Malcolm ignored Catherine’s whispered question, turning in Surrey’s direction and focusing on the earl’s discussion with Lady Frances. They were talking about Jaime and the messenger who had been sent earlier with the news for the duke. When they had broached the subject of Jaime’s condition, Malcolm had acted his part well, showing great surprise and sadness. He simply could not allow these good people to suspect that it was all a ruse.
Catherine’s hand on his knee jerked Malcolm’s head about.
“Oh, as I asked before—there must be something you can think of that would be responsible for this horrible illness that has taken our cousin?”
Malcolm casually brushed her hand off his knee and looked questioningly into her face. “What makes you think I would know anything more than you, mistres
