Page 60 of A Highland Duke to Claim Her Heart

Usually, during the days, he was out in the fields or meeting with his steward. He was a buzz of activity. But in the past few days, she had noticed that he did not leave the house.

Several times she had walked into the parlor to find him lying with a cold compress on his forehead. When she enquired after his health, he brushed her off. And when she spoke briefly to the steward, he mentioned that the duke had not been out in the fields in several days, that the tenants were inquiring whether or not he was well.

These words were still ringing in her ears as she made her way down the corridor to Ewan’s study. If he was ill, then he required a doctor. But she would not allow him to neglect his duties and his farmers. Ignoring her was one thing; but his estate, which he had poured his life and soul into, was quite another.

She knocked sharply but did not wait for an answer. Throwing open the door, she stepped inside.

The darkness immediately shocked her.

All the curtains had been drawn, even though it was the middle of the day, and the fire in the grate was the only light flickering through the room, illuminating Ewan faintly, who was sitting in his wingback leather armchair.

However, he was not bent over his ledgers or writing reports. Instead, he was leaning back, almost as if he were asleep, and another cold compress was pressed over his brow and eyes.

When she came in, he stirred, then removed the compress and squinted at her. Slowly, too slowly, he sat forward.

“Your Grace,” he murmured.

“You are unwell,” she said. “Do not try to deny it. Everyone in the household has noticed it. Even your tenant farmers are asking after your health. They have noted your absence in the fields and are worried. Everyone is worried.”

She gazed down at him. He was still looking up at her as if he had not heard her.

“I think we must call the doctor, Ewan,” she murmured. “I am very concerned.”

She had used his given name reflexively, but as she heard herself say it, she was glad she had.

Shedid not have to retreat behind walls, even if he had.

At last, something flickered in Ewan’s eyes, and he frowned at her, sitting back in his chair.

“I am not unwell,” he snapped. “I have simply been tired. And headaches have plagued me the past few days. But it is nothing. They will pass soon enough.”

Her own frown deepened. “Headaches? When did these start?”

“Just a few nights ago,” he said. “But they are nothing to worry about,” he added quickly, his voice becoming softer and more reassuring. “They are merely the result of my overindulgence. My brother can be… a bad influence.”

This made Cassandra pause. She had noticed that Christopher was in particularly good spirits these last few days, and he had been insisting that the duke drink with him more often than he had before.

It had made her uneasy, at dinner two nights ago, watching Christopher filling her husband’s glass again and again, although she could not say why with any certainty. It had seemed to her that Christopher was too determined. That he wanted his brother to drink too much, to fall into recklessness.

But Ewan had behaved with dignity. Although he had swayed slightly when he stood up, he had not embarrassed himself or behaved at all in the manner of a man who had imbibed to excess.

ButChristopher had seemed almost disappointed.

“So that is all it is?” she asked carefully.

Ewan nodded. “I will not drink with him tonight,” he reassured her. “I know that I have been neglecting my duties, but I shall be back to myself by tomorrow.”

He raised his eyebrows, then gestured to the door, as if expecting her to leave now that she’d had her concerns dealt with.

But Cassandra did not move. She had certainly not had all her concerns dealt with.

“What is it?” he asked, when she continued to stare at him.

“You have been distant with me,” she blurted out. Ewan stiffened at once, but Cassandra did not regret her boldness. It was time that she said something. Time to end this charade. “Ever since Christopher returned to Calder Castle, you have been ignoring me, barely looking at me, speaking to me as little as possible. It is as if you are punishing me for the crime of your brother surviving his shipwreck.”

Ewan’s eyes flashed, and for a moment, she thought he was going to yell at her.

But then he took a deep, steadying breath.