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“I’m pretty sure I do. He thinks he’s subtle, but it isn’t that hard to put the pieces together.”

Amber wanted to ask. She really wanted to ask, but she held herself back. “I see.”

Felicity chuckled. “I’m surprised you haven’t asked.”

“It isn’t my place to ask.”

Felicity tilted her head to the side. “I think you should know, we aren’t close to our mother.”

“Your mother? I don’t believe I’ve ever met her.”

“Nor would you. She retired to the countryside after our father’s death. Christopher hasn’t seen her since the funeral. Do you understand?”

“I don’t know.”

“It is very important that you do. Whatever is going on between the two of you, it's going to be affected by this.”

Amber stiffened. “I’m not sure what you’re implying, but there is nothing of the sort between Christopher and me.”

Felicity grinned. “You say you aren’t close, and yet you used his first name.”

“Yes, well, you must have used it earlier, so it just slipped out,” she said, looking away, a deep flush working its way onto her face.

“Of course. That must be it.”

“It is.”

“Regardless, just remember what I told you. If you ever wonder why he is the way he is, think of her.”

“But you won’t tell me what happened beyond that?”

“No, at least not yet. Perhaps if I am right in my suspicions, I will say more as time goes on, but generally, I think this is something that would be better coming from him.”

“I see.”

“I don’t think you do, but maybe someday you will.”

The pair fell silent for a moment, Felicity’s words racing through Amber’s head so fast it hurt when they smacked against the inside of her head.

“Are you all right?” Felicity asked with a frown on her face.

“Of course, I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps because of what we were discussing.”

“It didn’t bother me. I’m all right.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am.”

“I just hope I didn’t warn you off of my brother. That was never my intention.”

“You didn’t,” Amber assured. “I’m glad you told me.”

“Still…” Felicity trailed off, “you just seem like something is on your mind.”

Amber gave a stiff smile.