CHAPTER EIGHT
“What was Sam talking about, Lilliana?” Essex asked as they reached the parlor door on their way to the front door. “Is it connected with what took place the other night with Dev?”
“It matters not.” She dismissed the words and took another step, but a hand stopped her.
“Perhaps we could help with this problem?”
“It is my problem, Lord Sinclair.”
“I have brought the tea.”
“Lord Sinclair was just leaving, Mrs. Davey.” Lilly tried to head off her housekeeper.
“I cannot leave without eating one of those buns, Mrs. Davey. In fact, I am half tempted to move into Temple Street myself, if this is the standard of fare I would be assured.”
Lilly doubted the housekeeper would fall for such obvious flattery, yet when she glanced at the woman, her cheeks were flushed and she was beaming.
“It is an honor, my lord, to have a healthy appetite in the house. We do not have many visitors.”
Lilly could hardly stay in the hall when he and his sister were making their way back into the parlor behind Mrs. Davey, but she wanted to. In fact, she was tempted to walk out the front door and leave them there.
“Can I pour you a cup, Miss Braithwaite?”
“No thank you, Mrs. Davey.”
“Does not eat near enough,” Lilly heard the woman mutter as she left the room.
She did not want to sit, because that gave Lord Sinclair a target to look at and she did not feel comfortable under his disturbing gaze, so she walked around the room. Surely the height of rudeness when her guests sat, and yet she cared little about that. This was Temple Street; here she did not cater to the whims of others, only the children.
“How long have young children been going missing off the streets of London, and how came you to be chasing that man and rescuing one of them?”
Lord Sinclair asked the question.
“If I tell you, will you leave?”
“Tell us and then we shall see.”
“Come, Lilliana. We only wish to help, nothing more. Tell us what is happening to those sweet children.”
Lilly told them then, because of Essex Sinclair's words. They were children who needed all the help they could get, and perhaps in telling their story she would achieve that. Much as he unsettled her, Lord Sinclair had powerful people at his back, and with a word from him, those people may champion her cause also.
“Six children have now gone missing over the last four weeks. Wilson and I have called at the local Watch House after each abduction to alert them and ensure someone would look into the matter. However, I was dismissed each time as a hysterical woman. I then demanded to see whoever was in charge, but was merely waved away as if I were some addlepated woman with few wits.”
“Well, it is fair to say that I, and others in society, believe you just that, Lilliana.”
“Dev!” Essex Sinclair looked at her brother, horrified. Lilly, however, had the ridiculous urge to laugh. She swallowed it.
“I have no idea what you speak of.”
He studied her.
“Your dresses are hideous, your hair would please any bird looking for a nest, and you speak like an empty-headed fool.”
“Please do not hold back, my lord. It is my fondest wish to receive unwanted fashion advice from you. Not to mention slurs upon my character.” Lilly was sure she should be angrier at his attack, and yet she wasn't. Perhaps because, for once, someone was seeing the real her.
“Dev, you are being rude.”
“But truthful.” He did not look at his sister but kept his eyes on Lilly.
“I have no wish to discuss this matter further. You wanted to hear about the missing children, and so I told you. I did not do so to offer you the opportunity to assassinate my character.”
“Perhaps if you had stayed calm when speaking with the men at the Watch House, it may have helped.”
Essex Sinclair groaned at her brother's words.
“How do you know I did not stay calm?” Lilly demanded. “It is extremely hard to stay calm when dealing with idiots. One of the men had the audacity to say it was a blessing to get a few of the children off the streets, like you would rid a home of vermin!”
He raised one hand. “I am not accusing you, just pointing out that you will get nowhere if you do not stay calm and rational.”
“I was entirely rational!”
Lilly looked at Essex when she snuffled.
“If you were this calm and rational, then I can imagine how the meeting at the Watch went, Lilly.”
“Miss Braithwaite,” she snapped. “Not Lilliana or Lilly!”
“Forgive me,” he said, and the wicked look in his eyes did not appease her.
“I do not like people patronizing me, nor do I like men believing that because I don't wear pants I am therefore a fool.”
“I shall remember not to make the same mistake.”
Lilly did not like the way he phrased those words, as they suggested the future included more time spent in each other’s company.
“He is always calm and rational,” Essex then said, nodding to her brother. “It is most frustrating for the rest of his siblings.”
“Someone has to be. We would continually be arguing if I did not put a stop to it.”
Lilly watched him swallow another mouthful of what, by her count, was his third cinnamon bun. He would be an uncomfortable husband for whoever he married. Intimidating just by his large presence, and he would want control.
“Have you any idea at all about who has the children? Are there no whispers on the streets?”
“The other night, Toby heard a rumor that they were to take another child from the area we were in. So Wilson and I arrived to attempt to keep the children safe, and this time we succeeded. But we cannot watch them all.”
“That was extremely foolhardy of you, Lilly. You could have been hurt or abducted yourself.”
She waved his words away. “My concern is for the children, not myself. Toby is spreading the word that I will offer a reward for any news about whoever is behind this.”
“Is that wise? Surely you will have any number of people calling here hoping to claim the reward?”
“I am not a fool, Lord Sinclair. All information will come through Toby.”
“I never suggested you were a fool, Lilly.”
His usual drawl had become more clipped as she challenged him. Good. Perhaps if he knew she was no meek and mild lady, he would stay away from her.
“My name is Miss Braithwaite,” Lilly said. “Your sister can call me Lilliana, but that is because I like her!”
“I do believe that hurt.” He rubbed his chest and tried to look wounded. Lilly was not fooled.
“Do you know all the missing boys, Lilly? It must be distressing for you,” Essex Sinclair said, ignoring her brother.
“I know a few of them. But Teddy, the latest boy to go missing, was here last winter when he became sick.”
“And you believe the children selected are random? Not all boys, or girls. Short or tall, large or small?”
“Randomly,” Lilly said, looking reluctantly at Lord Sinclair as she addressed his question. “Are you thinking they are being taken for a specific reason?”
“What does your brother say on the matter? Perhaps if he were to intervene on
your—”
“My brother is a busy man, and knows nothing of this, and I would beg you to keep it that way. Lord Sinclair.”
Lilly withstood the intense and searching look he leveled at her. She wondered what was in his thoughts.
“I understand, and of course my sister and I will say nothing on this matter to anyone, including your family. However, someone must accompany you to the Watch House today, preferably a man, as you have already determined that you alone, with a servant, will not be taken seriously.”
“There is only your brother, aunt, and yourself, Lilliana?” Essex Sinclair sighed. “Imagine that, Dev, having only one sibling.”
“There are a lot of you?” Lilly asked before she could stop herself. These people intrigued her.
“Seven in total.”
“So many?” Lilly could not imagine sharing a house with seven people.
“I assure you there are benefits,” Lord Sinclair drawled. “If you look hard enough.”
Lilly looked to Essex. Surely he had just insulted her? But no, the woman was smiling at her brother.
“If your family is unable to accompany you, then I will.”
Lilly took a few seconds to realize what he had said, as her thoughts were still on what it would be like to have so many siblings. But when she did, everything inside her rebelled.
No, no... no!
“Thank you, but I can manage on my own, my lord.”
“I cannot let you travel to the Watch House on your own, Lilly.”
“What a wonderful idea, Dev.” Essex Sinclair smiled at him and then Lilly before she could once again refuse. “He is quite handy in most situations, and I'm sure he would excel in this one also.”
“Thank you, darling.”
“No, I have no wish for you to accompany me.”
“We shall take your carriage, Lilly, and Essie will take mine, as she is to return home to our younger siblings.”
“Oh, yes indeed.” Essex Sinclair jumped to her feet, and her brother followed. “I had quite forgotten I am to take the children to the park this afternoon. Please forgive me, Lilliana, for not accompanying you.”
“No, wait.” Lilly followed. “There is no need for anyone to accompany me. I am not your concern, Lord Sinclair, and am more than capable of going on my own.”
“I would never allow a woman to go into a Watch House on her own. As none of your family is here to protect you, I will accompany you.”
Stay in control, Lilly.
“I need no protection, Lord Sinclair, and please address me correctly. I have dealt with many things on my own with some success, and this will be the same.”
“And yet I will accompany you. I was there the other night, and can possibly be of some help.”
He was smiling at her now, yet those eyes were darker. Perhaps he was not as composed as he appeared.
“No, I have my footman and maid, so I really must insist that you escort your sister home, my lord.”
“I will accompany Lilly and her maid to the Watch House and then I shall summon a hackney and return home, Essex. Please tell the children I will visit with them then.”
“No—”
“Argument is futile once he has made up his mind, Lilliana, and besides, he may prove useful in some capacity, even if it is to stand behind you and intimidate whoever you speak to. I wish you every luck, and will hear the details when Dev returns home.”
She trailed behind the siblings to the door, wondering if it would be wrong to lock the door if she could get him to step outside.
“Our sister and her husband are due to return soon, and I am hoping you will come for dinner one evening, Lilly,” Essex said, pulling on her gloves.
“Oh well—”
“Excellent.”
She heard Lord Sinclair's deep laugh as she stood looking at the door his sister had just sailed through. They were incredibly forceful, these people.
“Argument is futile, I am afraid.”
Frustrated, she glared at him. “This is highly improper, and I have no wish for you to accompany me. Should we be seen it would raise any number of questions.”
“And running about London streets with children at dusk is the correct behavior for ladies, is it?”
“Are you threatening to expose me, my lord?”
He looked genuinely surprised by her words, followed by annoyance.
“I'm not sure how you came to that conclusion, but let me assure you that I do not tell tales. No matter how much I question your activities.”
“You have no right to question anything about me!” Lilly felt her temper rise. Lord, this man was insufferable... and exhausting to be around.
“Perhaps not, but I am now aware of your reckless gadding about London streets, and I would be lying if I did not say I was concerned.”
Truly baffled, she asked why.
“You are a lady of my acquaintance, and as such honor dictates I ensure you are safe.”
“But we don't even like each other.” His words made absolutely no sense.
He moved closer, taking one of her hands in his.
“We didn't like each other, but now we do.”
His gentle smile disturbed her more than it should, and Lilly had a sinking feeling that she was on the precipice of something, but had no idea what. The tingling feeling in her fingers had her snatching back her hand.
“No.” She shook her head. “I don't want to like you.”
“But you do.”
Dear God, she feared he was right, and that all the turmoil inside her was not because she loathed and detested him, but in fact because she liked him. Needing distance to draw a deep, calming breath, Lilly hurried to the kitchens to tell Bee they were leaving. Distance, she reminded herself. Distance would heal whatever madness was currently taking up residence inside her head.
Lilly looked out the carriage window as they journeyed to the Watch House. Lord Sinclair had attempted to converse with her, yet she had been equally determined to get their relationship back on the footing it had held for the last two years.
His words before they left Temple Street had disturbed her, and she knew he was right. She could like him, but she would not. Could not. Therefore, she would retreat.
“Those buns were the best I have tasted.”
She looked at him, but his eyes were on Bee. A maid, for pity’s sake. Did the man not know that noblemen did not converse with maids—not that she didn't converse with staff, but still, he was a lord.
“I could get the recipe for you, my lord. Mrs. Davey would not mind, I am sure.”
“Could you indeed? I should be most obliged.”
His eyes lit at the prospect, making him look less like an intimidating peer and more like an eager young boy.
“My younger siblings would enjoy them.”
“How many of you are there, my lord? If you don't mind me asking?”
“Not at all, Miss…?”
“Just Bee, my lord.”
Lilly watched her usually stoic maid smile. It took a great deal to get such reaction from her in the normal course of a day.
“Well, Bee, I'm the eldest. My sister Essex comes next, and then Cambridge and Eden. We have a jump then to the twins, Dorset and Somerset, aged nine years, and lastly Warwickshire.”
“And you are called Devonshire,” Lilly said, intrigued despite herself.
“Yes, we are each named after a location in England. My parents traveled a lot.” He finished with a shrug, looking at her.
“It must be very noisy.”
Lilly saw the small laugh lines bracketing his mouth as he smiled, and those emerald-green eyes sparkled like the brightest gems. He was dangerous. Very dangerous, and she must always remember that fact. Men were not to be trusted.
“That, Bee, is an understatement. The noise is sometimes deafening, especially when we play games. It's the squealing; it gets into your eardrums and is mighty hard to dislodge.”
“And you would have it no other way, my lord.”
“Too true, Bee. I am indeed blessed to have so much love in my life.”
It was petty of her to hate him for that statement, yet Lilly did.
“We have arrived,” she said minutes later, relieved that she could get out of the carriage and away from him. He took up too much room with his long legs and large feet. Not to mention the smell of the man. Her brother wore some overpowering cologne, as did plenty of other men she knew, but not him. For some reason it reminded Lilly of the countryside. The trees, grass, earth. Inhaling his scent made her feel... alive.
Dev stepped down before Lilly, holding out a hand. She was forced to take it, and he lowered her to the ground.
“Come, Bee.” She did not acknowledge him, instead addressing her maid.
“Yes, Miss Braithwaite.”
Together they stood looking across the road at the brick façade. It was not a building that made a person take a second look. The windows were clean but unadorned, the five front steps painted gray.
“I understand your reasons for being here, Lilly, yet would caution you that it is highly unlikely you will receive the answers you seek yet again.”
He would do what he could for her, yet she needed to know that it was very likely another fruitless endeavor they were embarking on.
“Perhaps if you have that attitude then it would be best if you stayed in the carriage. I shall leave Bee with you, so you may continue your cozy chat with her, Lord Sinclair.”
“She is a most excellent conversationalist, to be sure. However, I have said I will accompany you, so I shall leave further discussions about cinnamon buns for another day.”
“Don't laugh at me!”
“Then don't be ridiculous, and I shall not be forced to.”
He reached for her arm as she stepped away from him, but she was too quick and started across the street. Dev turned to look for any approaching traffic. He saw the carriage and the intent face of the driver. Raising his whip, the man urged his horses faster. The street was busy, so he had no cause to be traveling at such speed.
Looking to where Lilly was in the middle of the road, Dev started in her direction. The carriage would not touch her on its present course, yet it would pay for her to increase her pace.
Throwing the driver another look, he then felt it again, that sudden surge of desperation he had experienced twice in his life before. The carriage changed direction and veered toward Lilly.
“Run, Lilly!”
“Miss Braithwaite!” Bee's cry did not reach her either.
Head down, she continued walking. Dev started running, desperate to reach her and keep her safe. Seconds later she was in his arms. He took a huge leap that carried them to safety before the carriage flew past.
He cursed as his knees wobbled, but he managed to remain upright. Heart thudding so hard Dev felt breathless, he tightened his grip on her.
“Dear God, Lilly, tell me you are all right?”
“Y-yes, thank you, my lord. Pl-please put me down.” Her voice was unsteady.
Dev lowered her to the ground, but he couldn't let her go because he needed to touch her. Holding her upper arms, he steadied both of them.
She was safe now, he reminded himself.
“I-I didn't hear them, I'm sorry.”
“You are safe; that is all that matters.”
Dear God, the desperation inside him had been palpable. He'd experienced that sensation when he had saved the Duke of Raven at Quatre Bras, and then the other night when he had caught Lilly as she'd fallen. What did that mean? She wasn't a Raven. Could his reaction to her simply be because she had his colors?
“Yes—I'm sorry I d-did not hear the carriage coming, Lord Sinclair. It came upon me so quickly.”
She was shaking, so he ran his hands up her arms before taking one hand in his.
“Come, take my arm and we shall walk a while before we enter the building. I for one need the time.”
Her fingers gripped his sleeve, and Dev fought the urge to wrap his arm around her waist.
“I-I…. please allow me to thank you, my lord.”
“I was unsure if I would reach you.”
“It was very brave of you to take such a risk for someone you barely know.”
“You were about to be run down, Lilly. Of course I took the risk.”
“Some would not.”
Dev had a feeling there was more to that statement, but he left it for now.
“I did not hurt you?”
“No, I am quite well, thank you, just a little unsettled.”
“And forever in my debt.”
“Pardon?” She looked up at him, her lavender eyes wide. She was pale, and Dev did not fight the need to close the distance and brush his lips over hers.
“My lord!”
“Excellent, you now have color in your cheeks once more.”
“You c-cannot do such a thing out here where anyone could chance upon us!” Her eyes were shooting left and right behind the lenses of her glasses.
“All right, I shall wait till we are alone then.”
“No, you shall not!”
“Lilly—”
“Call me Miss Braithwaite!”
“No.”
“Why?” She looked up at him once more.
“Because you are now Lilly to me.”
She shook her head as if to clear it. “I really do not understand what is happening. We dislike each other, and until a few nights ago, did not even speak.”
“Come, you can mull over that later. Neither of us is still breathing like a racehorse, so we shall take on the local Watch.”
“Don't call me Lilly.”
His siblings always had the last word too, Dev thought, opening the door and ushering her inside.