept his feelings to himself.
“Some are disfigured in other ways. They may have damage to their faces and bodies. Scars from the burns of exploding shells.”
“They sound like they’re sad,” Harry said.
“They are. Very sad. And lonely. I am taking in veterans who have no families to go home to. I am giving them the luxury of time to heal in the fresh country air. I hope to help them train for jobs so they can become self-supporting.”
“What do they have to do with us?” Arthur asked.
Rhys noted the boy didn’t sound superior, as someone of his class might be. He merely wondered what role he and his brother would play once they arrived at Sheffield Park.
“I am hoping you will visit with the men. I know just by you speaking to them that it will lift their spirits. They are lonely and could use a friend.”
“We could be friends with them?” Harry asked. “But we’re just boys.”
“You can be friends with whomever you like, Harry. Friendship isn’t limited to a certain age. I hope you will get to know these men. They won’t want your pity. They merely want to be treated as humans, with a dash of kindness. They are brave men, soldiers who have given their all for their country.”
“We will be happy to meet them,” Arthur said firmly. “Mama would want us to be nice to them.” He hesitated. “Is it . . . is it hard to look at them?”
“Some of them,” Rhys admitted. “But once you get to know them, you will see they are the same as you or me. You will be able to look past the fact they are maimed and damaged.” He sighed. “They are a big part of life at Sheffield Park. I hope you can accept this.”
“Mama knows about them?” Harry asked anxiously.
He smiled. “It was your mama’s idea for me to help them.”
Arthur looked pleased. “Mama is very smart. And she cares about people. I’m glad your hospital was her idea.”
“She does care very much for others, Arthur. It is one of the reasons I love her.”
Dalinda entered the drawing room again and both boys ran to her, telling her about asking their older brother and his wife to the wedding. She readily agreed that Reid and Ashlyn should be in attendance and the four of them sat and talked over plans for the small affair and wedding breakfast. Harry begged for his favorite cake to be served.
Arthur told his younger brother, “The day is for Mama and Rhys to celebrate their vows. They should have the kind of cake they want.”
Harry, round-eyed, looked at his mother. “What do you think, Mama?”
Dalinda ruffled his hair. “You and I both like the same kind of cake so it looks as if both of us will be pleased.”
“What about you, Rhys?” Arthur asked. “What is your favorite kind of cake?”
He warmed at hearing the boy address him naturally after being so reluctant only a short time ago. These two might not be his flesh and blood but Rhys believed they would, in time, become true family.
“I like anything sweet, Arthur,” he replied. “Absolutely anything. I went for years at the front without having any sweets at all so I am happy with whatever cake is baked for us.”
Mr. Selleck appeared at the door. “It is time for our reading, my lords.”
“Mama is getting married!” Harry shared excitedly. “To Rhys. I mean, Lord Sheffington.”
The tutor inclined his head. “Congratulations, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, Mr. Selleck. We are leaving for Sheffield Park in the morning and will stay there until it is time to go to my brother’s estate. Would you see that the boys’ things are packed?”
“Yes, Your Grace. Come along,” he urged his charges.
The door closed and Dalinda let out a long sigh. “I paced in the corridor the entire time you were alone with them. It seems as if they took it well.” She hesitated. “I was a bit worried about Arthur. While Harry is more open to change, Arthur is always reluctant.”
Rhys decided not to mention Arthur’s earlier surliness and merely said, “I think both boys are pleased for us. All they want is your happiness, Dalinda. The same as I do.”
Her lips twitched in amusement. “I know one way you could make