Bromton dragged a chair next to the settee. He sat down, braced his elbows on his knees, and sought Julia’s gaze. “Rayne’s disposed to silence. In that much, Farring’s right. But are you to distract him every time he takes to brooding? Even you do not have that much enthusiasm, Jules.”
“What am I to do, then?”
“I’m afraid there is little you can do. The only person who can change Rayne is Rayne. But he’s embraced his responsibilities and, from what I hear, has been making some effective changes down at the mines. That’s saying something. The time abroad was good for him, I think.”
Markham made a low noise. “He revealed his essential character when he tried to break up Bromton and Katherine that night in the library.”
“No.” Julia shook her head. “He didn’t reveal hischaracter…he revealed hispain.”
“That,” Markham said, “is a distinction without a difference.”
“Everyone disappoints themselves at some time,” Julia insisted. “Everyoneblunders. Are we to ignore the humanity of everyone who has made a mistake?”
“You might be surprised…” Bromton squeezed Julia’s shoulder. “But I couldn’t agree more.”
“Forgive anything you wish,” Markham said. “But beware of anyone who clings to a sense of superiority in their anger.”
“I trust you, Markham…but still.” She scowled. “Youare only worried aboutme—which I appreciate—but I’m worried about myselfandRayne. Marriage means considering us both, together.”
Katherine glanced up at Markham. “She’s right, you know.”
Julia reached out to her brother. “I was so, so angry with Clarissa when she hurt you, Markham. I wouldn’t have forgiven her the way you did.”
Markham pursed his lips and turned away.
“Markham, you’re neither overly confident nor quick to anger,” Katherine said. “Nor are you guided by unexamined prejudice.”
Markham cast a wary glance over his shoulder. “I’m expecting a ‘however’ at any moment…”
“However, you must admit you are”—Katherine smiled at her brother—“occasionallywrong. Everyonedoesblunder. You forgave Clarissa for refusing you. And I forgave you for wagering me in a card game.”
Markham made a low noise in his throat. “Yes, I made a bad decision,” he conceded, “but I made it out of love.Again—I knew you and Bromton would suit. You cannot make me believe Rayne barged into our library that night with any intent but to wound.”
“He barged in that way.” Bromton’s gaze fell to Julia. “But I wager he left in an entirely different spirit. What’s more, I’m not so certain Rayne wasn’t acting from his own version of brotherly concern—both for me and for Clarissa.” Bromton swirled his glass. “I’m afraid I have more to do with his current predicament than I’d like to admit.”
“You?” Markham asked.
“First, I broke a promise, and I never explained my reasons. Then, Rayne watched me change—drastically. I imagine he felt further betrayed when I failed to take him into my confidence.”
Katherine turned to Bromton. “Are you going to tell him, then?”
Bromton nodded. “I asked my mother’s permission, which she granted. And you? How would you feel about my bringing him into my confidence?”
“You know I’d rather the rift was healed—especially”—Katherine touched Julia’s cheek—“now.”
“What are the two of you talking about?” Julia asked.
“I’m afraid I provided a bad example for Rayne, an arrogance, a way of living I never questioned until I learned that my assumptions were based on a lie.” Bromton sighed. “It’s a long story with a happier ending than I deserved. For that, I have your sister to thank.”
“After the way Rayne revealed my secret,” Markham asked, “how could you possibly trust him with yours?”
“He can be trusted,” Julia said with quiet assurance. “You don’t know, Markham. You don’t understand. Time and time again, he’s taken care of me—even when he was at his most angry.”
“In marrying him, you’ve trusted him with your life.” Katherine sighed. “What say you, Julia? Shall we Stanleys close ranks? Draw our battle lines so they encompass his?”
Julia caught up a quivering lip. “Canyou, Markham?”
“Well…” Markham rolled his neck. “My wife would be pleased. And, if you are sure, I can—for your sake.”
