page68 (1/2)

Matthew’s grin beca about—?’

His brother flinched when he saw Alex’s expression ‘Do not say it Do not think it Miss Ellery is a guest under our roof’ Perhaps the pain was simply his conscience

‘Yes, of course Sorry Shall we have a look at the estate plans? If I can really choose one of the unentailed an to unroll the ht the corners with books ‘I’d appreciate your advice’

Alex found, suddenly, that it was difficult to speak His brother wanted his advice, wanted what he had been able to give hiht he had all the friendship and companionship he would ever want or need but this, he discovered, was different This was family

‘Sorry, frog in h you know far more than I do, I’ve no doubt Is this the one you favour?’

‘There you are I’ve been looking everywhere’ Tess kept her voice cheerful as she bustled into the library Alex’s silhouette against the darkening grey sky beyond the s looked bleak and brooding, and sheshoulders as the flame of the candle she carried dipped

She had been worrying about Alex and as happening between him and his brother all afternoon, braced for the sounds of a fight or even, in her unshot

But as she touched the flame to the wicks of the unlit candelabras that stood around the rooh to make her sit doith a thump on the nearest chair

‘I’ you’

‘Not at all, only I have so much to report about my discussion with Garnett, Mrs Garnett and Cook that I wanted to tell you as soon as possible I have a list, but essentially they think it an excellent idea and the staff are very enthusiastic I spoke to your anise the buffet upstairs in the evening, but ill have plenty of time to spend with our people Iout presents and so forth’

She produced a notebook and Alex came over and sat next to her ‘Ah, the infallible notes’ Tess passed it over and watched him covertly while he read He looked different, she realised Younger alh years had been lifted away