Seeing Danger (Sinclair and Raven #2)(23)

Lilly withstood the intense and searching look he leveled at her. She wondered what was in his thoughts.

“I understand, and of course my sister and I will say nothing on this matter to anyone, including your family. However, someone must accompany you to the Watch House today, preferably a man, as you have already determined that you alone, with a servant, will not be taken seriously.”

“There is only your brother, aunt, and yourself, Lilliana?” Essex Sinclair sighed. “Imagine that, Dev, having only one sibling.”

“There are a lot of you?” Lilly asked before she could stop herself. These people intrigued her.

“Seven in total.”

“So many?” Lilly could not imagine sharing a house with seven people.

“I assure you there are benefits,” Lord Sinclair drawled. “If you look hard enough.”

Lilly looked to Essex. Surely he had just insulted her? But no, the woman was smiling at her brother.

“If your family is unable to accompany you, then I will.”

Lilly took a few seconds to realize what he had said, as her thoughts were still on what it would be like to have so many siblings. But when she did, everything inside her rebelled.

No, no... no!

“Thank you, but I can manage on my own, my lord.”

“I cannot let you travel to the Watch House on your own, Lilly.”

“What a wonderful idea, Dev.” Essex Sinclair smiled at him and then Lilly before she could once again refuse. “He is quite handy in most situations, and I'm sure he would excel in this one also.”

“Thank you, darling.”

“No, I have no wish for you to accompany me.”

“We shall take your carriage, Lilly, and Essie will take mine, as she is to return home to our younger siblings.”

“Oh, yes indeed.” Essex Sinclair jumped to her feet, and her brother followed. “I had quite forgotten I am to take the children to the park this afternoon. Please forgive me, Lilliana, for not accompanying you.”

“No, wait.” Lilly followed. “There is no need for anyone to accompany me. I am not your concern, Lord Sinclair, and am more than capable of going on my own.”

“I would never allow a woman to go into a Watch House on her own. As none of your family is here to protect you, I will accompany you.”

Stay in control, Lilly.

“I need no protection, Lord Sinclair, and please address me correctly. I have dealt with many things on my own with some success, and this will be the same.”

“And yet I will accompany you. I was there the other night, and can possibly be of some help.”

He was smiling at her now, yet those eyes were darker. Perhaps he was not as composed as he appeared.

“No, I have my footman and maid, so I really must insist that you escort your sister home, my lord.”

“I will accompany Lilly and her maid to the Watch House and then I shall summon a hackney and return home, Essex. Please tell the children I will visit with them then.”

“No—”

“Argument is futile once he has made up his mind, Lilliana, and besides, he may prove useful in some capacity, even if it is to stand behind you and intimidate whoever you speak to. I wish you every luck, and will hear the details when Dev returns home.”

She trailed behind the siblings to the door, wondering if it would be wrong to lock the door if she could get him to step outside.

“Our sister and her husband are due to return soon, and I am hoping you will come for dinner one evening, Lilly,” Essex said, pulling on her gloves.

“Oh well—”

“Excellent.”

She heard Lord Sinclair's deep laugh as she stood looking at the door his sister had just sailed through. They were incredibly forceful, these people.

“Argument is futile, I am afraid.”

Frustrated, she glared at him. “This is highly improper, and I have no wish for you to accompany me. Should we be seen it would raise any number of questions.”

“And running about London streets with children at dusk is the correct behavior for ladies, is it?”

“Are you threatening to expose me, my lord?”

He looked genuinely surprised by her words, followed by annoyance.

“I'm not sure how you came to that conclusion, but let me assure you that I do not tell tales. No matter how much I question your activities.”

“You have no right to question anything about me!” Lilly felt her temper rise. Lord, this man was insufferable... and exhausting to be around.

“Perhaps not, but I am now aware of your reckless gadding about London streets, and I would be lying if I did not say I was concerned.”

Truly baffled, she asked why.

“You are a lady of my acquaintance, and as such honor dictates I ensure you are safe.”

“But we don't even like each other.” His words made absolutely no sense.

He moved closer, taking one of her hands in his.

“We didn't like each other, but now we do.”

His gentle smile disturbed her more than it should, and Lilly had a sinking feeling that she was on the precipice of something, but had no idea what. The tingling feeling in her fingers had her snatching back her hand.

“No.” She shook her head. “I don't want to like you.”