“Oh, aye, you’ve yet to meet him, your bro— Oh well, there’s time for that. He also helped carry you up the cliffs yesterday. He’s the Duke of Raven and lives up there in that bloody monstrosity of a castle, and also my brother-in-law. Married to my sister Eden.”
He looked up dutifully and saw the turrets and flags. Saw the castle and felt something shiver down his spine, which he couldn’t put down to the cold.
“Family, Rory, it’s what makes us who we are. But you’ll not go saying I said that to anyone, because I’ll deny it… vehemently.”
“Is there any chance you’ll shut up and release me?”
“None at all. If you fight me, I’ll fight you back.”
Suddenly gone was the joviality, and in its place was intent. Deadly intent. Rory knew he meant every word he’d spoken.
“Why do you care if I stay or go?”
“Max is important to us, and you are to him, therefore you need to stay and talk to him.”
“And I have no say in the matter?”
Cambridge Sinclair exhaled slowly.
“I know good men, am surrounded by them actually—again, I’ll lie vehemently if you say that to anyone—but Max, well, he’s a special type. Our silent, sturdy oak tree in a field of willows. Solid and reliable, he would lay down his life for any one of us.”
“But not his own family,” Rory growled before he could stop himself. They were now close to the house, but the distance seemed vast to him. It was like he was wading through deep water, each step taking an age. He’d been a fool to believe he could ride today. He would have made it to the end of the drive if he’d been lucky.
“That’s for you and him to discuss, but I’ll tell you something, Rory.”
“It’s not like I’ve been able to shut you up so far.”
Cambridge laughed. “You’ll get used to me.
“I won’t have time.”
“I don’t know your family or what happened. Max is very closemouthed about it, but to my mind there must have been a reason for him to leave you, because the man I know would never do such a thing willingly.”
“As you stated, you know nothing of the details,” Rory said as they walked inside. He kept his words low and even, but it was a challenge. Exhaustion dogged his every step.
“Come now, you’re cold and shivering. Prepare to be scolded—and to meet some more of the family.”
“I will return to my room.”
Cambridge ignored his words and opened the door he’d heard laughter behind, then nudged him through it. People, lots of people, were seated in the room. He knew her, Kate, and him, his brother. But the others were strangers. There was color and laughter, and he smelled gingerbread, which had his mouth watering.
Kate and another woman sat together, tying red satin ribbon into balls of twigs and hawthorn. A fire roared in the hearth, and he wanted to hold out his hands to warm his fingers, but instead kept them clenched at his sides.
“I see you have the same bullheaded nature as your brother.” These words were from a pretty dark-haired woman who had been stringing popcorn. “I am Essex Huntington, your sister-in-law, and it is indeed foolish of you to leave your bed, and by the look of you the house.” She rose on her toes and pressed her hand to his forehead. Rory’s eyes met Kate’s briefly, then flicked away.
He’d kissed her, then thrown harsh, cruel words at her to force her away. Shame was the only word for what he now felt over his actions. Especially when all she’d done was try to help him.Hell, she’d saved his life.
“He was just in the gardens, Essie, don’t scold him.”
Rory looked at Cambridge; he winked.
“The gardens, you say? In these conditions, and in your weakened state, Rory? You’re frozen through.”
He couldn’t bow as it was likely he’d topple over, so he nodded. Yes, she was married to Max, but her bad taste in men was no reason for him to be rude to her.
“He is upright, therefore he is capable of walking about the place, but is now tired and cold and likely in need of a slice of gingerbread,” Cambridge added in a hopeful tone.
“He is capable, is he? Look at that pale face and sweaty forehead,” Essex said. Rory was then subjected to dual looks from the siblings. No one behind them spoke, all just watching and listening. Max had yet to step forward, but that was only a matter of time, Rory was sure.
