Page 10 of Two Ruins Make a Right

Five

Missteps measure ruin’s distance.

L ance the wound?

“James, this isn’t about us,” Nell delicately pointed out. “This is about my sister, her reputation, and her future.” She concealed her shock over his statement as best she could. How could he be thinking about their past instead of the catastrophe before them?

“I beg to differ.” He finished his brandy.

How insignificant the heavy leaded crystal glass appeared, dangling between his fingers.

He had always possessed a grace in his movements that had held her enraptured.

She couldn’t glance at his hands without thinking of how he had used them to perfection as he caressed her. Loved her. Consumed her.

She let out a huff of breath. That was her past. Her future demanded that she take care of Christa and the monumental mistake she had made here. She couldn’t afford to moon over his hands or any other part of him.

“You see, what we witnessed today is very similar to what happened between us all those years ago.” He placed the glass on the side table, then sat on the sofa's edge. His gaze had lost its rough edge. “We fell in love...or at least, I did.”

“Don’t,” she warned. “We both chose a different path.”

James held up his hand as a peace offering before she could say another word. “I’m not trying to argue with you. Please. Just allow me to explain on Harry’s behalf.”

She studied him. The man seated before her exuded a calm level-headedness that instilled confidence that they would find a solution to the conundrum before them.

Perhaps he was no longer the same man she had fallen in love with all those years ago.

That man had been impetuous, passionate, and quick to judgment.

“Go on,” she said softly.

“As Harry had mentioned, besides my offer of employment, he has received others in the area. I’ve managed to help him acquire interviews with local wealthy landowners.

Some are looking for new land stewards. He’s trained for it all his life, and he’ll be successful.

He can offer Christa a happy and secure future.

” James rested his elbows on his knees, letting his hands dangle between his legs.

He clasped his hands together and stayed silent for a while.

“Don’t let what happened in our past influence what will be best for them.

I know love when I see it, and those two are completely devoted to each other. ”

She didn’t move as she watched a legion of emotions march across his face. Then with an unfamiliar disquiet, he turned stoic as if this were a fight he didn’t look forward to.

She didn’t look forward to any further disagreements, either.

Yet, she could not explain any of their situations.

The circumstances were the scandals that defined her family.

They could not see the light of day. Explaining her parents’ actions and the accompanying embarrassment would change nothing between her and James.

Continuing to keep them quiet would be the only way to protect her sister.

When Nell’s family had become destitute all those many years ago, her late husband paid off every single debt of her family, so they weren’t ruined.

She clenched her teeth with such force at the memory that her jaw ached.

But they hadn’t learned their lessons. Her father recently sent a letter informing her that through her mother’s outrageous spending habits and her inability to change, they’d racked up another lifetime of debt.

Their actions were completely selfish. Nell wouldn’t disclose all that ugliness.

She still valued James’s good opinion but matters had to be addressed.

One of the reasons she’d invited Mounthaven to her home was simple.

She’d had a pleasant and secure marriage with Whitton.

She’d do everything in her power to ensure Christa would have a joyful and safe marriage that would protect her from their parents’ schemes.

If Mounthaven and Christa found they were compatible, Nell would wholeheartedly support the marriage.

Unfortunately, what Christa thought was a suitable match with Harry was nothing more than an infatuation, unlike Nell and James, who had spent years getting to know one another when they fell in love.

“James, love is not going to put food on the table or clothing on Christa’s back.”

“Harry will be able to provide for her,” James argued. “He’s a good man.”

She shook her head. “I’m not questioning that. What I am questioning is whether he can afford her.” She smiled gently.

With Mounthaven, Christa could expect a life where their parents wouldn’t hound her for money.

Whitton had given Nell that same peace of mind.

She wanted the same for Christa. After Whitton had once paid her parents’ debts, he’d told Nell that he’d never give them another penny.

Christa needed a man like Whitton, one who would protect her through his status and wealth.

Nell would ensure that Mounthaven would offer the same security to Christa that Nell’s husband had provided to her.

Mounthaven had promised Nell he’d see that Christa was comfortable.

Comfortable was not enough. Nell wanted insurance that Christa would never be subjected to the scandalous behavior of her parents.

“James, I’d hate for the bloom of young love to fade, and they’re left with the stark realities of their lives with one another. What if Harry is nothing more to Christa than a crush or a temporary attachment? I’ll not see their lives ruined because of a simple infatuation.”

James regarded her as if she spoke another language.

“Did you see them together? Did you take the time to observe them? Did you hear what your sister was saying?” He stood slowly and clasped his hands behind his back.

“Nell, they’ve been seeing each other for months.

They’re in love. This isn’t a simple crush.

” He shook his head slowly. “Mark my words. Your sister will defy you and your parents to have a life with Harry.”

Nell stood up quickly and locked her gaze with his. “I can’t allow it. I’ve seen what a mismatched pair will do to each other and those around them.”

James tilted his head. “What are you talking about? Are we discussing your marriage to Whitton or something else?”

“It’s best to move forward.” Nell had to change the subject quickly.

It wasn’t her husband she was referring to, but her own parents.

“The rumors can be contained if we act quickly. Christa and I will return to Whitton Priory. I’ll explain the simple transgression to Lord Mounthaven.

Once he sees there was no harm done, he’ll be satisfied. ”

“Nell, do you hear yourself? This is not a simple misbehavior that can be explained away with a banishment to one’s room for a night, and everything is forgotten in the morning.

” He released a pained sigh. “I’m going to repeat this for your benefit.

They are in love. At least, you owe your sister another conversation about what she wants. ”

It was on the top of her tongue to deny such a thing, then the devious man delivered the wound that cleaved her heart in two.

“I wish I’d have had the opportunity to make my case before you chose another.”

Slowly, she lifted her gaze, fully expecting to see the mocking contempt on his face.

Instead, his eyes were clear and bright, a window into his soul and seemingly into his thoughts—or at least, it felt that way.

Perhaps he was telling her the truth. Mayhap, he had wanted the chance to win her back.

She stepped back, afraid she’d be burned by the blaze of emotion that now smoldered in his eyes. For in his expression lay a truth she didn’t want to examine too closely. She’d had a comfortable marriage.

It had been enough. She had accepted that belief in the past and would continue to do so.

“If you won’t do it for Christa and Harry, will you do it for me?” His earlier anger and irritation had disappeared. In its place stood a peace offering. It was as if James had extended his palm to her while holding a heaping serving of understanding, and dare she think...forgiveness.

“Sometimes, love isn’t enough,” she said quietly. “If I keep an open mind for your sake about their future, tell me what benefit you see from such an endeavor?”

“It allows them to plead their case for a chance at happiness.” He studied the floor for a moment before he continued.

“You asked about the benefit. It would allow me to believe in the absolute power and potency of real love.” He lowered his voice, his words like a caress.

“I once believed in it, and I’d like to believe in it again. ”

She’d once believed in it too, until another love—her devotion to her parents—had turned into a responsibility that robbed her of the chance for real love in her life.

It had robbed her of the man who stood before her.

A man she’d made love to because she’d given her heart to him, and he’d given his heart to her.

Unwelcome tears welled in her eyes. She slowly closed them and took a deep breath to tame them.

Her marriage had been enough.

“I will allow them that chance.” It meant once again she had to find a way to keep her mother’s selfishness from destroying them all.

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