“Good afternoon. Ihave an appointment with Lord Danby.” Malcolm handed the butler his card.
“Please come in, Lord Kingsbury.”
Malcolm stepped into the bright, cheerful foyer of the Earl of Rawlings’s home. He glanced around at the bright blue damask wall coverings and the pretty crystal sconces before catching sight of Lady Adeline Amberley across the gleaming white marble floor. She sat on the second-to-bottom stair, unmoving and staring glassy-eyed straight ahead.
He was about to call out to her when her brother strode into the foyer. “Lord Kingsbury, right on time. Ready to go for a ride?”
“Absolutely. Danby, what’s is the matter with your sister?”
“My sister?” George twisted around. “Addy, what in God’s name are you doing sitting on the stairs?”
Hearing her name seemed to snap her out of her trance. Lady Amberley shot to her feet. “Nothing at all.” Her hands shook rather badly as they smoothed down over her skirt.
Not convinced at all that there was nothing amiss, Malcolm stepped forward. “Are you all right, Lady Amberley. Did you fall on the stairs?”
George strode over to his sister and grasped one of her hands. “Addy?”
But she shook her head. “No, I didn’t fall. I am fine.”
“George,” a loud voice bellowed from down a hallway to the right. A moment later, an older gentleman came striding into the foyer.
Danby turned to the man. “Father, what’s the matter?”
But Lord Rawlings stopped mid-stride when he spotted Malcolm. Danby crossed back across the foyer to his father. “Father, please let me introduce Lord Kingsbury. Kingsbury, this is my father, Lord Rawlings.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Malcolm replied politely.
Lord Rawlings’s eyes narrowed. “I didn’t realize there were any more Kingsburys left.”
“I am the last one, sir.”
“That’s why he is in town. Going to find a wife and secure his title. Right, old chum?” Danby punched him in the arm.
Malcolm gave him a tight smile.
The Earl of Rawlings gave Malcolm a small nod of acknowledgment. Then he turned to his son. “I need to speak with you immediately.”
“Can it wait? Lord Kingsbury and I have plans to go riding in the park.”
“No, it cannot. I need your counsel on the matter…of the auction. It must happen as soon as possible.”
Malcolm stepped away from the two men so as to appear he wasn’t listening. They continued to argue in low tones about the urgency of organizing this auction. What items would they be selling? Ancient artifacts, perhaps? He would have to casually ask Danby about it later. They could be participating in an art auction or selling off some of the family jewelry to make some money. He would hate for his friend’s father to be the culprit he was looking for, but Malcolm’s gut told him something was amiss.
Lady Amberley practically vibrated with nervous energy as her gaze bounced back and forth between her father and brother. Malcolm watched her carefully, her face so wan she looked like she would swoon.
Lord Rawlings turned on his heel and marched back down the corridor.
Danby came over, his expression tight. “I am afraid I will have to reschedule. I am terribly sorry.”
Malcolm nodded. But he couldn’t tear his gaze from Lady Amberley’s pale face. “Perhaps instead, your sister might accompany me on a walk? Pardon me for saying so, Lady Amberley, but you look like some fresh air might do you some good.”
Lady Amberley’s eyes widened, and then she nodded. “Yes, thank you, Lord Kingsbury, I do believe I could use some fresh air.”
Danby looked between them. “All right, yes. Keep him company, pet. That will make me feel better for canceling our plans. Mr. Boone, please tell my sister’s maid to fetch her things. She will be going walking with Lord Kingsbury.”
“Right away, sir.”
Danby swung to Malcolm. “Take care with her.”
