“How? I’m at a loss.” He couldn’t think, couldn’t feel, couldn’t contemplate a life that didn’t include Anne.
“Do something foolish and dangerous that will yank you from your fear for good, something that will win your lady’s heart, for she loves you despite remaining mum on the subject.”
Benedict snorted. “That’s doubtful. She sounded adamant.”
“You’re a nodcock. Perhaps a love-blind idiot.” Augustus took the glass from Benedict’s lax hand. Once he’d refilled it, he returned it to him. “Did you ever think that she’s frightened too? That she’s facing a future completely different from what she wants?”
“But I’m not like that.” He gripped the glass tight in his fingers. “I’ve told her nothing will change.”
“Lady Anne is a woman who needs to be shown instead of told. Perhaps it’s a matter of trust. No number of words can accomplish that.” He dropped a hand on Benedict’s shoulder. Kindness lingered in his expression. “Show her that she can be both fearless and frightened, and that you can too. Show her that you can both do it together because her strengths help bolster your weakness, and so do you with her.”
“What you’ve said has merit.” Benedict took a sip of his brandy. “Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure.” He moved away to pour out another glass of the amber liquor. “For whatever reason, you and the lady are meant to be together. You just need to work a little longer for that happy ending. Perhaps she does too.”
Benedict grunted. He stared into the contents of his glass. “Are you quite certain you don’t want to find a woman, so you’ll know the unique agony of love for yourself?”
“Not at this time, old chap.” He hoisted his glass in salute. “I’ll wait and see what happens to you before I follow in your footsteps.”
“Buggar off.” But Benedict returned the salute with a grin.
At least there was hope even if his world was crashing down around him.