“I would apologize for my actions, but I fear it would be insincere. So I shall no’.”
He stopped at the door and looked over his shoulder. “In case I didna say it afore. Feel free to use this library as if it were your own. ’Tis nice to see someone appreciate it. ’Tis been empty for far too long.”
He didn’t wait for her answer. He needed to escape her scent. It filled his nostrils and lingered on his clothing. On his skin. Itwas as if she enveloped him like mist. No matter where he went, she was there.
Instead of going back to his friends, he made his way up the stairs and knocked on Christopher’s door. He had not seen him for a couple of days. Not since they’d visited Ross. And while usually his brother did quite well at staying out of Alexander’s crosshairs, a couple of days was a new feat.
He waited a few moments more when no sound from within could be heard, and then knocked again, his knuckles rapping firm against the wood of the door.
Still no answer. “Christopher?” He called out but was only met with silence.
He pushed opened the door and stepped inside. The room was neat. The bed made. The drapes were open, and he could see the meadow where his sheep should be ambling about, grazing on the grass.
Stepping in further, he studied the room. It hadn’t been used in a while. The water basin was dry. He walked over to the desk and noticed a folded piece of paper with his name on it.
Snatching it up, he flipped open the note and read.
Dear brother,
Please believe me when I say I am verra sorry for what I have done and the pain I have surely caused ye and the people that depend on us. I think it best, now that ye have returned, for me to take my leave and put an end to any more embarrassment of the Campbell name.
Your brother,
Christopher
Alexander blew out an exasperated breath and looked to the ceiling. He was afraid that Christopher would do somethinglike this. He always preferred to run than face whatever consequences that came about due to his careless actions.
The only thing Alexander wished for was that his brother stayed safe. He knew that he couldn’t lose any more of their holdings in the gambling hells. He’d already lost what he could, and now that Alexander was back and had removed Christopher’s name from anything pertaining to Campbell holdings, there really was naught he could use.
Maybe he was off clearing his mind, cleaning himself up. Becoming a productive member of society.
Alexander had to laugh at that. One could dream, he thought as he pocketed the note, and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
“Is everything all right, Your Grace?” James said from the hallway. “I havena seen Mr. Christopher in a day or so.”
“Aye. He has left. I dinna ken where, nor do I ken for how long, but I think ’tis safe to say ’twill be some time afore we see him again.”
James bowed in acquiescence. “I will ensure his room is no’ disturbed, Your Grace.”
“Thank ye, James.”
He headed back downstairs and entered the kitchen. Cook was standing over a steaming pot and turned when she heard him enter, her brows creased. “Are ye hungry, Your Grace?”
“Nay,” he shook his head. He wasn’t, but he wasn’t satisfied either, if that made sense. He didn’t feel satiated, but he was afraid no amount of food would satisfy his hunger. Nay, the only thing that could do that was currently occupying his library.
Cook cocked her head and studied him. “I’ll make ye a cuppa then, Your Grace.”
The cheery woman was always so good to him, he didn’t have the heart to tell her nay, so he sat at the table in the corner and waited for her to heat the water.
“Has Miss Gordon asked for any refreshments?” he asked trying to make his voice sound casual. Uninterested.
Cook turned and smiled, her eyes twinkling.
She was too sharp. So aware, she picked up on everything.
“She hasna, but I heard her and the duchess had a wonderful time in town and enjoyed food and drink while they were out.”
He nodded in agreement.
