“I’m looking forward to meeting this Rory, especially as he has my usually unflappable sister turned inside out.”
“Shut up, Alice.”
“If you insist.”
“I do.”
Her sister made that small humming noise in her throat that had Kate wanting to slap her.
“Come along then, it is time for us to take our places in the kissing booth.”
And wasn’t that a cheery thought for a miserable day— having men she didn’t know, with questionable body odor, kissing her cheek.
Chapter Ten
“How are you feeling?”
Rory lowered the newspaper Essie had given him this morning and found his brother standing in the doorway.
“Better, thank you. I will leave tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow is Christmas Day. Will you stay and share it with us?”
Anger was no longer his first reaction when he looked at Max. In fact, he wasn’t sure what he felt anymore. For two days they’d acknowledged each other. Ruthlessly polite, they’d existed. Essie, however, had been a revelation. Open, honest, and caring, his brother’s wife was a wonderful woman who loved her husband very much.
She’d talked about Max even when Rory had pretended to sleep. He’d learned his brother was a highly respected businessman with a great deal of wealth and property. This surprised him, as when Max left France he’d had very little to his name.
He’d also spent time with Luke. The boy had read to Rory and told him about his family, all whom he loved very much.
“I cannot. I must go back to France.”
“Because of what happened to put you on that beach trussed like a goose?”
“That, and because it is the place where I live and work.” He was loath to call France home, as it had never been that, nowhere had. But it was what Rory knew.
“Clearly there is danger waiting for you—”
“I can take care of myself.”
“I could help, I have contacts.”
“I don’t want your help… but thank you,” Rory made himself add.
Their eyes met and held. Neither looked away.
“We are to go up the mountain today to attend the fair at Raven Castle. As you are well enough, perhaps in this, at least, you could join us.”
“I am fine here, please go on.” He had no wish to spend time with family he was uncomfortable with and soon to leave.
Kate would be there.
“And yet you have been invited, so you will come.” Max’s words had bite to them now. “Your sisters wish to meet you.”
“I will stay here just the same.”
The others had kept their distance from him, which had been a surprise. He’d thought the brother, who was a duke, would visit at least.
“We are not leaving you here. You are family, and it is time for you to meet the rest of us. You will come.”
