He took pity on her genuine distress and patted her fingers. “Don’t fret, Elizabeth. You spoke to a friend. I wish you and the family no harm … quite the opposite, in fact.”
At that moment the object of their discussion appeared at the open double doors of the parlor. Ryker looked up and across to see Jewelene’s green eyes sparkle with irritation and her chin go up.
He caught his breath as he looked at her. She was magnificent. But why the devil did she look in a temper? She purposely avoided his eye and seemed intent on ignoring him. Her temper, he noted immediately, was directed at him.
He realized his fingers were still touching Elizabeth’s hand, and a smirk tickled his lips. She was jealous.
“Good morning … or is it almost noon?” Jewelene smiled brightly as she came in and went to drop a light kiss on her cousin’s cheek. “Lizzie … do look out for him, I believe he is a dangerous man …” She turned abruptly and said good morning to Robby and Lyla and asked after her aunt, who appeared at that moment, followed by both Jimmy and Ben Clay.
Jewelene went bouncing to greet her brother and then Ben, who put her fingers to his lips and said, “Miss Jewelene … I am delighted to see you looking so well.”
“And I you, sir,” she responded at once, and then she turned to link her arm through her brother’s. “Tell me about Lightning.”
Ryker had not missed the look exchanged between Ben and Jewelene, nor had he missed the look Ben gave Elizabeth as he approached and sat beside her on the sofa. He left them to quiet conversation and made his way towards Jimmy and Jewelene to listen in on the report regarding the Arabian stallion.
He waited for a moment and interjected, “If I were you, I would not allow this particular information to go abroad …”
“Why? What are you suggesting?” Jewelene surveyed him coldly.
He inclined his head. “For one thing, the less people know, the greater the odds. If you plan to place a bet on your own horse, you want high odds. Secondly, you don’t want anyone putting a spoke in your wheel. The less others know about your plans, the safer.”
Jimmy’s eyes showed dawning. “Deuce take it, if you aren’t right!”
Jewelene conceded reluctantly, “Thank you … for your concern.”
“Also, are you aware that there is a hefty entrance fee and it will need to be paid soon if your horse is to be considered?” Ryker asked quietly.
“Yes, yes, I know—” Jewels started.
“Tell her she can’t be selling her jewelry either,” said Jimmy, clearly not thinking about proprieties.
Jewelene glared daggers at him. “I have a solution to the entrance fee problem, so you needn’t regard it,” she said to both Ryker and her brother.
“I am glad to hear i
t, because, as a friend—if you need one—I can help …”
She looked shocked and then lowered her eyes. “We do not take charity,” she said in a low voice.
“I do not mean to give it.”
“Your concern seems genuine, and, please—”
“Aye, you are the best of good fellows, but we will manage, though I do hope she will get it out of her head to sell m’mother’s emeralds.”
“That is not open for discussion here and now …” Jewelene said to him in a warning tone and with a threatening glare.
“Indeed, though if that is true, I must agree with your brother,” Ryker said and reached out to touch her arm.
Her eyes got wet, and she couldn’t speak for the moment. “I am afraid that some things are not open for parlor discussion.”
Jimmy looked upset. “I am sorry, sis, I … I feel a helpless fool …”
She hugged her brother. “Nonsense! Now don’t be silly. ’Tis naught but jewelry. Honestly, such a fuss …”
Their man, Stanton, opened the parlor doors and announced that ‘late breakfast’ was ready in the breakfast room.
*