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“But of course.”
The expectation of self-satisfaction growing in his chest was not met, for nothing unfurled, nothing sent pride swirling through him.
“It has been something of a distraction from my grief,” Lord Kingston continued, shaking his head to himself. “Although I should like to speak to you about the circumstances in which we both find ourselves.”
Patrick nodded.
“Of course. I apologize that there has not been time as yet.”
Lord Kingston waved a hand.
“But of course. I quite understand. As I have said, I have been glad of the distraction.” A small, sad smile lingered as he looked all around him. “You have a most exceptional estate, Lord Addenbrook. I find myself quite in awe of it.”
Again, Patrick waited for a few moments so that he might feel that bubbling sense of pride fill him but, again, it did not come.
“I thank you.”
“My dear Albina would have thought this a remarkable estate also.”
There was a twist of sadness in his voice and Patrick knew it would be unfair of him not to remark upon it.
“You must care for her deeply.”
Lord Kingston nodded. The other guests were meandering towards the door, their heads turning this way and that so that they might look at the remaining artworks as they followed Lord Hogarth from the room.
“As I thought she cared for me.”
Patrick frowned, his attention returning solely to Lord Kingston. Had the fellow meant to say such a thing? Lord Kingston was looking up at one of the portraits and appeared to be lost in thought, making Patrick uncertain as to whether or not he had meant such a remark to be overheard.
“You do not believe that she cares for you?” Unwilling to allow such a question to linger in his mind, Patrick spoke openly. “Did something take place which suggested that she did not?”
Lord Kingston blinked for a few moments, then gave a half smile.
“There was a small disagreement between us before her disappearance, but nothing of true significance. I do hope that when she discovers that I have been searching for her – regardless of what has happened to her, she will realize the true extent of my devotion.”
“Quite.” Patrick’s frown did not lift. There was something that Lord Kingston was not telling him, something which had made Lady Albina doubt his devotion to her. Silently, Patrick wondered if that had something to do with the lady’s disappearance. Mayhap her parents had removed her from London without explanation, realizing that Lord Kingston was not the best of gentlemen as they had once believed. Gesturing towards the door, he began to walk towards it, with Lord Kingston beside him. “My brother, however, has no need to question my devotion to him.”
Lord Kingston gave him a half-smile.
“I am sure that is true.”
Although he has every right to question my willingness to share what is mine with others – including himself.
Patrick grimaced but did not speak such a thought aloud. Lord Kingston had no need to know of Patrick’s inner struggle.
“And this is your brother here, I believe?”
Lord Kingston stopped and turned towards the wall to his left, gesturing towards the portrait of Patrick’s brother.
“Yes, that is my brother, James Dutton.”
“There is certainly a family resemblance!”
Patrick smiled a little sadly, wondering if he would ever be able to see or speak to his brother again.
“Indeed there is, for we both have the familial broad nose which appears to take up half of our faces!”
Both he and Lord Kingston laughed, although Patrick noticed that Lord Kingston did not immediately disagree with his statement.
