What had Nettie thought of Nisa’s brother?

It wasn’t a question he could ask, not now; not without shoveling suspicion over their involvement. But he wondered, as she stated her disinterest in anyone that he didn’t like, if she would find him as charming as he did. If, despite the cool distance he kept between himself and all others, she had sensed that same warmth beneath.

He supposed not.

It was better that she didn’t.

(He hadn’t forgotten how close they seemed to be in age, either. Hadn’t dismissed the possibility of his the detective finding someone like Nettie instead, who would give him far less trouble all around.)

“Nettie,” Malachi nudged at her arm again. “If there is anything you should be greedy with, it is that.”

Why should she have to settle? She was a beautiful young woman, as kind as she was talented. Someone like her could have anyone she wanted, so why not wish for the best?

“I’ll try not to worry. And I’m sure that I will get along just fine with whoever you like.”

He wasn’t actually that sure, but it sounded like the right thing to say. Malachi didn’t feel that it was his place to make or break any of her potential relationships in the first place, regardless of whether he liked the fellow or not. His pace picked up now that his mood was a bit less dour.

Lightly, he inquired, “how do you like the other ladies in your club?”