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He stepped closer, his dark eyes searching hers. “You, more than anyone, know how I felt about him.”
Did she? Had she really been that deep into his confidence? She’d begun to think he’d not really cared for her at all. Her eyes searched his handsome features. Did she feel the spark she’d once had at such a declaration on his part? Words like that would have sent her heart racing.
“Family is always complicated,” she murmured.
“It is,” he said with a shake of his head. “And now that he’s gone, all I can think about is what I haven’t said. What I didn’t do.”
Clara’s heart constricted on his behalf. She’d loved this man once. Maybe a part of her still did. And she’d thought to have a future with him. Would they still?
No matter the answers to these questions, however, she’d help him through this difficult time.
She reached out her hand and he slipped his fingers over hers. For a moment, some connection to the past drew them together and she found herself wishing that they might share again. “I totally understand. I’m facing some of the same worries with my mother’s illness. It’s like I need to—”
“You know what we should do?” Kinross said, not allowing her to finish.
Her spine snapped straight. She’d been about to confess that she felt the need to secure her future for her mother’s benefit, but she swallowed the words as he tucked her hand into his arm. “We ought to go for a walk. Get the stiffness out of your limbs after your carriage ride.”
She blinked at him. While she was stiff, the long day had also left her exhausted.
“Miss Melby should have that repose,” Mr. Fitzroy said from his seat. “We were up very early this morning to arrive today. And in the nick of time, apparently. But I think I speak for everyone when I say that a good rest is in order.”
“Of course, Mister Fitzroy. My apologies,” Kinross said with a pat to her hand that was tucked in his arm. “I’ll have you all shown to your rooms.”
Relief washed through her. She was tired, she knew that. Perhaps tomorrow, this entire situation could be seen with a clearer light.
Ralph stood next to Wyatt, Kinross just in front of them as the final prayers were made over the former Earl of Kinross.
The women were back at the house, as was customary, but the men had all gathered for the grand procession and the placement within the tomb.
Kinross had been stoic as he’d buried his father. He’d seemed neither happy nor overly sad, which told Ralph exactly nothing of what he’d come here to learn.
But he watched and he waited.
The funeral over, Kinross raked a hand through his hair. “Let’s go to the pub, shall we?”
“Isn’t there a luncheon?” Wyatt asked, his brow furrowing.
A small smile pulled at Ralph’s mouth. His brother just didn’t like being parted from his wife for any length of time. The man was completely smitten.
Ralph cleared his throat. Would he ever have a future like that? He’d never even thought he wanted to wed…
He shook his head, focusing on the man in question. Kinross’s request was a bit odd. An entire party waited for him back at his house. The man clearly cared little for others, look how he’d treated Clara last night. It had been all about him. Ralph gave him a sidelong glance. Was this the act of a grieving man or one who didn’t care for his father at all?
Kinross was striding toward his carriage, his shoulders straight. As he climbed in, Wyatt held Ralph’s arm. “You go ahead. I’m going to return to the house.”
Ralph gave a stiff nod. “Take your carriage.”
“No. You should—”
Ralph gave a quick shake of his head. “It’s better if you take it.”
Lord Welter, Lord Shipley, and Mr. Melby, Clara’s brother, entered too. Ralph approached with a deep breath.
“Is there room for one more?” Ralph asked at the door.
“Of course.” Kinross waved him forward. “You should properly meet Mister Melby, considering your acquaintance with Miss Melby.”
Ralph’s gaze swung to the other man. With his blond hair, green eyes, and kind smile, there was no mistaking the siblings.
