The Legacy by T. J. Bennett Read Free Book Online

the baronesse’s trunks. She has no belongings with her. Have Bea find something for her to wear.” Her dress was ruined, and he couldn’t have her walking about naked. At least not until she filled out a little …
    That errant thought brought up a host of images, each of which he stomped down with a mental iron boot.
    Franz bowed smartly. “Of course, Master Wolfgang. I will see to it.” He glided from the room.
    Wolf noted Sabina chewed again, though she gave no hint she’d overheard his orders.
    Peter pulled him aside.
    “Handily done. You got rid of the servants, who will probably know everything by the morrow regardless. I, on the other hand, am completely in the dark. Baronesse Sabina? Do I assume this is Baron von Ziegler’s prodigal daughter?”
    Wolf nodded in response, jaw clamped tight.
    Peter blew out a breath and raked back the locks over his forehead with an impatient hand. “Wolf, what were you thinking? She’s a noble! And from what I remember of the gossip, no better than a—”
    Wolf’s steely glance stopped whatever Peter was originally about to say.
    “—that is, she is a woman whose reputation has been discussed in the most common way. And to marry her not one month after we buried our father … what were you thinking?” he asked again.
    “Trust me,” Wolf said quietly.
    Peter looked at him askance. “You’re my brother,” he finally said, “and the head of the family. You have a right to do as you will. But if you have brought trouble into this house, I have a right to know. And my instincts say this is trouble indeed.”
    Wolf laid a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “You’re concerned. I know that. Don’t be. Our family is my responsibility. I have always protected what’s been put into my care, and I will continue to.”
    Hanging unspoken between them was the one time when he had very nearly not. Of course, his brother would be too prudent to say it. He had never blamed Wolf for what had happened so long ago, after Beth died; nor would he ever. And of course, Peter didn’t know what had happened to Papa …
    And he never would, if it was up to Wolf. The burden was his to carry, by right and by birth, and carry it he would. Alone. None of his siblings would ever know. Nothing would prevent him from making amends for not saving his father when he had the chance.
    Peter looked over Wolf’s shoulder to Sabina, who still sat huddled before the fire eating her bread. “And by marrying her, you will somehow accomplish that goal?”
    Wolf started, feeling as though Peter had read his mind. Then he realized he was just continuing the conversation. He nodded, not prepared to explain any further.
    “Very well,” Peter said. “I will trust you to do what is right.” He scratched his chin. “But I do wonder what my ever-conventional Fya will say when she finds out my brother has married one of the most notorious women in Wittenberg.”
    Wolf grimaced. “I’m certain you will receive an earful. My apologies in advance. But the other options would be worse, believe me.” Wolf held out his hand as a peace offering.
    Peter clasped it and his eyes twinkled. “I will trust you now, but I want all the particulars as soon as possible. If I’m to suffer for your choices, I at least deserve to be the first to hear the shocking details.”
    The tension lessened considerably. Peter released his grip.
    “In the meantime, would you mind if I stayed here until after the storm? When last I rode in one, I was nearly struck down by lightning. They say a similar incident is what convinced Martin Luther to become a monk. I’m afraid I would be terrible at it. Particularly the abstinence part.”
    “True,” Wolf said with a slight smile. “Stay. This has been more your home than mine in the past few years. Never think you have to ask if you are welcome here.”
    “Well, I’m not completely obtuse,” Peter said with a grin. “I realize—given it is your wedding day—you and your bride