“Reggie, have you given any thought to what you would like to do now you are here in London?”
“I don’t want to go back to my father.”
“That will never happen,” Daniel vowed, holding the boy’s eyes until Reggie nodded, acknowledging the words.
“I want to go to university.”
“Away from London to university?” Daniel queried. Intrigued, he waited as Reggie formed his words before continuing.
“Eva taught me everything she learnt from her tutor. I know a great many things but I want to go to a school with other boys where I will learn more. I want to read books and study languages. But most of all…”
Daniel found himself leaning forward as a sparkle came into Reggie’s sapphire blue eyes. “What, Reggie? What do you really want?” Daniel would find a way to give it to the boy, no matter the cost.
“I want to have friends.”
Wernham brought their breakfast in and Daniel took the few minutes to think about what Eva’s brother had said. He still had friends he’d formed at Eton - solid reliable friends who had made his time there something to remember.“I will start enquiries today for Eton, Reggie.”
“But I am not of noble birth, your Grace.”
“Your brother-in-law is a duke, Reginald. Please remember that fact.” Daniel winked at the boy and was rewarded with half a smile, which made him feel good. “And please call me Daniel.”
“While I am honored that you would offer such a school for me, I would rather go to Edinburgh University.”
Daniel sipped his coffee. “How old are you?”
“Seventeen, your Grace.”
Lord, he’d thought the boy no older than fifteen. His height was no greater than Eva’s and he would not weight much more.
“Why Edinburgh?”
Reggie lowered his fork, then wiped his mouth before speaking, both actions giving him time to think. “Edinburgh is open to anyone and I have no wish to attend a school where I will not fit, your Grace. Now I know Eva is safe in your hands, I have no need to stay near her and Edinburgh is far enough away from them.”
“Why do you believe your sister is safe with me, Reggie?” Daniel was curious. This boy, like his sister, had suffered at the hands of their family, yet unlike Eva, he seemed willing to trust Daniel on short acquaintance.
“My sister said I could trust you, Daniel, and I can see in your eyes that it is true.”
Clearing his throat, Daniel nodded. “If you want to stay here with your sister, Reggie, you can trust me to keep you safe also.”
His smile was tired and should have been on the face of an older man. “I would rather you put all your efforts into protecting my sister, your Grace, as it is she who has suffered at their hands the most and it is she who deserves happiness.”
Daniel kept his eyes level as Reggie stared at him. “Your family will never touch your sister again. You have my word on that.”
Reggie looked at him a few seconds longer and then nodded, which made Daniel release the breath he hadn’t known he was holding. “But I will have your word, Reggie, that if at any time you have concerns or are in trouble, you will come to me instantly.”
“I promise.”
“Good. Now finish your breakfast and I shall have my man look into Edinburgh. I’m guessing you wish to leave soon?”
“Yes. A fresh start and new city is what I crave, although Eva will not be happy at the prospect.”
“Only because she worries for you, Reggie. I believe that is what sisters are meant to do,” Daniel said. He’d always wanted a sibling and now it seemed he had one in the form of a brother in law.
When Eva walked in ten minutes later, Daniel and Reggie were still planning his trip.
“Good morning, Eva.” Daniel rose to greet her. “Reggie, your sister is in the room. Please rise.”
Surprise flashed across her pretty face as he spoke but she said nothing, instead moving to hug her brother. Then she found her chair. Daniel felt the foolish urge to request a hug, too.
