Benedict shrugged. “We thought we might speak with them, establish our authority, that kind of thing.” He grinned. “Needless to say, they did not take it well and proposed to send our heads back to the governor on a pike.”
Amelia gasped. “What did you do?”
“Well, I was stupid and arrogant, shouting about empire and might. If I had been alone, then I probably would have disappeared that night, never to be seen again. But Silas herewas more of a diplomat. He saw the danger we were in, and sought audience with the headman.”
Silas put his head in his palm. “It was not having a head for diplomacy, just one for survival,” he protested.
“Silas asked the headman if there was something they needed from Santo Domingo, that we might procure for him in exchange for our lives.” Benedict paused for effect.
“What did he say?” Helena exclaimed impatiently.
“Lucky for us, the headman had a daughter who happened to be working in the governor’s residence. Silas promised to get her out and bring her back while the community held me hostage.”
Helena turned to Silas. “Did you do it?”
Silas nodded, “The hardest part was actually getting her to trust that I was taking her to her father. Once she knew I was telling the truth, she came with me willingly and we stole away in the night and back up the hills. The headman was good as his word and gave Benedict back to me.”
“Did you tell Father what you’d done?” Amelia asked.
Silas shook his head. “It was tremendously foolish of us. We were not about to call attention to it.”
Helena shook her head at him. “Every day, a new revelation,” she murmured.
He gave her a smile. “Ah, it was nothing. Luckily, everything else went smoothly and we returned to London triumphant.”
Amelia reached out and patted Benedict’s hand. “I understand why he’s your favorite now. I suppose I shall just have to work harder to earn the honor of taking his place.”
Silas rolled his eyes. “Lord, save us,” he murmured.
“Tell me about London?” Amelia said softly as she played the harpsichord after dinner.
They were sitting in the music room drinking Brandy and eating chocolate gateau, as they waited for the men to finish with their cigars. Helena knew what they were really doing, but she went along with the deception.
“I like the townhouse. Silas keeps an excellent chef there. The food was delicious.”
Amelia laughed. “Silas told me he stole the chef away from Benedict. Lord Richmont was quite annoyed about that.”
Helena gave her a look. “You really like him, don’t you?”
Amelia sighed wistfully. “He is an absolutely gorgeous man, such good manners and so gentle. And his eyes…”
Helena watched her in amusement. It was clear that Amelia was lost in her daydreams. “I do not think your brother will let you have him as a suitor.”
Amelia scoffed, “Silas is overprotective and silly. Who else would be worthy of me, if not his friend?”
“Perhaps he wants you to have someone closer to your own age.”
Amelia snorted. “And where would I meet such a person?”
“You have plenty of time.”
Amelia shook her head. “I do not. I love Benedict.”
Helena bit her lip. She had never heard such certainty from one so young. She herself could not imagine being so sure of another person. She could not recall harboring any romantic feelings at that age. She could not even remember showing the slightest interest in the opposite sex. Even with visitors of all ages constantly coming and going from their home.
“Perhaps he’s just the only man you know well, who you are not related to.” Helena said quietly.
Amelia made no reply, just continued to play her instrument. She had some talent, nothing remarkable, but the music was pleasant. Helena sat back, taking a bit of her gateau and just listened.
