“Now, your nieces and nephew had been asking after you all morning, so you must go up to see them. But first, I’m claiming you for luncheon. And you as well, Mr. Gage.”
I knew when it was best not to argue with my older sister, so I simply nodded. But, of course, Gage could never be so mundane. “I wouldn’t dream of denying such a beautiful lady,” he murmured.
My sister demurred, but once again her cheeks blossomed with color.
“Flattering my wife, are we, Mr. Gage?” Philip remarked as he entered the room. He arched a single eyebrow in mock warning. “I think you’re treading on dangerous ground.”
“Oh, Philip,” Alana scolded as he made a great show of leaning down to kiss her on her cheek.
I smiled at the familiar sight of their natural affection, realizing I’d missed seeing it these past months. In the years since my marriage to Sir Anthony, I’d learned just how uncommon a loving marriage was, but whenever I was tempted to become jaded, the sight of my sister and her husband together always pulled me back. It was rare, but not impossible. And that thought couldn’t help but give me hope.
Philip joined me on the settee, pushing aside a mound of pillows someone had piled in the corner of it. “Now, if I sensed the mood right, Alana was just about to interrogate her sister.”
I couldn’t help but laugh while Alana reproached him again. Oh, how well my brother-in-law knew his wife.
“I was going to do no such thing.” She smoothed her hands over the blanket covering her lap. “I . . . simply had some questions for her.”
Philip raised his eyebrows. “And just what exactly is the definition of ‘interrogate’?”
“I believe it has something to do with asking a person multiple questions,” Gage replied, joining in the banter.
Alana glared at them both, but the effect was ruined by the smile curling her lips. “Yes. Very humorous. Are we finished now?”
“Of course, my dear.” Philip gestured to me with a flourish. “Proceed with your interrogation, er, questions.”
I choked back a giggle, grateful to him for, if nothing else, lightening the mood. Seeing him this relaxed and playful only confirmed how well Alana must be doing, a welcome sign as she entered the last few months of her confinement. She’d had a difficult birth with her third child, and we were all nervous about the delivery of her fourth.
“How is Trevor?” my sister asked, clearly choosing to be diplomatic first.
“Very well,” I was able to reply easily. Though I did look to Philip, wondering if he knew something about my brother’s secretive business. I knew Trevor admired his brother-in-law and respected his opinion, so it only made sense that he might seek Philip’s advice. I decided it would be worth asking him about later. No need to worry my sister with it.
“And the Hogmanay Ball. You said you enjoyed it.”
I nodded, having written her so in my most recent letter.
Her eyes narrowed. “Up until the moment that boy arrived covered in blood?”
I grinned sheepishly. I’d left that part out.
“Word travels fast, especially something as shocking as that. And imagine my surprise when our neighbor Mrs. Cready tells me all about it while my sister has made no mention of it in her letter.”
“I didn’t want to upset you,” I tried to explain.
“Well, I assure you, hearing it from Mrs. Cready was certainly upsetting.”
I sighed, glancing at Philip for help, but it seemed he’d decided to stay out of the fray with this one. I could have pointed out that Trevor and I had written her husband about it, and he could have told her, but I decided it was unfair to drag him into my quagmire.
Even so, I was irritated. “What was I supposed to say, Alana? Oh, by the way, another dead body dropped in front of me.”
Her lips tightened. “You could have at least forewarned me. So I didn’t look a complete fool.”
Realizing this argument was going nowhere, I swallowed my frustration. “Yes. You’re right. I apologize. I should have forewarned you.”
She looked as if she wished to say more, but my apology and capitulation barred her from doing so, unless she wished to look petty. I’d been embarrassed by Gage’s presence during this spat, but now I was grateful. It prevented my sister from airing all her grievances.
She nodded and then added, “Remember that next time.”
I hoped I wouldn’t ever need to report another boy arriving covered in blood to tell us of a murder, but I took her point, and I elected not to further anger her with such a sarcastic remark.