Seeing Danger (Sinclair and Raven #2)(77)
“How will we find who is behind all this, Devon?”
“After reading that note, I am going to hire a Runner and a private detective. If we continue probing it will make whoever is responsible all the more eager to stop us, so we must act secretly.”
“I like that idea, and reiterate my promise that I shall not take any unnecessary risks.”
Seeing something fierce flit across his face, Lilly lifted a hand and touched his cheek. “I love you so much, Devonshire Sinclair, and promise to do nothing to separate us ever.”
“And I you, my love, and I will be ensuring that happens.”
They drove in silence for a while, content to be alone together as the city of London moved around them.
“I know you have acquired this new property for your children down at the docks, Lilly, and I was hoping you would ask Nicholas to look after the changes you want made there.”
“Do you think he would?” Lilly asked. It would do no good to insist she see to the changes; Devon had not pushed for them to leave London, and for that she was grateful. However, she had no wish to antagonize him now she had what she wanted.
“I don't see why not. He is a changed man, Lilly, and eager to show you the difference in him. Now he knows about your children, he may wish to have some involvement.”
Lilly thought about that. It was hard to think of her brother in the terms Devon spoke, even though she had acknowledged those changes herself today.
“I understand that you are struggling to accept that he is different, love. I too struggle with it, yet Cambridge saw two of the men he once gambled with cut Nicholas last night at the Hadleigh musical. He then heard insults and murmurs about him, spoken just loud enough for your brother to hear.”
“Cambridge stayed with him?” Lilly said, feeling ill at what Nicholas had gone through, but relieved he had not done so alone.
“My brother may be many things, but he is honorable and stayed with Nicholas until he left.”
“Considering what he did to Cam, it was very generous indeed. I am pleased he had someone to look over him.”
“As do you, love. A fact that I'm sure, given time, will make you want to run screaming from the house; however, never forget they mean well,” Dev said, squeezing her hand.
“I think once I get used to it, having a large family will be a wonderful thing.”
“It has its moments.” He smiled at her. “The Selkirk ball is in two nights, love.”
Lilly looked out the window as a carriage passed close by. She had not entered society since the night of her abduction and was not sure she was ready to yet.
“If it affected just you and me, Lilly, then I would be more than happy to snub society,” Devon said, understanding her thoughts even though she had not voiced them. “Yet James and I have siblings who will make their debuts one day, plus Essie, Cam, and your brother still walk among society. We need to make an appearance to halt the wagging tongues.”
Lilly's sigh was long and loud. “I suppose we must, when you put it that way.”
“Cheer up, love, you will be surrounded by family,” Dev said, lifting her hand once more to his lips. “I have only one thing to ask of you, my sweet.”
“Anything,” she said, because she would do it if it were in her power. She'd reach up and grab the moon for him if she could.
“Will you dress as you have today, and let society really see the woman you are? Will you leave off your glasses and wear something that does not upset my stomach, and leave the wild animals and small woodland creatures from your hair?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
“Mr. Spriggot and Mr. Brown have arrived, my lord.”
“Thank you, Pennyroll,” Dev said, ushering Lilly to the stairs. “Are they in my uncle's study?”
“Yes, my lord. The Duke and Mr. Sinclair are at present with him.”
“Of course they are,” Dev muttered, taking the stairs two at a time and dragging Lilly behind him.
Devon had taken Lilly driving in the park. She suspected this was to keep her busy, so she did not go off on her own, but she did protest. Three days after she had received that letter, she was still looking over her shoulder wherever she went.
“They could not simply have waited until I arrived.”
Lilly had noticed that only his siblings could make Devonshire Sinclair surly. For the most he was a pleasant, affable man—to those who did not know him well. To the rest, his family and her, he was demanding, officious, and she loved every inch of him, because his behavior stemmed from the need to keep his people safe. She had no doubt if he could get away with it, he would take them all to an island somewhere and set the boat adrift.
They heard the rumble of voices as they reached the room. Dev flung the door open and towed Lilly inside. James and Cam were seated beside each other, and two other men sat opposite.
“Good afternoon, Lord Sinclair.”
“Mr. Spriggot,” Dev said, pushing Lilly into a chair. “This is my fiancée, Miss Braithwaite.”
“Miss Braithwaite,” the detective said, gaining his feet and bowing, which caused a few strands of hair on his head to slip their moorings and dangle down the side of his face momentarily, until he swept them back into place with a gesture Lilly was sure he had made many times.