Page 94 of The Earl She Once Saved

Roland’s anger passed first. He smiled.

“We should not quarrel. Not after so long.”

He lifted the untouched glass and moved it nearer Rafe.

“Brotherly duty must count for something.”

“You have remembered brotherhood at a convenient hour.”

“And you have enjoyed the title in my absence.”

“I never wanted it.”

“No?” Roland’s gaze sharpened. “What did you want?”

Rafe thought of sunlight on dark hair, a hand closing over his. He said nothing. Roland sat again.

“And how do you find my wife?”

The question was light. Rafe kept his face still.

“Capable.”

Roland turned his wineglass by the stem.

“She has kept Edgeworth alive,” Rafe pointed out.

“So I hear.”

“She knows every acre and every tenant.”

Roland nodded. “My wife always had a head for accounts.”

Rafe’s jaw tightened. Roland saw it. Rafe could not tell whether he had betrayed too much.

“She is well, then?” Roland asked.

“Yes.”

“I am glad.”

His tone revealed nothing. He did not mention Verity again. That disturbed Rafe more than if he had pressed.

Rafe stepped back from the table. “Give me time.”

Roland’s head tilted. “For what?”

“To examine the accounts and to speak to Crote. If you arrive now, you bring every creditor who has been waiting for proof that you live.”

“And you propose to settle matters for me?”

“I propose to prevent you from making them worse.”

Roland considered him.

“A few days,” Rafe repeated.

His brother tapped one finger against the table. “Very well.”