“I know, such an inconvenience. Don’t think you’re distracting me—get dressed.”
I sighed, then wandered off to my bedroom and left him to my beverage receptacle collection. By the time I returned, he had them in an orderly stack by the sink for the maid.
“I’ll see if Katie can spare anyone for a day or two—you cannot live like this,” Kit muttered, eyeing a teacup warily before perching it atop the rubbish pile.
“It doesn’t bother me.”
“Well it should.” He finally glanced up at me, now mildly more presentable after a few moments at the wash basin and a pair of fresh breeches.
“Why are you here, Kit?” I pressed.
“I told you, Katie sent me.”
“But why?”
“I don’t know. Didn’t ask.”
“You just came all the way over here on your sister’s instruction with no further questions?”
He shot me a look. “You’re family—even if it’s by way of your arse of a brother.”
“But—”
His head tipped toward the hall, and as I started down it, his hands made a shooing motion, urging me along. “This is what you do for family. I know yours hasn’t been strictly… functional. But I promise, Katie and Lizzie have both done this for me a time or two. And Will as well. Now, come make yourself useful. I’ll buy you one of those little cake things from Hudson’s on the way.”
“I prefer the tarts,” I explained as we spilled onto the street and turned toward his law offices.
“Blasphemy!”
“Do you— Does Kate know— Did Hugh tell— I don’t even know what I’m trying to ask.”
“I gathered that,” he replied, a sardonic note in his voice. “And probably—Kate always knows everything. But she was only worried after you—nothing else.”
I turned to meet his gaze, trepidation slowing my steps. “You sound as though you know something.”
His lips pressed in tight together, as though he were biting them shut from the inside. “I know nothing, and even if I did, it wouldn’t change a thing, Tom. You’re still by far the most acceptable of Katie’s relations—save Jules, of course.” He clapped me on the shoulder and squeezed before shoving me forward along the pavement.
“Of course,” I agreed, quietly considering the implications of his words. “More acceptable than Michael?”
Kit shrugged, considering. “Yes, but do not tell him. His club is our biggest client by far.”
“To the grave,” I agreed.
He nodded. “To the grave.”
Seventeen
KILMARNOCK ABBEY, EDINBURGH - JULY 15, 1816
Dav,
I have arrived in Scotland. Please assure Mother that I am well. Also, please send a new pair of hessians. Possibly two. The cordwainer has my sizing.
Warmest Regards,
Xander
XANDER
