Seeing Danger (Sinclair and Raven #2)(50)
Essie and Eden were called, and soon they were all awaiting carriages while Cam recounted the story once more for his sisters.
“We need to start looking,” Eden said to each of her siblings. “All of us, and using our senses.”
“Agreed,” Cam and Essie said. James and Dev remained silent, both working through and discarding plans.
“Braithwaite, if you don't want me to darken your eyes, I suggest you turn and walk smartly in the opposite direction,” Dev snarled as the man appeared before them. To his surprise, he kept advancing.
“What has you all out here so soon after you have arrived?”
“Go away, Nicholas, because what Dev leaves I will finish!” James said, glaring at his cousin.
“If you have information about my sister, I wish to hear it.”
“Why would you think we have information about her when you told me you thought she had run away?” Dev said. “Actually, what you said was you think she has run away because you have decided to wed her to Lord Danderfield. And the reason for that is that you need the money to clear your gambling debts.” Dev felt no shame in telling everyone assembled what Lilly's brother was capable of.
“What!” James stepped toward his cousin.
“Do you have knowledge about my sister?” Nicholas Braithwaite stood his ground. “If I was wrong in my belief she has run away, I wish to know it, and help find her.”
“Pardon?” Dev was sure he'd heard the words wrong.
“I want to help find her.”
For seconds no one spoke. Nicholas Braithwaite had lost the cynical look he usually wore, Dev realized, and in fact appeared uncertain, his eyes darting back and forth from Dev to James, who both, he was sure, looked as malleable as stone.
“Perhaps you should have thought of that sooner, Braithwaite,” Cam said, placing a restraining arm on Dev's arm. “Don't create a scene out here, brother. There are far too many flapping ears and wagging tongues about.”
“Of course you do, my lord,” Eden said, taking a firm hold on her husband's arm in case he had the urge to finish what Dev had started. “And we would be grateful for any help.”
“No, we wouldn't,” James and Dev growled.
“Do you have news about Lilliana or not?” Braithwaite said again. “I have a right to know as her brother.”
“Rights,” Dev snarled. “Don't you dare speak to me of rights, when you were about to force her into marriage!”
“We believe she has met with foul play, as her servants were found by your sister’s driver, bruised and beaten,” James said quickly, cutting Dev off as he opened his mouth to continue abusing Lilly's brother. “Of Lilliana there was no sign.”
“Dear God. I-I had no idea, I truly believed—”
“Fear not, Lord Braithwaite, we shall find your sister,” Eden said.
“Your brother said some things to me that shamed me, Duchess. For the first time in many years I saw myself as I truly am.”
“I would have thought you incapable of that emotion, given that I have firsthand knowledge of your depravity, Braithwaite, not to mention your obvious disrespect of your sister and her welfare,” Dev said.
“I am a long way from forgiveness, Nicholas, but as I too have guilt where Lilly is concerned, and my treatment of her, I will allow you to help us,” James said. “You will go to the Watch House with Mr. Davey and then return him to Temple Street, and you may go home or to my house and await news.”
“But where do you all go?”
“I'm afraid that is as yet undetermined. However, when I have news of your sister, I will send word to my house. Tell Buttles I sent you.”
“But—”
“Braithwaite, so help me God, I will throw you into your carriage if you do not go willingly. Your cousin has thrown you an olive branch. Personally, I would rather beat you with it, but I will respect him in this,” Dev said. “But if you do not do as he states and alert the Watch, then never show your face before me again.”
“I will ensure it is done, Lord Sinclair,” Mr. Davey said, his face grim.
“I will do it.” Nicholas gave a short bow before he left with Mr. Davey on his heels.
“Is there any way I can get you to go home, wife, and take your sister with you?” James said, looking at Eden and Essie.
“No, we need to be together to find Lilly. Our senses are stronger that way.”
“I could have married anyone, but I chose you,” James muttered as he grabbed Eden and planted a loud kiss on her lips, uncaring of the outraged gasps behind him as two of society’s matrons tittered in horror at such a display in public.
“Outside now,” Dev said to his family, aware of the spectacle they were making.
They quickly left the house and assembled on the street outside.
“Toby.” Dev placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. “We need you to take us to anyone who may have information. I will pay handsomely, but do not know where to go.”
The boy nodded. “I can do that, but it's not a place for ladies—or gentlemen for that matter.”
“Just as well none of those are present then,” Cam said.
“Toby is right,” Dev said to his sisters. “I'm not sure you should come, as this will be unpleasant and dangerous. As your brother, I want to keep you safe—”