Seeing Danger (Sinclair and Raven #2)(27)
“I hardly think that—”
“And as such when it was brought to my attention that the boys were suddenly disappearing, I decided to accompany Miss Braithwaite on this visit to this Watch House, to lend my weight behind her enquiries. Not of course that I needed to add any weight; after all, a woman's word is equally as strong as a man’s, don't you think, Sergeant?”
Sergeant Gavell didn't see his argument at all. His mustache was now quivering with indignation.
“My men have very important work to undertake, my lord, and running around looking for those little... little feral creatures is, I am afraid, not a high priority for us.”
Dev felt Lilly tense, no doubt getting ready to fire a volley of insults at the sergeant’s head. He placed his hand over hers where it gripped the edges of the seat. Giving it a warning squeeze, he hoped she understood his need for her to keep quiet.
“Of course, if you are unable to spare the manpower for such an important task, I could hire several Runners. I'm sure they will do a thorough job. Understandably, my brother-in-law, the Duke of Raven, and uncle, the Earl of Wynburg, will be very disappointed not to have the Watch behind this investigation, however....”
“That will not be necessary, my lord! I am sure we can spare a few men to investigate the matter.”
Sergeant Gavell's color had deepened and Dev could tell he was not happy that he had used his connections to apply the pressure.
Minutes later Dev escorted Lilly outside the building. She reluctantly took his arm as they walked back to where the carriage waited.
“I'm sure you could have used the Earl of Wynburg and the Duke of Raven's names at least twice more in that conversation, had you tried harder.”
“I do believe that was sarcasm, Lilly.”
“How astute of you.”
“A simple thank-you will suffice.”
“Thank you,” she muttered. “Loath as I am to admit it, I see now that I would not have achieved the same result had I come alone.”
“I accept your apology.”
“I did not apologize!”
“Foolish me, I had believed that was exactly what you just did.”
She huffed out a loud breath.
“I am going to rethink my earlier thoughts about you and your family, my lord.”
Reaching the carriage, Dev opened the door and assisted her inside. “How so?”
“I had rather envied the close relationship you and your siblings appear to share,” she said, settling herself on the seat and then making those small, elegant, ladylike gestures all woman did when you seated them in a carriage. “However, having been the recipient of your taunts and dominating behavior, I realize now that I had a lucky escape.”
“I do not taunt, I tease, and surely you must allow me some defense against the barrage of insults and abuse I receive daily from my family.”
He was subjected to a very thorough look and Dev felt suddenly exposed, as if she were really seeing him, the man beneath the fa?ade, the man who had very real fears and insecurities. The man who had struggled with the weight of supporting his family for so long. It was disconcerting to be inspected by those eyes, unwavering in their intensity.
“You would lay down your life for your family, wouldn't you, my lord?”
“In a heartbeat,” he answered her soft words.
“Then they are indeed lucky to have you as their protector.”
He heard the longing in her voice and wondered again if she had anyone at her back, and the uncomfortable thought followed that he wanted to be that person.
“I am sure your brother feels the same about you, Lilly.”
“No, he does not.”
She looked away from him then, and as her maid was seated across from him, he did not do as he wished and pick her up and hold her on his lap, to soothe away the sorrow that lay behind those words.
Dev studied the lines of her body and sent up a silent prayer that she had not shown herself to any other men. Had anyone truly looked and seen what lay beneath the surface of Miss Braithwaite, she would have been inundated with suitors. And the idea of another man anywhere near her made him want to roar.
He didn't think about that anymore, as what lay between them was new for them both. But he would, Dev reasoned. He would think about it long and hard, and the end result would surely be that she was his.
CHAPTER TEN
Dev watched Lilly's carriage drive from his street, and then made his way to his aunt and uncle's house.
“The Duke and Duchess of Raven have called, Lord Sinclair.”
“Thank you, Pennyroll,” Dev said, heading for the stairs. “Are my aunt and uncle also returned?”
“No, my lord. Not for another week is my understanding.”
He climbed the stairs two at a time, eager to see his sister—and James. The man had grown on him, but he would admit that to no one.
He wasn't sure why he insisted on living next door with Cam when he spent so much of his time, and sat down to most of his meals, here. Perhaps it was the peace, or perhaps it was that he had no wish for his family to know what he did and when he did it.
“Eden missed you all so much that she begged me to return to London early.”
Hearing his brother-in-law’s deep voice made some of the tension inside him ease. His family were all here, and they, like nothing else, could calm him when his head was in turmoil.