The Seventh Suitor by Laura Matthews Page B

see that this remark clearly embarrassed Winterton.
    “I am surprised he remembers,” Winterton finally conceded with a smile. “He had a restless night, but he appeared to have less pain this morning.”
    “I only hope he’s learned a lesson,” Mr. Montgomery opined.
    “Forever optimistic, sir?” his host queried.
    Mr. Montgomery laughed. “Always. I regret I may not live to watch you raise a brood, Winterton. Don’t bother to see us out. We are imposing on your hospitality quite sufficiently already.”
    But Winterton insisted on seeing them to the door, and then returned to look in on Ralph. He surprised the young man staring miserably at his hands and, in an effort to cheer him said, “You’ll be up in no time, Ralph. Feeling rotten?”
    “Yes. That is, no, I feel much better this morning.”
    “Your father ring a peal over you?”
    “Yes,” Ralph grinned. “Told Kate and me that we should treat you with respect. Sorry if I’ve been churlish. I took exception to your interfering in my horse trading some weeks back, though you were right, of course. Don’t hold my brandy well, I fear.”
    Winterton surveyed the young man for some time before replying. “I was used to looking out for you and Carl when you were younger. I have no right to interfere with you, and I do not blame you for being annoyed. But I hope you will feel free to call on me for advice about the farm if there is anything I can help with.”
    Ralph sighed and mumbled, “Thank you, sir. The farm has lost its attraction for me.”
    Winterton eyed him sharply. “Since when? Karst spoke enthusiastically last night of the preparations you’re both making. I made sure you were as eager as he to have a go at it. You won’t be in bed long.”
    “It’s not that. There was another hope I cherished, and it has been dashed. What good will the farm be now?”
    “There never was anything like work to take one’s mind off a sorrow,” Winterton replied softly.
    “How would you know?” Ralph spoke angrily, waving his injured fist unwisely. He recalled himself sharply and said penitently, “I am a fool. Forgive me, Winterton. I must be totally distracted.”
    Winterton regarded him with tolerant exasperation. He had no doubt that Ralph was talking about a woman, and the only candidate he could picture was that gentle creature Miss Montgomery had introduced into the Hall. How the spitfire had ever become friends with such a composed, patient soul strained his imagination. “You might ask your sister’s help,” he suggested.
    “Kate refuses to meddle,” Ralph said disgustedly.
    “Then it must be the first time,” Winterton retorted and rose to leave his guest.
    * * * *
    Kate and her father arrived at the Hall while the rest of the family was still in the breakfast room. Kate happened to glance at Charity as her father was explaining Ralph’s accident and injuries. Charity’s face paled alarmingly and Kate was about to rush to her when a sixth sense warned her that it would not be wise to do so. Instead she urged, “Charity, would you come with me to see the cook? I would like to send Ralph a special treat with Mama.”
    “That is kind of you, dear,” her mother commented distractedly. “I shall of course take everything necessary when I go to call. Shall I take some elixir? Is it cool in his room? Does he have a warm nightshirt? He will need his dressing gown, of course.”
    As Mrs. Montgomery rattled off the list she intended to take, Kate caught Charity’s arm and ushered her out of the room. Instead of heading for the kitchen, she led her friend into the book room and sat her on a comfortable couch.
    “Can I get you a vinaigrette? I’m sure I must have one in my dressing table.”
    “No, no. I shall be fine in a moment,” Charity replied faintly.
    Kate smiled encouragingly. “Ralph is really not so very bad, you know. He will have a lot of aches and bruises for a while, but nothing that will not mend. I cannot say that he was