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“Private matter, it is, a wife’s health—or lack thereof. You saw us laughing, but Vassilis was in tears earlier.”
Clara shuddered. “Lady Sarah is not long for this world, I understand. It’s tragic.”
“Adrian hasn’t been himself. I thought it just the poor match.” He shook his head. “Naturally, Vassilis is keen on a better situation for Nicholas. They spent a fortune on Lady Sarah—and not a grandchild to show for it.”
“David!” Clara exclaimed angrily. “That’s all you and Vassilis can register as Lady Sarah is dying? The disappointment of a lost investment? No mention of whatshehas lost being ill! What your friend Adrian has experienced?”
Groaning, David tried to sit up straight. “It’s easier to speak of the investment, isn’t it, Clara? It’s dreadful business, this. Tragic, as you say. I’m sorry that my callousness offends you. When I think of what itreallymeans, I can scarcely tolerate it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Death consuming a loved one! You and I both know that suffering, Clara. Ghastly pain, it is, to be the one left behind.”
She blinked. “Lately, you’ve seemed almost angry at Mama and Papa. Is that why? Because we were left behind?”
He shifted against the velvet carriage cushion. “That. Or wishing perhaps that they’d been like other parents. Perhaps we wouldn’t have felt the loss so much.”
Clara’s mouth fell open. “What?”
“Haven’t you ever wondered? Whether we’d be better off without having known so much affection?”
“No!”
“Well, I have. When I went to university, I could barely eat. I was so lonesome for you all. Everyone else was stoic. Or they didn’t miss what they never had. Why, most of them had lived for years without their parents. At most, they spent but a few days a year in their company. You know how it is.”
“Oh, David! I didn’t know! I wouldn’t have thought.” Hoping it wasn’t unwelcome, Clara took his hand in hers. Sending David off to Cambridge had been difficult for her and her parents, but she hadn’t realized how it was for him.
“Hardly becoming of me. Downright shameful, in fact.”
“To miss your family? It’s not!”
“And then they died,” he continued, as if she hadn’t spoken. Suddenly, his hand came to life, gripping hers.
“David, I know what it is to fear losing someone. I was afraid of losingyouif you disapproved of the LLS.”And I’m afraid again!
“That’s behind us. Our parents are lost, as Violet is lost. But we have each other.”
“That’s a blessing, David. It is. And still, there’s a possibility for me to marry.”
He patted her hand. “No. It’s as we suspected, Clara. Vassilis spoke out of turn. After dinner, he raised the matter with Nick. Didn’t you notice his absence when you found us?”
“I did,” she lied. She’d just been so tired and ready to leave, she’d forgotten about him. “I hope there wasn’t a quarrel.”
“Not a row. Nick’s too diplomatic. As soon as he heard the word betrothal, he mentioned an early train tomorrow and took his leave.”
Clara blinked. She knew she shouldn’t care, but she couldn’t help but ask, “Did he know I was the lady in question?”
“Of course.”
“Oh.”
He patted her hand. “He didn’t run away because of you. At least, I don’t believe so.”
Clara laughed. “David!”
“You know how he is. I should have known he wouldn’t welcome his father’s scheming. And it’s for the best, Clara. Just look at Adrian, poor fellow.” Moaning, David sat forward, his face in his hands. “Remind me never to drink like that. Poor results ensue.”
“Are you going to be ill?”
