Better Man

Bertie Townsend knew that this would be the most important day of his life so far – he simply had to ask Cecily to marry him, before that scoundrel brother of his came back to Farthingswood Manor in time for the famous Townsend summer ball.  Everyone of note in the surrounding countryside would be there, including Cecily and her family. Edward’s favourite sport was taking girls from his older brother and Bertie was determined to be the better man this time and get the girl.

Bertie shared a picnic with Cecily, cosy on the cashmere rug. His heart has raced and the fish paste sandwiches stuck in his throat. The ring box dug in his ribs as he held her close.  If he was Edward, he would know the right time to propose.  Edward was much better at this than Bertie.

In the car on the way back, Bertie was too busy basking in her smile, wondering when to ask her, to notice the rut in the bumpy track.  A huge jolt snapped his attention back to the road and he saw smoke billowing from underneath the car.  With a frown, Bertie thought how good Edward was with all things mechanical.  He’d have it fixed and on the road in no time.

Returning to Farthingswood, without having proposed to Cecily, Bertie’s legs were aching and he was cross.  If he was Edward, he would have run all the way back without breathing hard.  Wasn’t that what soldiers were trained for?

Edward sat laughing in the library with their parents, when Bertie arrived home, without proposing to Cecily.  Edward greeted his brother with a smile, struggling to stand on his crutches.  A war hero with only one good leg, having served King and Country.

Edward was the better man.