The siblings stared at each other for a long moment, then Benedict blew out a ragged breath.
“Apologies, Nora. I should not have spoken to you so.”
“Quite, Benedict. But, thank you for your care of me.”
Now that the atmosphere was less tense, Honora rose and came to stand beside her brother, resting her palm on his shoulder in support. “Will you be gone for long?”
He reached up and patted her hand. “I hope not. But while I am away, I need you to listen to Silas. I will keep him updated via post, but I do not trust that you are no longer a target in my absence.”
“Very well,” said Honora with a soothing smile, leaning down to lightly buss his cheek. “I promise to behave myself.”
Benedict snorted, rising to his feet with a smile.
“Please have pity on poor Silas, he has no idea what he is in for.”
Honora smiled innocently. “I cannot fathom what you might mean, dear brother.”
Six
Silas managedto keep it together for most of the day after Benedict left London, despite the palpable tension in the air every time he looked over at Honora.
It was so hard to keep up his pretence of cool indifference when every instinct in his being was screaming at him to take her into his arms and keep her safe from all that would harm her.
He had paced the house all morning, wishing there was something more useful he could do to help than cool his heels and wait for the next threat to make its appearance.
Just when he thought he would go mad with the distraction of being alone in her presence, on edge after countless cups of tea, Honora asked if they could take a walk in the small park behind the townhouse, claiming the fresh air and exercise would chase away the last of her lingering headache.
Grateful to have something to do other than try not to stare moonstruck at the perfection of her profile, Silas hastily agreed.
They walked around the edge of the park for a while in comfortable silence, Silas keeping himself alert for any sign of a threat. They saw no one though, besides the widow Pellington and her small, overfed dog tottering along beside her.
Honora stopped to make idle conversation with the lady, petting the wheezing ball of fluff with a soft coo of affection.
It set his teeth on edge for some strange reason, watching her stroke the dog as if she had not a care in the world.
Why are you in such a foul mood,he chastised himself sternly.
You know why… Because every moment in her presence is another nail in the coffin for your heart.
The desire to walk swiftly back to the house and pour himself a large scotch was overwhelming. If only the cure for his desire lasted longer than an evening’s stupor.
He knew all too well that he could not drown his obsession for more than a few hours.
Finally, Honora claimed herself much refreshed, suggesting they go in and prepare for dinner.
Silas swiftly escorted Honora back to her rooms, handing her off to her lady’s maid at the door, then turned for the entrance hall to see if any updates had arrived from Benedict.
He hadn’t made it ten steps before a shrill scream split the air.
Rushing back the way he’d come, Silas barreled around the corner and straight into the terrified form of Honora.
Catching her up in his arms, he swung her behind him, shielding her with his body automatically.
Her small hands clutched his jacket, as she pressed her face to his back and sobbed.
Scanning the halls and finding nothing more dangerous than her white-faced lady’s maid, Silas turned to her, lifting her face to his.
“What is it, Honora? What happened?”
