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prepossessing in his immaculate, fashionably cut suit. The
dark eyes were cold and unemotional, and the soul that
animated Carmen s brother was a chilling quagmire of selfish-
ness, deceit and wickedness. It was a soul its owner would
willingly have sold to the devil for a handful of gold.
There was menace in his manner and his voice. Kit looked
at him with cool, level eyes, refusing to be intimidated. He
scorned Ortega s attempt at blackmail when he threatened to
tell Henry the truth about Kit s past and marriage, and called
his bluff by informing Ortega that he would tell Henry himself.
Ortega went out, thinking he could make things more than
awkward for Claybourne if he so chose. But if he exposed him
to his host at this time, he would gain nothing for himself
without funds to settle his debts, it would be suicidal for him
to return to America. The thought caused sweat to break out
on his neck.
Something about Claybourne didn t ring true, so perhaps
a little delving into his background might rake up something
unpleasant. He knew that going out on a limb to obtain what
he wanted had its dangers. While he was prepared to accept
them, his confidence had been shaken by Claybourne s arro-
gance. He had treated Ortega as being of no significance
whatsoever.
When Amanda entered the morning room for breakfast
the following day, she found Caroline alone. The sun shining
through the tall windows facing south was clear and bright,
polishing the mahogany table to a deep glow.
Am I late? she asked, helping herself to bacon and toast
and seating herself across from her stepmother.
202 Rogue s Widow, Gentleman s Wife
Not at all. Your father was up and away early to accom-
pany Rafael to the station.
Amanda paused in spreading her napkin on her lap and
stared at her in surprise. Away? Why, where s he gone?
He has some matters to take care of in London and friends
to visit, apparently.
It s all rather sudden, isn t it? Amanda remarked, smiling
at the butler as he filled her cup with coffee. And why leave
so early? He made no mention of it yesterday.
No, but I did notice a change in him when he returned
from the stables yesterday afternoon. At first I imagined he
was going riding although, as I recall, he wasn t dressed for
riding but he returned after half an hour and was quiet and
preoccupied for the rest of the day. You must have noticed.
No, I can t say that I did, Amanda answered truthfully.
All her thoughts had been centred on Kit and what he had told
her concerning Rafael.
I wonder if Kit had anything to do with it.
Amanda glanced up sharply to find Caroline watching her
with an uncomfortable steadiness, which lent considerably to her
unease. Not for the first time did she sense that her stepmother
knew more about her and Kit than she had ever offered and her
question sounded a warning note in Amanda s mind. Kit? Why
on earth should he have anything to do with Rafael s leaving?
No reason. It s all so curious, that s all.
Well, I can t say that I shall miss your house guest, Caroline.
No, neither shall I. On better acquaintance I found there
was something disquieting about him, and the longer he
stayed only increased my mistrust. No matter how polite I
tried to be, I detected a slight mockery in his manner which
was not to my liking.
Father seemed to get on with him well enough at least
when they were discussing equine matters.
Helen Dickson 203
Mmm, but even Henry had his doubts about him. His
devil-may-care attitude your father, to whom life is all about
drive and taking risks, did not appreciate it. Henry is generous
and tolerant of most things, but those traits do not extend as
far as his business dealings. As you well know, Amanda, he
can be utterly ruthless.
Amanda smiled across at her. You know, Caroline, I can t
help recalling the time I asked him if he would ever marry again.
And what did he say?
Oh, he huffed and he puffed a bit and said he was not one
to fall for female charms, no matter how temptingly wrapped,
and that business arrangements were by far the best. So what
did you do to ensnare him? Wave a magic wand and sprinkle
him with pixie dust?
Caroline laughed lightly, her eyes sparkling as she spread a
thin layer of marmalade on her toast. We were attracted to each
other from the moment we were introduced. I did play it cool
and kept a distance between us at first which turned out to be
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