“But you would like to get out again?” Leonard asked, switching the topic. “There is a ball at the Feltons’ on Saturday.”
Samuel’s face fell, and he looked toward the fire. “Mother made a remark after the theater. She thinks I should stay home for at least a week before going out again.”
“Samuel,” Leonard said, shaking his head, “do you not grow tired of letting her manage your life? I do not know how you bear it with such patience. You are a saint.”
“That, or a coward.” He brought his gaze to Leonard. “I’m beginning to think it’s the second.”
A coward? Leonard thought his brother one of the bravest souls he knew. Despite his circumstances, he never complained, navigating his life with a sunny disposition.
“What do you mean, Samuel?”
Samuel shrugged as he looked at his lap. “After so many years of being told I can only do so much or I will die, I fear I’m beginning to believe them.”
“Have you tried?”
He shook his head. “No.”
“Do you think yourself capable?”
“I’d like to believe I am. But lately, I’ve been too scared to try.” Samuel reached toward a side table and picked up a book, rubbing his hand over the cover with near reverence. “But seeing you tonight with Miss Gillingham has me wanting to try harder to live my life instead of just withering away. If my years are to be short, I would much rather live them to the fullest.” He looked up at Leonard. “And if you can overcome your fears, then perhaps I can as well.”
A pain welled up within Leonard’s chest. He wanted the best for his brother, whatever that meant. And if it meant getting him out to the Feltons’ ball, then so be it. He would find a way, whatever it took.
Chapter Twenty-Six
With quiet steps, Honora crept to the servant’s entrance of the Stantons’ townhome. She wore the darkest gown she owned, one of low quality in case she needed to blend in with her surroundings. To complete her disguise, she wore a bonnet over her hair to hide the style beneath.
A familiar thrill ran up her spine as she pressed her shoulder to the door, listening to the happenings on the other side. It seemed quiet, so she turned the handle. It was supposed to be left unlocked for her, and just as Leonard had said it would be, the handle turned beneath her grasp.
Leonard had said in his letter that he would do his best to keep as many of the servants occupied while she snuck Samuel out. In truth, she wasn’t sure why she was needed other than helping Samuel down the stairs if he seemed to be struggling. It was suppertime, so most kitchen hands should be downstairs at work. Leonard had said Samuel would claim fatigue and go to his room early while Leonard kept his parents busy in the front room. The only one they knew to be leaving for the evening was Leonard.
Honora slipped inside and immediately made for the back stairs. In the letter, Leonard had drawn a quick sketch showing the floor plan of the townhouse, and she had committed it to memory. Once she made it up the stairs, she hurried down the hall to the second door on the left and gave three gentle raps. Within seconds, the door opened, and a smiling Samuel greeted her.
“Are you ready?” she asked, looking over her shoulder.
With a smile of determination, he nodded and joined her in the hall, holding a walking cane in his right hand.
“You can’t use that just yet,” Honora said, offering her arm. “It will be much too loud on the stairs.”
“That is what you are here for, isn’t it?” He linked his arm through hers, and she held some of his weight as they made for the stairs.
She took his cane in her free hand before they descended so he could hold the rail for further stability. They took their time, and when they made it to the bottom, he was breathing slightly heavier.
“Are you ready to get to the back door and out to my carriage? Or do you need a moment?”
He took a deep breath, then looked at her for a moment before nodding. “I’m ready.”
Honora glanced around the corner, and when she saw the corridor was empty, she led them forward toward the door. Samuel grabbed a jacket which had been left on a peg by the rear entrance, and then they made their way outside.
“Here.” Honora handed him his cane, and he immediately put it to work as they did their best to hurry to her awaiting carriage.
“This is ridiculous,” he said, laughing. “It’s like we are criminals.”
She could not help her laugh. He hardly knew the half of it.
Honora’s coachman opened the door for them, and Samuel held his hand out to help her in. Samuel took a seat across from her. His breathing seemed a bit quicker, but as Honora studied him, he shook his head.
“I’m fine. And I will get a rest while we wait for Leonard.”
