Seeing Danger (Sinclair and Raven #2)(34)

He turned back to her.

“That is a rather fetching robin in your hair. Quite the picture, with its red breast, and extremely lifelike.”

“Go away.”

“Do you realize that when you talk with me your voice changes?”

“It does not,” Lilly snapped, trying to change her tone back to the high-pitched trill she was known for.

“No, it does, and I much prefer it.”

“Go away,” Lilly said, desperate now to make him leave. Others would see him soon. He was not slouching like her, but sitting tall and straight.

“Did you and James have a nice chat?”

She couldn't look away; it was as if his eyes held her in place.

Run! the voice inside her head yelled. Run and don't look back.

“Yes, now go away.”

“I had believed you and Miss Braithwaite had formed a dislike for each other, Lord Sinclair. What is it you speak of so secretly?”

He held her eyes for a second longer before turning to face Miss Juniper.

“No indeed, we are friends, Miss Juniper. My sisters and Miss Braithwaite spend a great deal of time together, and as such I also.”

Lilly searched for an escape route and decided on simply pushing her chair back. There was a small amount of room between it and the wall; she could squeeze out without making the ladies to her right move once more. But before she did, Lilly had to ensure Miss Juniper kept Devonshire Sinclair busy for some time.

“Oh, Miss Juniper. Please tell Lord Sinclair, in detail, about the uses for white horehound syrup. His younger sister, Miss Dorset, suffers horridly from a hoarseness in the throat and a raspy cough. I believe they have tried everything for the poor dear.”

He swung to look at her as she spoke, and the look in his eyes threatened retribution, as everyone knew that once started on her cures Miss Juniper would not be stopped until she was good and ready, which hopefully would not be for some time.

“La, Lord Sinclair, I declare it is quite fortuitous that you have sat beside me this night, as I can indeed help you with your poor sister.”

The fact that she had questioned his taking the seat beside her was forgotten as she launched into a detailed discussion about the merits of white horehound syrup.

Lilly seized the moment and stood.

“Good Lord, I quite forgot I promised the Earl of Ridgeway the next dance. I shall not feel too bad at leaving you however, Lord Sinclair, as I will be doing so with the knowledge that you are keeping excellent company. Please don't miss out even the slightest detail, Miss Juniper, as Lord Sinclair is most eager to find help for his little sister.”

His hand gripped her fingers briefly where they lay between them.

“I shall find you later, Miss Braithwaite, and we will continue our discussion over that matter.”

Lilly shivered at these words, but did not look at him. Instead she fled.



“White horehound syrup, Lord Sinclair, is the only way to cure your dear sister.”

Witch, Dev thought, watching Lilly disappear into the crowds of people before them. She'd outmaneuvered him and he should be furious with her, but what he felt was admiration. Every minute he spent in her company made him want to spend several more. He didn't see her ugly clothes or ridiculous hair anymore, he saw her, Lilly. The woman who had his colors.

“Of course, steam also helps, Lord Sinclair.”

“Indeed.”

Dev muttered the right words at the right time and thought about Lilly. He wanted her to talk to him freely, needed her to tell him what the hell was going on in her life. Why the charade? What was between her and her brother? Was she happy?

“I will have a rub sent round for her chest, Lord Sinclair.”

“I'd be much obliged.”

He needed to find her, Dev realized. Because she was just as likely to leave before he had a chance to talk to her.

“Excuse me, Miss Juniper, I have promised my sister I would dance with her.”

He walked away before she could launch into further cures. Circling the room, Dev looked for Lilly. Finding her, he tacked right and came up behind her. She had not seen him, and was taking a mouthful out of the glass she was holding. Leaning forward, he whispered in her ear.

“You owe me for what I have just endured.”

She shrieked, the glass tipped, and the contents ended up over her hands.

“You startled me!” She spun to face him.

“I hadn't thought your reaction would be quite so violent. Forgive me. Come, we shall find somewhere to clean you up.”

Before Lilly could stop him, he had her hand on his arm. Dev propelled her along at his side, and she could do nothing but comply. She would not create a scene; that was not her way, so her fingers appeared to rest on his arm, when in fact, they were digging in.

Dev found an open door that led outside and gently pushed her through before him.

“Why are we on the terrace? I can hardly dry my hands out here.”

“They will dry in the air, once you have taken off your gloves. It is warm out tonight.”

“I have no wish to be outside at this time, Lord Sinclair.”

“I wish to talk with you without anyone interrupting us.”

“You are always manhandling me. I am not one of your siblings, my lord. Let me go.”

Dev kept circling the terrace until they were alone, he then led her to the shadows, where he knew a stone bench sat.