Seeing Danger (Sinclair and Raven #2)(29)

“We were close as small children. Her father was my father's brother. Nice man, as was my aunt. But eventually, as with everything good in my life, my father decided to cut all ties, so now we are strangers.”

“We shall reforge that bond, my love.”

Dev watched the Duke smile down at Eden then kiss her briefly on the lips.

“I have no doubts, love.” James looked at Dev once more.

“But what is the business about her being a Sinclair also?” Dev asked his sister, still grappling with what he had learned.

“I found this.” Eden picked up a fat tome from the table beside where they stood. It was bound in black leather, and Dev could see it was old by the condition. “It is an accounting of some of the Raven history. I found it when we looked for the scroll, which as yet we have not found.”

“There are many places to hide things in Raven Castle,” James added.

“Miss Braithwaite?” Dev said in a terse tone. “Tell me of her connection to us.”

“Don't use that tone with me, brother.”

“Sorry,” Dev said. “Now speak.”

“In 1608, the third son of the then Baron Sinclair saved Lilly's great-great, I'm not sure how many greats, but quite a few, grandmother from a certain death by fire. She was married, but she and the Sinclair fell in love and they had a liaison. The result was an illegitimate child, but her husband was never told, so believed the babe was his. It was then raised a Raven.”

“Christ.” Dev ran a hand through his hair. He wasn't sure he could take much more of this.

“You've gone pale, Sinclair. Need I catch you when you faint?”

Dev cursed at the Duke.

“What appears to be the problem here? To the best of my knowledge you and Lilliana... oh, no, no, no.” The Duke of Raven suddenly looked fierce. “Please tell me you have not saved her from some life-threatening event, Sinclair? I have no wish for another member of my family to be beholden to you.”

Dev knew his siblings were listening, as the room had gone quiet. A rarity for the Sinclairs.

Something must have shown in Dev's face, as the Duke clapped a hand over his eyes.

“For Christ's sake. Will this bloody curse never end!”

“Pardon me, James, but were it not for this bloody curse, then some of your ancestors would be dead, along with you.”

“Thank you, Dorrie, for enlightening the Duke,” Dev said, placing a hand on his little sister's head as she leaned into him. “I am sure for one brief moment he forgot about our family's history. However, I would ask you to refrain from quoting him verbatim, especially when he curses. “

“As if that would ever be a possibility,” the Duke groaned, then grunted as his wife elbowed him in the ribs. “Please accept my apologies, Dorrie. I should not have spoken thus in your presence.”

Luckily, the children's tutor, Mr. Linues, arrived at that moment to take them away for their afternoon lessons. After being promised a game of hide-and-seek later, they left the room.

“You saved Miss Braithwaite, Dev? What happened?” Cam said after the door had closed.

“She narrowly missed being hit by a carriage.”

“Good God, is she all right?” The Duke looked worried.

“Yes, shaken but all right.”

“Does this mean we have all your relatives to watch over now?” Cam sounded disgusted. “I mean, if we are talking about cousins, then how far removed will this get? Second cousins, nephews?”

“I am sure it happened simply because Dev was with Lilly,” Eden soothed her brother.

“Would certainly keep you busy,” the Duke drawled. “Perhaps I should put you all on a full-time retainer, just in case your services are required.”

Cam snorted. “I never say no to money. However, I object to being pulled from bed to rescue a foolish Raven who should have a care where he or she walks.”

“Did the driver stop, Dev?” James asked him.

“No, he just kept galloping past. It was odd because I remember when she walked across the road, I looked left and right and saw that carriage. I thought it was going too fast, and the driver's face is clear in my head. He seemed determined, and then I turned away. When I looked back, he had changed course and was heading directly for Lilly.”

“Lilly?” James said. “Since when is she Lilly to you?”

“Be quiet, darling, Dev is now about to tell us of another incident, and if my hunch is correct, I am sure this is where everything started.” Eden patted her husband's chest, and the scowl left his face.

“I need to sit,” Dev said. He felt as if he'd been standing out in a storm being battered for hours.

“Would you like, tea, Dev?” Essie asked him.

“A brandy is what he needs, I think.” Cam smiled at his sister. “Come, you hold the glasses while I pour.”

Soon they all sat, some with brandy, others with tea. Dev swallowed a mouthful and enjoyed the burn as it slid down his throat. He then told James and Eden about Lilly chasing the man who had attempted to abduct the child.

“Good Lord, for the years I had believed that Lilliana had become something of a simpleton, with disastrous fashion sense. It seems I was wrong,” James said.

“I'm sure she will not be pleased that we all know what is going on with her, and yet someone needs to watch over her,” Essie said.