“You loved it,” Leonard said, the corner of his mouth turning up.
Honora looked at him, her eyes vibrant and alive. “Of course I did. I am more than happy to use my skills for the greater good. Perhaps you should call me Robin Hood.”
Samuel laughed, then he lay his head back again.
They ambled home, the ride about a half hour, as the Feltons resided a short way out of town. A pleasant, comfortable quiet settled in the carriage. Honora’s shoulder pressed against his, jostling with the slight sway.
The carriage rolled to a stop just down the street from his parents’ townhouse. Samuel had dozed off about halfway through their trip, and now he roused as the movement stopped.
Honora hopped out first, and Leonard followed. He turned to help Samuel down.
Samuel walked with them, though his steps were slow. Leonard wondered if he should have had Nichols park nearer, but he hadn’t wanted to draw his parents’ attention.
“How are you holding up?” he asked Samuel.
Samuel appeared to be putting a fair amount of weight on his cane.
“I will get you two to the back door, and then I will head home,” Honora said, walking to Samuel’s side.
But then Samuel stopped walking altogether.
“Samuel?” Leonard asked, hand hovering over his brother’s back, ready to stabilize him.
Samuel leaned on his cane. “Just give me a moment, please.”
They waited.
And waited.
“We need to get moving,” Honora said, glancing over her shoulder.
“I think . . .” Samuel’s words trailed off, and his eyes flicked to Leonard.
Leonard didn’t waste time. He walked to Samuel and hooked a leg behind his knees as Samuel put a free arm about his shoulders. In the end, Samuel was cradled against him.
“Goodness, Samuel,” Leonard grunted out. “You aren’t as light as you appear.”
“Just get us home,” he bit out.
Leonard headed to the back of the townhouse, with Honora acting as their lookout. When they arrived at the door, Honora went ahead and gripped the handle. She paused, looking back at them.
“It’s locked.”
Leonard sighed, but then his brother shook in his arms. Leonard’s first reaction was alarm until he looked down and saw Samuel’s eyes pinched shut and a huge smile on his face.
The man was laughing.
“What?” Leonard asked, trying to adjust his arms and distribute Samuel’s weight evenly. His arms were protesting the load.
Samuel wheezed as he tried to hold his laughter in. “This is all just so ridiculous.”
Honora was already at work, reaching into an old tie-on pocket and removing some tools. She slipped two long metal instruments into the lock, maneuvering them while Leonardstood with his brother, who was laughing hysterically in his arms.
“Stop it,” Leonard bit out. Though his mouth quivered as well.
Samuel’s head lagged back, and he pointed at Leonard’s face. “You are trying not to laugh too.”
“Yes, because of how childish you are being.” Leonard’s smile widened, and his chest jerked. Then he shook his head. “I have to ask.”
