They had already decided to meet at Silas’s for dinner in order to make plans for the next day. Silas had sent for one of his men, who would be reporting his findings on the apothecary tonight.
It was exciting for Helena to be included in all the planning but knowing that these men were willing to kill, threaten and hurt people she loved put a damper on her enjoyment. She just hoped that this apothecary would be the key that would open the door for her uncle to be arrested so that her brother was finally safe.
They arrived at Silas’s town house. It was a long narrow building with three floors. The walls were painted white, with wood paneling. It was clear from the dark leather chairs, the plain walls, and the lack of décor, that this was a bachelor’s home.
“I take it Amelia doesn’t visit London much,” Helena said drily.
Silas shook his head, “I much prefer that she doesn’t. There’s nothing for her here. Not until she comes out, anyway.”
Helena aimed a smile at him, “Maybe not even then. She seems to have set her eyes on Lord Richmont.”
Silas shuddered theatrically. “Heaven forbid.”
Helena laughed as she set down her reticule on the bed. “Do you not like your friend for her? He seems perfectly?—”
“No.” Silas interrupted, shaking his head emphatically. “No.”
Helena grinned. “Amelia will be so heartbroken.”
“She’ll get over it. She just hasn’t met any other men.”
Helena sat down on the bench by the window with a sigh, staring out into the street. She watched the street vendors walk past, shouting their wares, whiletonladies sauntered down the street, brandishing umbrellas and gossiping about each other. An occasional carriage drove past, bearing some family’s crest.
She looked at the other houses on the street, all built in a similar style to Silas’s though some were noticeably larger.
“I’ve never been to Mayfair before,” she commented. “It’s just as I thought it might be, though your house is smaller than the average, I see.”
He smiled. “That is because it used to consist of mine and the house next door before Benedict and I bought it and divided it in two. We both expected to be bachelors for a long time, and found it a more prudent solution than each having a full house we rarely used.”
“Oh, so that’s where Benedict is staying?”
Silas nodded.
Helena craned her neck, trying to see the house next door, but she could not. There was a knock on the door and a servant came in.
She bowed low before addressing Silas. “Water for your baths are ready, Your Graces, shall I bring them up?”
“Yes, thank you, Jane.” Silas gave a nod and the servant disappeared.
Helena looked at him, “Will you not introduce me to the staff?”
“Not this trip. We shall arrange something more formal soon but for now, I do not wish them to be gossiping about you to anyone.”
“Well, she called me Your Grace, so she must know that I am your Duchess.”
“Indeed. And that is all she knows. Until we finish this mission, we have to be careful about who knows your whereabouts.”
Helena nodded slowly before turning back to look out of the window.
Tomorrow, maybe, she would get some answers.
For tonight, she just wanted to shed the dust of the road, eat a good meal, and fall asleep in Silas’s arms.
“Good morning.” Silas said to Benedict, who was sitting at his dining table, enjoying a fried egg and some steaming tea as he read the newspapers.
He looked up and smiled at Silas. “Good morning.”
Silas slowly walked in and sat at the head of the table. “Forgive me for the early intrusion,” Benedict said, “But your cook is better than mine so I thought I would take advantage.”
