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“Your infatuation with Kinross.”
The color drained from her face. “Marcus!” she gasped. “We should discuss this when we are alone.”
He gave Ralph an apologetic smile before he looked at his sister. Ralph agreed with Clara, he’d truly prefer they not discuss Clara’s infatuation with Kinross in front of him. He knew all the reasons she’d prefer a man like that and he didn’t need to hear them from her lips.
The list would surely go something like: handsome, confident, a known earl…
“Fine. But do not appear to give Kinross too much support when we join that luncheon. It’s not wise to tie yourself to him publicly.”
Clara’s brow knitted but Ralph stilled. What did Mr. Melby know about Kinross? Why didn’t he wish for his sister to marry an earl, particularly this earl? It was an odd stance to take, so there must be a very serious reason.
Like murder?
“I’m not doing anything other than attempting to help your friend. The reason I came here, remember? Truth be told, I would have preferred to stay home.”
“You would have?” Melby scrubbed at his face. “That’s not like you. Has something happened with Mother? Father’s been very tight-lipped.”
“With me too,” she answered, coming around the desk on Ralph’s side. “But she’s been more frantic to see us both settled of late and it has me worried.”
Melby shook his head. “I’m sorry you’re scared, Clara. And I understand. But definitely do not marry Kinross for Mother. That’s worse than doing it for yourself.”
“Why?” she asked, stopping next to Ralph. She was so close her arm brushed his and he wished to reach out a hand and wrap it about her waist for support. How could he want to support her when they were discussing her marrying another man? It made no sense. But he could hear the pain in her voice and he swallowed down a lump, forcing his hands to remain at his sides.
“Because…” And then he gave Clara a smile. “Mother doesn’t like him. Never has.”
Clara’s mouth dropped open and she let out a small giggle. “She doesn’t?”
“Not even a little,” Melby replied with a laugh of his own.
“Good to know,” she answered, and then she looked at Ralph again. If he wasn’t mistaken there was some sort of question in her eyes.
He’d like to fool himself that she was wondering if her parents would like him. Would they? Once he could announce he was an earl?
“Should we?” Melby asked. “You did promise Kinross you’d be there for his speech.”
She nodded, but as she walked behind Ralph to reach her brother, she whispered, “The guest list is there for you. Check it while it’s out.”
Is that what she’d been trying to tell him?
He’d not realized because, well, he didn’t actually need the list. There were no thieves. Guilt stabbed at his chest. She hadn’t just been helping Kinross, she’d been attempting to help him too.
That made him feel all warm inside and then guilty as hell.
She slipped her hand in her brother’s arm. He glanced down the list. Would it tell him anything about Kinross’s father’s death? He might as well have a look. And then he should find a way to tell Clara there was no thief. It had been a dirty lie and he hated himself for telling it to her of all people.
