“May I look in on her before I take my leave?” Daniel asked, aware of the odd look his brother cast him at the question. “I don’t want her to think I’ve abandoned her without bidding her goodbye.”
“Of course.” Caroline started out the door as Daniel turned to face Richard.
“Thank you for everything.” He held his brother’s gaze for a long moment. “Hearing how alone in the world Miss Linfield is makes me appreciate family even more than I did before.”
In a rare gesture of affection, Richard placed his hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “I couldn’t agree more. I like knowing you will come to my aid if I ask.”
Surprised, Daniel couldn’t help but smile. “You so rarely ask. At one point, I had begun to think you forgot you had a brother.”
“You never let me forget.” Richard smiled wryly. “I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”
Memories drifted through Daniel’s mind—the time he’d called on Richard when he’d heard of his betrothal, displeased that he’d learned of it from friends rather than his own brother. Yet there were other, more endearing memories too.
The time only a few weeks ago when Richard had called to advise him that he was going to be an uncle. And even a couple of months ago when Richard had asked for his assistance in confronting a man who’d taken one of Annabelle’s murder scenes and re-created it in real life.
“It is comforting to know we’re there for each other, isn’t it?” Daniel asked.
“More so now than ever.” Richard released his hold.
They both turned to the door to see Caroline standing there with tears in her eyes.
“What is it?” Richard asked, striding toward her in alarm.
Caroline patted her chest. “The two of you warm my heart. I adore you both.”
Daniel’s heart squeezed at her words as Richard drew her into his arms.
“We adore you as well.” Richard looked pointedly at Daniel.
“Indeed, we do,” he quickly added. Her tears made him nervous and by the slightly panicked expression on his brother’s face, he felt the same.
Caroline waved a hand in front of her eyes as if to dry her tears. “Don’t mind me. I tend to be overly emotional these days.”
Daniel didn’t envy his brother the challenge of facing those tears on a regular basis. Miss Linfield’s had been difficult enough to bear and he didn’t know her well. He just hoped it was within his power to keep her from shedding any more.
Chapter Four
Beatrice settled against the pillow of the impressive four-poster bed, her thoughts spinning. The bedchamber was luxurious, decorated in rose and cream with gold touches, which brought an elegant warmth to the room. Lord and Lady Aberland were not only kind but generous to invite her to stay for a time.
Was it all the uncertainty in her life that exhausted her or the lingering effects of the drug that she’d been given? Overwhelmed, she knew there was no possibility of her sleeping at the moment despite her weariness.
Lady Aberland’s suggestion of finding a husband had rocked her world once more. She’d been so focused on finding a position that the thought of marrying instead left her even more unsettled and confused. What should she do?
She frowned as she glanced about the lovely bedchamber, missing Daniel already. Perhaps if he’d bid her a proper goodbye, she wouldn’t feel so out of sorts. When would she see him again? What would he think about Lady Aberland’s suggestion of her marrying?
She shook her head, admonishing herself for her wayward thoughts. Why would he care what she did? He’d come to her rescue when she’d needed someone. He didn’t owe her anything. Quite the opposite, in fact, and she had no means to repay him or Lord and Lady Aberland.
A quiet tap on the door had her sitting up straighter, doing her best to push aside her emotions. She didn’t want Lady Aberland to think her ungrateful. “Come.”
Sally, the maid who’d assisted her to change into one of Caroline’s lovely nightrails, looked in. “Mr. Walker would like a moment if you’re awake and feeling up to it.”
Her heart leapt at the news. “Yes, of course.”
The maid opened the door wide, Daniel entered, and her world righted.
“Miss Linfield, I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.” He walked forward with a smile to stand beside the bed as the maid settled into a chair in the corner of the room.
“How thoughtful of you.” Her heart squeezed at his kindness. Had he somehow read her mind? “I was just wondering when I might see you again.” She nearly grimaced at the admission. He no doubt thought her overly forward and a clinging sort of female.
His smile broadened. “You won’t be rid of me so easily.” He gestured toward the chair near the bed and raised a brow as if asking permission to sit.
“Please.” How odd that her reeling emotions settled as he joined her, especially since he didn’t seem in any hurry to leave. How could she have grown attached to him so quickly these past two days when she’d spent much of it sleeping?
“Do you have everything you need?” He looked about the room as if to see for himself.
“More than I could ask for. Lord and Lady Aberland are very kind.”
“I have no doubt you’ll enjoy Caroline’s company. As for my brother, I cannot say how you’ll find him.” The teasing glint in his eyes caused awareness to skitter along her skin.
Beatrice chuckled as his jest. “They are generous to allow a stranger to stay in their home. I’m sorry I’m such poor company. I can’t imagine why I’m still so tired.”
He reached out to clasp her hand which lay on the bedcovers. “Think nothing of it. Who knows how much or what sort of drug those people gave you? Then there’s the shock you’ve had. And you’re surely still grieving for your father. It takes time to recover from such
