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But Clara’s small gesture of kindness hit him square in the gut. As a former boxer, he knew the sensation well.
She’d only agreed to stop off a few hours early, why should that be so significant? But he now understood her urgency. Her mother was ill.
He’d been an insensitive ass that first day and he winced to think of it now. “Your kindness is much appreciated, but honestly, we’ll be fine if you need to keep going.”
She shook her head. “We’ll arrive soon enough, as you said earlier. I’ll contain myself until then.”
Wyatt pulled his hat from his eyes. “You’re doing an admirable job. You must be eager to see the Earl of Kinross.”
And those words were like a second punch to the stomach. A man could only take so many. He sat back in his seat, scrubbing a hand through his damp hair. When had he grown jealous of Clara’s affection?
Was it when he’d held her in his arms or when she’d so graciously offered to help him as he’d lied about his purpose on this trip and insinuated the man she was publicly paired with was somehow caught up with thieves? Then again, the queen did suspect Kinross of killing his father, so perhaps his implication wasn’t all bad?
“I am glad to support my brother’s friend,” Clara answered as she settled her gaze back out the window.
But his brows shot up. That was not a declaration of affection or even interest. In fact, the comment had been decidedly cool about a man she was rumored to be marrying. He turned his head to the side as he studied her profile.
“When is your brother due to arrive?” Priscilla asked, reaching out her hand to stroke Clara’s arm.
“I don’t know. There wasn’t time to communicate our plans. I’m sure he’ll arrive soon and take over my care. I’m assuming he’ll be able to escort me home as well.”
Priscilla shook her head. “Oh, that doesn’t matter. I just thought you’d like to be with him. Especially with your mother…”
“I am looking forward to seeing him. He’s been in Pembrokeshire for close to a month. He was due to come home soon. I hope he was able to complete his business before he left to travel to the funeral.”
“Good of you all to take the time to go and support the earl,” Ralph grunted. Wyatt was going for Ralph’s benefit only, so that he might get the answers the queen sought. And Priscilla went for Clara’s sake. And Clara went for Kinross’s?
Jealousy niggled in his chest again. Despite her tepid comments, her actions spoke rather loudly.
She might be willing to delay their arrival for Ralph’s comfort, but she was going for Kinross. He didn’t have a right to feel possessive of the fair beauty before him. They hardly knew one another and she’d never be his anyway.
But that didn’t stop him from aching as he watched her pine while she gazed out the carriage window once again.
