He straightened up from the door taking two steps towards her.
“Indeed,” he agreed dryly. “Did you settle in satisfactorily?”
She took a deep breath. “I got the jewels. A little extravagant, don’t you think?”
He smiled taking the seat next to her. “Not at all. The jewels belong to you now. They’ve been passed on from duchess to duchess since my ancestors claimed this land.”
“How historic. I shall watch over them diligently.”
He half-smirked. “I know you will. As I know that they will look lovely on you.”
She shuddered, shaking her head. “Oh, I dare not wear them. What if they were to get lost?”
He laughed. “Don’t worry. They’re insured.”
“But the history!”
Silas was still grinning, amused at her earnestness. “You can relax. You are not about to ruin a family legacy here. They are simply baubles that you wear to complement your beauty.”
Helena kept watching him skeptically. “You are very nonchalant about this. It worries me.”
“Everything worries you, does it not? Simply add this to the pile. But please, do feel free to wear them whenever you want.”
“I don’t expect we shall be attending many parties. What with…” she gestured around with her hand, “everything going on with my uncle.”
“No, we certainly shall not be holding any soirees. Not until we have apprehended your uncle and his henchmen.”
She gave a deep sigh. “And when do you think that will be? Do you have the evidence you need?”
“Not enough. In fact, I meant to ask you if you knew anything about his doings. He seems so determined to get you back, perhaps you saw something you shouldn’t?”
“Like what?”
“Did you have any visitors to your father’s house, strange men? Perhaps a conversation you overheard?”
She shook her head, sighing. “It’s been five years since I was home. Even if I saw something inadvertently, I don’t recall. Please tell me that you have more than my testimony. You promised that Charlie would be safe.”
“He is safe. We are keeping watch over him.”
“Do you know what he wants? Uncle James, that is. Do you know why he’s doing all this?”
“We suspect it has something to do with selling secrets to the French. His known associates are notorious for being purveyors of government secrets and selling to the highest bidder.”
“I want to help you. What can I do?”
“You have done enough. Leave the rest of it to us.”
She gave him a disbelieving look. “Surely, you do not just expect me to sit here and wait. My life was ruined by this man. I did not come here to hide behind your coat tails. I came here for your help.”
“And am I not doing just that?”
“Yes, but you’re also shoving me to the side and taking over.”
“What is it that you think you can do, that I, with my resources, cannot?”
“I know the manor. I can get in. I can search for the evidence that you need.”
Silas began shaking his head as soon as she started speaking. “That’s too dangerous. You could get hurt or killed.”
