She envied his confidence, and could not help admiring him. A man like him did not need to decide to harm anyone; he could do it with a flick of his wrist or a mere nod.
Heradiatedpower.
“You didn’t answer my question,” she said, marveling that her voice was so steady.
He inclined his head to the side. “May I know your name?”
She folded her arms. “May I know yours?”
The corner of his lip twitched, as though he’d smile. “My name is Silas.”
“Silas?” She looked him up and down. “From your dress and your speech, I can tell that you are a noble man. Yet you introduce yourself with your Christian name, not your title. What am I to deduce from this?”
The man raised an eyebrow. “Well, I have deduced that you are very observant. And perceptive. Two traits uncommon in a lady of theton.”
Helena tensed slightly. He knew she was a lady. How?
“It seems we are at an impasse. Would you care to break it?” She was very shocked at her cheekiness; she could not recall ever having spoken to a gentleman in such a manner.
“If you tell me your name first,” he crossed his arms over his chest, bringing her attention to the fabric of his coat which clung tightly around his thick biceps.
He was a strong man, that was for certain. If he was sent by her uncle, he would know what she looked like.
Perhaps he just wants to confirm it is you before he kills you.
Then she remembered the quite expensive-looking phaeton he had been driving. She had seen the groom bring it to the stables and untether the horse—the very one she was trying to bribe with apples so she could ride him out of the abbey.
“First, tell me what you want with me,” she lifted her chin.
“I am in need of some information. I believe a certain young lady in this institution possesses what I need. If you are not that lady, I would appreciate it if you guided me to her direction, so that I could be on my way,” he said, his voice smooth as velvet.
“How would I know I am that lady? You haven’t given me the name of who you’re searching for.” She was stalling him, and they both knew it.
“Neither have you,” he tilted his head to the side.
Helena huffed, rolling her eyes. “For such a handsome man, you are quite annoying,” she blurted.
He cocked an eyebrow. “You find me handsome?”
Helena blushed. She hadn’t meant to say that… out loud. “Well, I’m sure you own a looking glass, so I do not have to tell you.”
The corner of his lip twitched again. “Even so, compliments are always welcome.”
Helena snorted, surprised to find that she was finding amusement in this situation. “Humility must not be one of your virtues.”
“And I see that a gentle tongue is not one of yours.”
Helena gave him a look. “Surely you’re not offended by my forthrightness?”
“Offended? No. I do find myself quite amused, though. I assume it is the same for you. I must be the first man you’ve seen in some weeks, apart from the gatekeeper, no?” He leaned in ever so slightly. “Which is why you can’t peel your eyes away, right?”
She stared at him, stymied. She had no idea how they had wandered into this conversation.
She recoiled, her cheeks flaming, suddenly self-conscious. “I…” she began to say shyly.
“No, no.” he shook his head at her, “It is too late to play the blushing ingénue now. You have already shown your hand.”
She blinked at him, nonplussed. Then she flicked a glance at the doorway, realizing that he was blocking her escape.
