All life.
“He doesn’t look like a murderer,” she said, though the words felt strange even as she spoke them. Because what did a murderer look like?
And yet, she would trust her gut. She knew she was right.
Gilbert frowned, chewing his lip. “Then why wouldn’t they just put him in jail?”
“I don’t think that man in there is a criminal.” Daisy set the bread on the worktable. “Which means those bobbies are the worst kind—corrupt.”
She rolled her lips together, thoughtful. “Hopefully, he’ll wake up soon and tell us what happened.”
If he lives.
Gilbert crossed his arms, his brows drawing together in adeep furrow. “That’s dumb,” he said with all the blunt certainty of a nine-year-old. “For a member of the police to be corrupt.”
“Agreed.” Out of the mouths of babes.
She let out a slow breath. “They aren’t all like that.”
Not sure she believed her own words, she steered the conversation back to their unconscious guest.
“He must have people.” She added a dollop of berry preserves to the butter. “Judging by his clothing, I’d imagine he’s the sort with family who might be looking for him.”
Nobs. Privileged men with homes and titles.
And yet… it had been a lord who wanted him dead.
Gilbert considered her words. Then, after a beat, he asked, “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay home with you today? In case he wakes up,” he rushed to add, looking concerned. “Or worse, in case those men come back. I’m not sure I should leave you alone.”
Before he had even finished the suggestion, Daisy was already shaking her head.
Warmth filled her chest at his protectiveness, but she wouldn’t allow it.Shewas the one protecting him.
And part of that meant making sure he made the most of the education she worked so hard to pay for.
Because he deserved better in this life. Because he could be someone.
“I’ll be fine.” She moved around the table, ruffling his hair before pressing a quick kiss to the top of his head.
It seemed, these days, that he grew overnight. Just a few more years, and he’d be a man.
But for now, he was still her little brother.
“You mustn’t worry about me.” She softened her voice, then placed her hands on her hips, straightening her spine in an attempt to look stern—confident. In control. “Just focus on your studies and getting high marks.” She lifted her chin, adding with mock gravity, “I will deal with our guest.”
For a moment, Daisy thought her brother was going to ignore her orders.
But then, with a slow, knowing grin, he quipped, “I suppose you can just plant him a facer if he makes any trouble.”
Daisy huffed a laugh, ruffling his curls again. “Precisely.”
She gave him a gentle shove toward the door, but as he moved to leave, she caught his arm.
“Not a word about…” She gestured toward the pantry.
Gilbert’s smile faded. He didn’t need the reminder. His eyes met hers and he nodded. “I know.”
And he did.
