“Think nothing of it, your Grace. You have only to ask if you require anything further.”
There was something familiar about Wernham as he tilted his head at that angle.
“Do you know the duke’s butler at Stratton, Wernham?” Eva followed him along the hallway as she spoke.
“Luton is my brother, your Grace.”
“I thought I recognized the tilt of your head. He is a wonderful man, Wernham, and without him, these last few months would have been much more difficult, I can assure you.”
“He is the elder, your Grace, and approached the duke about employing me. When the duke agreed, he then taught me everything I needed to know before I undertook this position.
“I’m sure the duke and I are very lucky to have you both.”
The butler blushed.
“His Grace has told me to bring a tray to your room, your Grace, as he thought you would be tired and wish to stay near your brother.”
“Yes, thank you that would be perfect,” Eva said.
Her room was smaller than the one at Stratton, which suited Eva, but just as lovely. Molly, her maid, was waiting for her inside.
“Did you enjoy your trip here, Molly?” Eva sat on the bed, feeling suddenly tired. It had been a busy few days and having Reggie arrive had turned her emotions on their head.
“It was wonderful, your Grace, and London such an amazing site.”
At least someone is happy to be here. “I’m glad you’re happy, Molly.”
Eva spent the remainder of the day in her room or checking on Reggie, who had not stirred since he fell asleep many hours ago. Daniel came to see her briefly telling her to call him if she needed anything and that he would be in his office working through the paper work that was awaiting his attention. When she was sure that Reggie would not wake until morning, Eva washed and retired early, exhausted she was asleep minutes.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Daniel came upon Reggie Winchcomb the following morning as he walked past the library. It was early, but as was his usual routine, he intended to run through the day’s correspondence before eating his morning meal. He found the boy on his way to the study.
“Good morning, Reginald.”
“Reggie is my name. Thank you, your Grace.”
Nodding, Daniel looked at the young man as he replaced the book he held. His eyes were like Eva’s, filled with the same pain and fears, although he wanted to believe her fears were easing.
“Reggie, then. Did you sleep well?”
His nod was solemn. “It was the best sleep I have ever had.”
“Excellent. Would you like to have breakfast?”
“I would. Thank you.”
Also like Eva, each of her brother’s words was spoken carefully and with thought. Daniel did not have much experience with young men - he had no siblings and he was not terribly close with his cousins – and therefore, he would have to go by instinct when dealing with Eva’s brother.
“This way,” he indicated, forgoing his study for the breakfast room. Once seated, he asked the boy what he would like to eat and drink. Reggie’s response was to stare blankly back at him.
“No preferences? Ham, eggs and toast?
“Yes, please.”
“Wernham, please bring us a meal worthy of two men and Reggie will have chocolate to drink and coffee for me, please.”
The boy didn’t move at all. His hands never reached for his knife or played with the tablecloth. Instead he sat very still and watched Daniel. Fidgeting was obviously not tolerated in the Winchcomb household.
