“Mistress? Are you all right?” As though he could sense her fear, he smiled. “I’m quite safe. Let me help you.”
She reached for his hand, and warm fingers curled around her palm as he gently eased her to her feet. At five foot, six inches, Evelyn was a good height for a woman, but the man stood at least a head taller than her.
“Did he hurt you?” he asked.
She rubbed her wrists where the attacker’s grasp had left red marks. “I’m fine. He didn’t hurt me.” Dirt and mud stains streaked her gown, and she brushed them with her trembling fingers. “I must look a sight,” she said. Strands of hair were tumbling around her face and she pushed them away in frustration. The flowers she had tucked into her curls earlier now lay trampled on the ground.
“You’ve smeared some dirt on your cheek,” he said. He lifted his finger to indicate where, and she hurriedly wiped it with her sleeve, embarrassment warming her cheeks.
“Thank you for coming to my aid,” she said. She glanced down the alley, where the other man still lay prone on the ground. “Will he be all right?”
“Are you concerned about your attacker?”
“Not really,” she said with a faint smile.
The man leaned down and picked up her package. “Is this yours?”
She looked at it with dismay. “It’s ruined.”
“I’m afraid so. May I accompany you back to the stall to purchase replacements?”
“Thank you, but I’m afraid I’m out of coin.”
“Then allow me to purchase replacements for you.”
“You’re very kind, but I couldn’t possibly accept.”
“Why not?”
“Why not? Because you’re a stranger to me. I don’t even know your name!”
“That’s easily remedied.” He stepped back and gave a neat bow. “Xavier Seaton at your service.” He drew himself back to his full height. “And you are …?”
“Evelyn Talbot.”
“I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance, Mistress Talbot.” He held out his arm, and she eyed it warily for a moment before slipping her hand around it.
“Are you here alone?” he asked as they headed back into the market, dodging the crowds.
Evelyn lifted her eyes to his with a slight blush. “Yes. My uncle cautioned me to remain inside, but I ignored the warning.”
“Why?”
She smiled sheepishly. “I’ve been without a companion for a few weeks, and was in desperate need of some activity. Besides, I wanted to replenish my art supplies.”
“The supplies that were ruined in the mud?”
“Correct.”
“And there is no maid who could attend you?”
“My uncle does not keep a large staff, so unfortunately not.”
“I see. I happen to know someone looking for a position. Would you be interested?”
She looked up at him in surprise. “You do? Who?”
“My cousin. She was recently released from a position as governess, and is seeking a new situation.”
Evelyn gave him a cheeky smile. “I’m not sure I need a governess. But if she’s happy to serve as a companion, I would be interested.”
“Then I’ll send her to you as soon as possible, and you can decide if she suits.”
“Thank you.”
They walked in silence as they neared the market. “I appreciate your assistance, Master Seaton, but I believe I will be fine from here,” she said as the first stalls came into sight. “Please ask your cousin to call on me sometime. I can be found at number two, Barker Street.”
“I will do that. But I do believe I offered to pay for your replacements.”
“I really cannot accept that. I am grateful for all you’ve done for me, but you are still a stranger.”
“Very well. Consider it a loan. You can pay Suzanna when she calls on you.”
“Well …”
“Please. It will lessen my guilt for not reaching you sooner.”
“Guilt?” She laughed. “Very well, if it will make you feel better.”
She led him to the parchmenter and made her selection, watching as he paid over the necessary coin. He handed her the package and offered his arm, but she declined it with a smile.
“I’ve already inconvenienced you enough for one day. I am quite capable of returning home unaccompanied. I promise not to wander into any more deserted areas.”
For a moment she thought he would argue, but he took a step back and delivered a shallow bow. “Of course, Mistress. Have a pleasant day.”
She clutched her package to her chest as she watched him walk away. His stride was long, and muscles rippled beneath his shirt. She remembered his hand around the throat of her attacker and shuddered. She would not like to be on the receiving end of his justice. Arms around her package, she hastened past the stalls in the direction of home. Such a fine specimen of man should be committed to paper, just as soon as she had written to Julianna about her adventures.
Chapter 9
Xavier waited for Evelyn to disappear between the stalls before picking up her scent and following her. He smiled to himself as he remembered her mud-smeared face. He had expected her to be more distraught after her ordeal, but she had rallied admirably. Still, he felt a duty to ensure she made it back home safely. He was glad he had thought to mention Suzanna as a companion; the solution could work out well for both of them.
He arrived back at Drake House just as Lleland stepped into the hall with Zach.
“Hello, son, what …” Lleland frowned. “Where have you been?”
“I went back to the market. I wanted to see if I could discover more about those rumors.” Xavier’s eyebrows rose as Lleland grabbed his doublet and sniffed.
“What is it?” Zach asked.
“I’m not sure. There’s something … but I can’t quite place it.” He stepped back. “Did you do anything else?”
“I assisted a girl who wandered into a poor part of town. She was accosted by a scoundrel who wished her harm.”
“Who was the girl?”
“She gave her name as Evelyn Talbot. What is this about?”
“I’m not sure. Anything else?”
“I followed her home to ensure her safety.”
“Where?”
“Barker Street.”
Lleland started in surprise. “Barker Street?” He glanced at Zach. “Callaway. It’s his scent I’m picking up. He lives on Barker Street.” He looked back at Xavier. “The girl gave her name as Talbot?”
“Yes. She said she’s living with her uncle. Who’s Callaway?”
Lleland rubbed his hands together and began pacing the long length of the hall. “Callaway’s a dragon hunter. His hatred of dragons was matched only by mine. We were in the Dragon League together, but it was disbanded years ago and I haven’t heard of him since. He vowed to find me and kill me.” He stopped his pacing and ran his fingers over his chin. “I haven’t given him a thought in years, but there’s no reason to think his burning hatred has diminished since I last saw him.”
“You think he may be behind the rumors?” Zach asked.
“Perhaps? I don’t know. But it’s definitely a possibility.”
“The girl is in need of a companion,” Xavier said. “I suggested Suzanna.”
“Quite the knight in shining armor, aren’t you,” Zach said with a grin.
“Shining armor is correct,” Xavier responded.
Aaron walked into the room. “I overheard your conversation. You think Callaway might be behind this?”
“It’s possible,” Lleland said. “At the moment it is pure speculation.”
“Having your niece in the household could be useful.”
Lleland tapped his chin. “It could.”
“She doesn’t know what we are,” Xavier pointed out.
“No, but she gives you a point of entry.”
“Me?” Xavier looked at Aaron in astonishment. “What would I do?”
“What did you think of t
he girl? Evelyn, was it?”
“She’s human.”
“Perhaps you can extend your acquaintance.”
“You want me to court her?” Xavier’s expression was incredulous, and Zach laughed.
“Aaron’s not asking you to mate with the girl, Zave. Just get to know her a little. Use the acquaintance to find out about her uncle.”
“I don’t need the girl to learn about her uncle.”
“That’s true,” Aaron said, “but it’s easier to get the measure of a man when you meet him face to face and can scent his emotions, rather than seeing him through the flames.”
“I have no idea how to interact with humans at all, let alone a human girl.”
“Then this will be a good opportunity for you to learn more about humans and how they interact.”
“Besides, you’ve had plenty of opportunities to observe the masters at work,” Zach said with a grin. “Just think of your parents. Or your grandparents. You could even take Anna and Max’s example.”
Xavier scowled. “That is not particularly helpful, Zach.”
“Did you find the girl abhorrent? Hideous? Dreary?”
“No, she was quite pleasant.”
“Interacting with humans as well as dragons is a skill you need to develop as future leader of the clan,” Aaron said, “and you will learn more about Callaway by gaining admittance into his household.”
“You’re assuming the girl will welcome my attentions.”
“You saved her from an attack, and I’m sure she’s grateful.”
“Callaway may not allow me entry.”
“He cannot prevent you from seeing your cousin.”
“He may not even be the man we’re seeking.”
“Perhaps not,” Lleland replied. “But even if he is not, there’s a good chance he knows something.”
“In the meantime we will set a few men at the house and see what they learn,” Aaron said.
Xavier opened his palm, allowing flames to curl around his hand. “Very well.”
“Good,” Aaron said. “Zach, I’ll go apprise Max of the plan and perhaps you can find some men to keep watch. But don’t stop investigating. Callaway may not be our man.”
“Of course,” Zach replied, following Aaron out of the room. Lleland sat down at one of the tables, and gestured for Xavier to do the same.
“Did you give the girl your name?” he asked.
“I did. Why?”
“Callaway has no love for me. We don’t want to give him reason to suspect you.”
“She may not say anything. She left her uncle’s house without permission.”
Lleland smiled in amusement. “Sounds like an independent young woman. Tell me, how did you find Robin when you went out the other night?”
“He took me to a fighting pit.” Lleland lifted his eyebrows in surprise and Xavier smiled grimly. “He suspects something.”
“He was always an attentive boy. I’ve noticed him watching us every time your mother and I visit. It’s one of the reasons we keep our distance.”
“What about his brothers?”
“Jacob and Peter? They were too busy being boys to give us much attention. Unless Robin has shared his suspicions, I doubt the others have noticed anything. So how close is he to the truth?”
Xavier snorted. “I didn’t prolong the conversation to find out. I don’t think he suspects what we are, especially since we are blood relatives. But he is curious, and I think he’s determined to find the truth.” Using a flaming finger, he scorched a pattern onto the roughly hewn table, adding to the multitude of marks already decorating the surface. “Do you think we should tell him?”
“That’s your decision. You’ll be master one day, and my gut tells me we will be bowing before you sooner rather than later.” Lleland smiled wryly. “You need to weigh up both our laws and the risks, and decide the consequence of placing the knowledge in his hands. He may learn it whether we want him to or not, in which case it might be better coming from you.” He pushed himself away from the table. “I’m going to find your mother and let her know what’s happening. We’ll go see your cousin in the morning.”
The next day was hot and cloudless, without even the slightest hint of a breeze, as Lleland and Xavier made their way across the city. They found Edith sitting in the parlor beside an open window, fanning herself with her hand.
“Whew, what dreadfully hot weather we’re having,” she gasped. “But come in and sit down, and we’ll draw some ale up from the well.”
“You have a well of ale, Edith?” Lleland asked, and she giggled.
“Oh, brother, are you really so daft? We store it there to keep it cool.”
“Ah,” he said, hiding a smile.
The ale was cooler than Xavier expected, and he drank it with pleasure. Although he didn’t mind the heat, the dry air, combined with the flames that burned within him, parched his throat. They engaged in small talk for a while, until Lleland brought up the reason for their visit.
“Is Suzanna still looking for a position?” he asked.
“Indeed. Although I would hate to see her leave us again so soon. Why do you ask, Lleland?”
“Xavier helped a young woman at the market yesterday who is in need of a companion. If Suzanna’s willing to introduce herself, she may be given the post.”
“Here in the city? And who is the girl?” The questions tumbled out and Lleland answered them as well as he could, sometimes deferring to Xavier when he could not provide a suitable answer.
“Well, it sounds promising. I’ll speak to …” Her voice trailed off as footsteps sounded on the stairs and Suzanna’s and Robin’s voices drifted down the passage. “Suzanna,” Edith said when they stepped into the parlor a moment later, “just in time. Your uncle and cousin have a proposition for you!”
“Let me put away my cloak and I’ll be right back,” Suzanna promised, slipping from the room.
The men had both risen when Suzanna entered, and Robin crossed the floor to grip Xavier by the shoulder. “I wasn’t sure we would see you again,” he said.
“Why would you say that, Robin?” Edith said from behind. “I’m sure Xavier would have visited us again. We are, after all, his family.”
Robin’s eyes were locked on Xavier’s and the two men stared at each other in silence, until Robin’s hand fell away and he turned to his mother with an easy smile.
“Well, the thing is I thoroughly thrashed my poor cousin the other night, so I thought I may have scared him away.”
“Thrashed him?” Suzanna said, re-entering the room. “You’re still sporting a black eye, while I don’t see a single bruise on Xavier.”
“That just shows my skill, Sue,” Robin said with a laugh. “All his bruises are hidden beneath his garments.”
“So what is this proposition Mother mentioned?” Suzanna asked as she took a seat.
Lleland repeated what they had already told Edith, while she listened closely.
“You can introduce me to the girl and her uncle?” she asked Xavier.
“I only just met the girl, and have never met the uncle. Given that I encountered her when she was not supposed to be out, it might be prudent if I stay away. Robin can accompany you.”
“What reason will I give for presenting myself?”
“If the uncle asks, just say you heard it from a maid.”
“I suppose I could.” She gave Xavier a shrewd look. “This is important to you, isn’t it?”
“I feel sorry for the girl. And it seems like a perfect solution for both of you.”
“Very well, I’ll do it. What’s the worst that can happen?”
“Just one thing,” Lleland said. “The uncle, Master Callaway, has a particular dislike for me. If you mention Xavier, please use your family name.”
“Very well. I will present myself tomorrow. Will you show us the way, Xavier?”
“Of course.”
They took their leave soon after, but as Lleland said his goodbyes, Robin took
Xavier by the arm and pulled him away from the others. “You promised to introduce me to your grandfather,” he said.
Xavier gave a silent groan. He had forgotten that particular promise, and meeting Aaron would only set Robin’s mind whirring with even more questions. “Tomorrow afternoon,” he said. “After Suzanna’s interview.”
“Why are you so eager for her to get this position? You don’t even know the girl.”
“It seems to be a good solution for both women.”
“Hmm. I think there’s more to it than that, isn’t there?”
“Are you always this suspicious, Robin?”
“No,” Robin said slowly, “but I’m trying to figure you out. You are definitely an enigma, and I intend to discover why.”
Xavier smiled grimly. “I’ll see you tomorrow, cousin.”
Chapter 10
Evelyn sat in the parlor beside the window, staring at the people passing by outside. Uncle had returned from his trip the previous afternoon in a more cheerful mood than she’d ever seen him.
“Was your trip a success, Uncle?” she’d asked him when they sat down to supper.
“Yes, indeed. I found the man I was looking for.”
“And he was able to give you the information you were seeking?”
Uncle leaned back in his chair with a satisfied grin. “He proved to be extremely informative. The intelligence he gave me will be incredibly useful.”
“That’s good news, Uncle.”
He smiled as he looked at her. “Did you have a good time while I was gone? You weren’t afraid, were you?”
“No, I –”
“Good. You know, the countryside looks quite lovely at the moment. I remember making a trip up north when conditions were far less favorable.”
“You’ve done a lot of traveling, Uncle?”
“Yes, a great deal. Around our own country and further afield.” He speared a piece of meat and chewed it appreciatively. “I know I’ve been quite preoccupied with my work lately, Evelyn, but I was thinking on my way back to the city that you must regard this as your home. If you wish to invite friends to dine, then you must do so. I promise to make myself sociable.”
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