Free The Reluctant Heir by Jennifer Conner Page B

mistaken them for black. Unlike most of the polished young men around the estate, Clarke’s beard stubble darkened his chin and accentuated his full mouth.
    She had the strangest thought. How would his lips taste?
    Adeline pulled her gaze up to meet his eyes. He still wasn’t smiling.
    “If you have other duties to attend to, I will be fine. I will be on my way.” She turned to walk away, but felt a hand grasp her upper arm, his finger warm against her skin.
    “Wait. I…”
    Most men she could read like an open old volume of the dictionary. She had no idea what Clarke was thinking.   When they were young she could, but not now. “Yes?”
    “I would be happy to walk you back.” He stiffly crooked an elbow and she wound her hand through the opening.
    They walked for a few minutes in silence until she finally said, “I have not seen much of you these past few months. Since you came to tell me…”
    The muscles in his arm tightened.
    “Death is never easy,” she said after a sigh. “Bearing the news of David’s, especially someone so young, must be extremely difficult. I cannot imagine being burdened with the task of informing the families on the loss of a loved one.”
    “I was the Captain of his unit. It was my duty.”
    “A duty? I thought it was because of your acquaintance with my family.”
    “It was both.” They stopped by a wooden garden bench. He motioned for her to sit and then joined her.
    Clarke rubbed hands over his knees and then straightened his back.   “How has your family coped with your brother’s loss?”
    “My father continues to be ill. His cough is worse by the week and I fear he will not be with us too much longer. With my brother gone, there are no male heirs. I will not inherit-so I am not sure where that leaves the estate. If he’s declared a bankrupt, his name will appear in the London Gazette . I only hope my father passes before then. He is a proud man, and deserves to die with his dignity.” Adeline forced a smile. “What does your father have in mind for your future?”
      “My brother, Ellis, assists my father the best he is able with the estate. I am sure you know we fought together and he was injured.”
    “I heard of the wound to his leg. I am sorry.” They walked a little farther before she asked, “Your family is fortunate. With two sons and you the eldest, there will always be someone to inherit.”
    “I’m not interested in the estate. Money is not what I seek.”
    A reluctant heir? She had never heard of this, young men were usually anxious to take their place running the family estate. “What do you seek, Clarke?”
    “Peace of mind.” He stood and walked to the arbor.   He leaned a hand against the wood post and looked out at the pond filled with quacking ducks.
    Adeline wasn’t sure what to do. He seemed angry, but more than that, he seemed lost.
      When she moved to stand next to him, she laid a hand on his arm. “I have wondered all these months, tell me your last memories of my brother. I miss him so dearly.”
    Clarke looked into her eyes. “He was with me,” he said, barely above a whisper.
      Her heart broke from the look in his eyes. “It was his choice to join. My father knew he was too young, but approved, because he wasn’t of age to join the ranks.   David was so proud to be the bugler for you and Spencer’s regiment.”
    “He was only a child.” He turned to her.
    “It is hard not to be bitter. I want someone I can blame for his death. He was taken too young.”
    “You have to know the truth. If you need to blame someone, blame me.”
    “What?”
    “You heard what I said.” Clarke said something else but the words were blurred.
    “You don’t know what you’re saying,” she choked out.
    He grabbed her arms, desperation etched on his face. “I know exactly what I’m saying. I am the one responsible for his death. Blame me!”
    How could this be? She pulled away. He reached for her but Adeline yanked her arms free and