But icicles of disgust and outrage curdled in his veins.
The son then. He knew it. He knew it to be the truth. But he would not press her tonight.
She had gathered up the candle and Peaches and was turning as though to return to her chamber.
He slipped on his waistcoat, snuffed out his own candle, and set it on a table nearby. Then, without giving her any warning, swooped her and Peaches into his arms.
One slender arm reached up to grasp him around the neck. The other one held fast to her dog. “I can walk, you know,” she said before tucking her head into his neck, “but I like this better.”
Devlin chuckled as he carried her through the familiar corridor. “Of course you can,” he said. “But I like this better, too.”
He turned into the stairwell and adjusted her weight slightly. She was a tiny little thing, but these back stairs were steep.
“Did you know your aunt commissioned a portrait of Peaches?” Sophia said out of nowhere. “Despite everything, your family has been awfully kind to me. Her grace, I think, truly wants me to feel at home.”
Dev was not surprised. His father would not have stayed at Prescott House if good will was lacking. It was never a matter of his family not loving one another. Loving one another too much, perhaps. They would protect one another, regardless of who might get hurt. Such an unquestioning loyalty was not always for the best, he knew. They did not always consider the well-being of outsiders when it came to their actions. Nor did they always consider matters such as right and wrong, due process, and lawfulness.
“Her grace is a good person. Their hearts are in the right place,” he conceded, “if not their heads.” He did not wish to criticize his family to her, but he also knew that she was somewhat confused by it all. “If you’d known the true circumstances, would you have accepted Harold’s proposal?”
She thought for a moment or two. Devlin reached the floor where Sophia’s chamber was located and turned sideways to exit the stairwell with her. She tucked her feet down so they could pass through more easily.
“Honestly, before I knew you, I cannot say that I would not. But… I did meet you, and, well, that’s changed everything.”
He grinned over at her and then placed a quick kiss upon her lips. No one would see them. The halls were lit by one tiny candle, and it was close to two in the morning.
When he got to her chamber, he raised his brows questioningly. “Your maid?”
“Has left me for the evening. She believes I am sharing a romantic night with my husband.”
Hmm… this could be advantageous for the two of them. He opened the door and carried her through to her bed.
“Are you still confused?”
She hesitated only a moment before answering. “No, I rather think I see the truth of it.”
He did not want her suffering belated attacks of guilt. “And that is?”
“Your family and my parents have manipulated circumstances so as to each achieve their own ends — without my consent or knowledge. Your family has done so to provide protection for Harold, and mine for financial security.”
“And so, it is quite understandable that you might feel justified in rebelling against such deviousness.” He would have her be certain of these facts.
“I suppose.” She scooted across the bed and placed Peaches on a blanket at the foot.
“Are you sleepy?” he asked her. “Or still hungry?”
“I am still hungry,” she said, “but I’ve no wish to awaken a maid.” She would have continued, but he raised one finger to her lips.
“Then do not awaken one,” he said. “I have personal knowledge of where the cook keeps rations for just such an occasion.” Devlin held up a hand, indicating for her to stay put. “I shall return shortly, my lady.”
* * *
Sophia tuckedher feet beneath her, rather than lock the door behind him as her first instinct demanded. She was safe here. She seemed to be safe whenever Devlin was near.
Perhaps they could talk. She was finally getting some answers.
It wasn’t long before he returned with a tray of various fruits, breads, and cheeses. He’d also discovered an opened bottle of wine. As he entered the room, he shrugged. “If your maid believes your husband is sharing your chamber with you, we might as well provide her with evidence to that effect.”
“That looks delicious.” Opening a small blanket, she set out what was like a picnic on her bed. “You are going to join me, are you not?”
