Caleb scowled. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“You won’t like it.”
“Tell me.”
He had a difficult relationship with Jacob Ralston, but recently, Jacob had reached out to Caleb, hoping to be friends. He’d even invited Caleb to a September party where, according to Joanna, he would announce his engagement, but Caro doubted Jacob would be marrying Roxanne Ralston.
He might wed in September, but it wouldn’t be to his cousin.
“I need you to visit Ralston Place for me,” she said.
“You can request any favor, but probably not that.”
“I have some disturbing news about Jacob, and I can’t confide in Luke. I’m scared about how he’d handle it.”
“Uh-oh. I don’t believe I’ll like where this is headed.”
“No, I don’t believe you will.”
Caleb blew out a heavy breath. “He seduced Joanna?”
“Yes, and then out of the blue, his relatives claimed he was recalled to duty without any warning. After he left and was no longer around to protect her, they burned down her house and chased her off the property. What I’m worried about is this: Is there a chance he’s a cad and he didn’t really return to the navy? His kin insisted it was true, and Joanna didn’t question their story, but might he have used it as an easy excuse to be shed of her after she was ruined?”
“You think he might be loafing in his front parlor at Ralston Place?”
“I’m not acquainted with him, so I’m trying to persuade myself it’s not that. I’m telling myself he’s your brother, and he wouldn’t act that way.”
“I hate familial quagmires,” Caleb said. “I assume I’m riding to Ralston Place to find out if he’s there.”
“Would you?”
“And if he is? I’m guessing I have to drag him here and force him to wed her.”
“Well, you Ralston men do need a bit of a shove toward matrimony.”
“When must I go?”
“How about first thing in the morning?”
“What happened to you?”
“I cut my leg.”
Jacob was in Kit’s office, watching as he limped in and eased onto a chair. He’d taken Kit’s spot behind the desk, so Kit was forced to sit across from him. Kit was very conscious of his status, so it was a petty act on Jacob’s part, yet he was enjoying the paltry snub.
He’d been struggling to figure out what would become of Kit once Sandy and Margaret returned. Kit didn’t have an income except for what Jacob paid him. If Jacob sent him packing, he didn’t have any friends to offer shelter. From the time he’d been a little boy, everything he possessed had come to him from the Ralston family.
He’d never appreciated it though.
“How did you cut it?” Jacob asked.
“Oh . . . ah . . . I tripped and sliced it on a fence post. The slash is very deep, and it’s not healing.” Kit snorted with a grim amusement. “It’s too bad Miss James vanished. I could have used her to clean it out.”
“Where do you suppose she is?”
“I can’t imagine. With a girl like that, any destination is possible. Maybe she hopped on her broom and flew away.”
“Very funny.”
There had been no word about Joanna and Clara. Jacob had servants questioning the neighbors, and he’d posted inquiries in shops and taverns over quite a wide area, but there had only been one reply. A teamster had been driving by in his wagon, and he’d smelled smoke in the woods, so he’d stopped to check for a fire.
The cottage had already burned to the ground, with a few hot spots remaining, and there had been no sign of Joanna or Clara. No one had seen them in the village, on the road, or anywhere else. It was as if they’d disappeared into thin air.
Jacob was such a conceited ass that they’d rarely talked about her. Their conversations had always focused on him, so he had no idea who she might call upon if she was in trouble. It was definitely difficult to search when he had no information.
“You seemed fond of her,” Kit said. “Were you ever able to lift her skirt?”
“Shut up, Kit. Even if she and I had dallied, I’d never tell you about it.” Kit pulled out a kerchief and dabbed at his brow, and Jacob said, “You’re a bit feverish.”
“I’m injured! The wound is infected, and I’m not feeling well.”
“I apologize; I should have left you in your bed. Have you summoned the doctor?”
“He’s in London for the week.” Kit waved a hand, as if his health was of no consequence. “The housekeeper gave me one of Miss James’s ointments, so I’ll be fine. What did you need?”
Jacob pointed to a document on the desk. “I had an audit commenced, remember? Of the estate accounts?”
“Yes, I remember, and from how you’re glaring, I’m betting it wasn’t good news. If we’ve suffered losses, I hope you don’t intend to blame me. I can’t control the weather or make your tenants work harder.”
It was typical that Kit would deflect any culpability, and Jacob was weary over the entire situation. He never liked to quarrel, but honestly! If he hadn’t commissioned the audit, how long would Kit have continued to steal?
Instead of delving to the heart of the matter, he said, “Sandy and Margaret will be back soon.”
“That will be so bloody awkward. Sandy’s ego is as big as a barn, and after she raised him up like this, he’ll be unbearable.”
“He can be cocky,” Jacob blandly agreed.
“Have you any advice as to how I should deal with him? He was our stable manager, and now, he’s your brother-in-law. How, precisely, am I to boss him? Margaret has created an incredible fiasco.”
Jacob was about to say, You’ll be gone, so you don’t need to worry about the problem.
Suddenly, a footman knocked and poked his nose in. “I realize you asked not to be disturbed, Captain, but you have a visitor, and the butler thought you should be apprised immediately.”
“Who is it?”
“Apparently, it’s your half-brother. Mr. Caleb Ralston?”
Jacob’s jaw dropped in surprise. “Caleb is here? Really?”
“Yes. Will you meet with
