“It’s all right, my darling. I’m not going anywhere,” he said.
She relaxed, letting go of him, and sank back into sleep.
The second time Helena awoke, she was much more alert. A slight snoring had her turning her head to see that Silas wassitting in an armchair by the bed, still dressed in the same clothes he had been in when he rescued her.
She frowned in disapproval.That cannot be comfortable.
She reached out slowly and patted his knee.
“Silas?” she said.
He jerked awake and blinked at her as if he didn’t recognize her for a minute before he straightened up and reached for her hand.
“You’re awake,” he said, his voice rough.
Helena shivered. “Yes, I am.”
They stared at each other a bit and then her mouth turned down and tears stung her eyes. She could not keep her wail inside. He leaned in slowly and gathered her into his arms.
“I’m here,” he murmured soothingly, “It’s all going to be all right.”
“M-my m-mother is d-dead.” Her voice quavered as she cried into his shirt.
“She is.”
She grabbed his shirt, holding it tightly. “I-is eve-eryone e-e-else all right? Th-there we-were bo-bodies.”
He sighed. “Yes, three men died. Patricia was injured.”
“A-Am-Amelia?”
“She is fine. Just a few bruises. She’s resting like you are.”
Helena tried her best to rein in her crying, but the tears just kept coming. She could not help but feel embarrassed at how loudly she was wailing, so unladylike.
Silas ran a hand gently down her back, murmuring nonsense words soothingly. She appreciated the comfort even as she was mortified by it. Finally, she straightened up, letting go of his shirt as he handed her a handkerchief.
“What now?” she asked softly as she wiped her face.
He shook his head. “Now… I suppose there will be a trial, and your uncle will have to answer for his crimes. So far, I understand he is to be charged with treason and murder of both the Earl and Countess of Downfield.”
“Good,” she whispered. “Is Charlie all right?”
He rubbed her hand, “He’s fine, I promise you.”
She nodded, and sniffed. “I should like to go and see him soon.”
“Of course. As soon as you’re able.”
She moved the blankets away. “I’m able now.”
He put both hands on hers, to stop her. “In just a moment. First, I have a few things I need to tell you.”
Helena froze, and stared at him. Would he tell her that she had to leave his home now? She remembered that they were not really speaking before this entire fiasco.
“What is it?” she asked breathlessly.
He took a deep breath. “Helena. We met in the most serendipitous way possible. You needed help, and I was in the right place. It’s as if fate pushed us together to be able to avenge your father.”
