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As they approached the house, a group of people emerged, Adrien and many of the crew among them.
“Am I glad to see you,” Adrien exclaimed hoarsely.
“The feeling’s mutual,” Roland replied, accepting his brother’s hearty embrace.
Grinning, Adrien offered his hand to Terric. “Well met, cousin.”
Terric accepted the gesture and drew Adelina to his side. “Sister, please greet Adrien de Montbryce.”
Conflicting emotions warred within Roland as he watched Adrien politely kiss Adelina’s hand and express delight at meeting her at last. He felt a measure of relief that jealousy wasn’t one of them but Adelina glanced briefly at him before responding to Adrien. Was she gauging his reaction, afraid he might, in fact, be angry if she showed too much affection for his brother?
This love business was confusing. He’d always known where he stood with his paramours but then he’d never risked his heart in a relationship before. Trying to perceive Adelina’s feelings toward him was driving him out of his wits. Heaven knew he hadn’t exactly shown the best side of his character.
However, he had no time to ponder further when Marguerite’s elderly parents enthusiastically welcomed all their visitors. They summoned servants to bear Mandeville’s litter into the house.
Adelina leaned heavily on her brother, her exhaustion plain to see, yet she insisted on accompanying Mandeville to wherever he was being taken.
Roland gritted his teeth, wondering again what might have transpired between the soldier and his charge in the course of the long journey north.
