“This is it, then,” James said quietly. “The chance we’ve been waiting for.”
“I think so. I can get inside his house, learn his habits, maybe find evidence.”
“Sebastian.” James leaned forward, his voice intense but low. “I know you have to do this. We both know Papa’s memory won’t rest until justice is served. But promise me you’ll be careful.”
Sebastian felt the tension in his chest loosen. He’d expected arguments, pleas to abandon his mission. Instead, James understood what this meant.
“You’re not going to try to stop me?”
James’s mouth twisted in a bitter smile. “Stop you from finally getting the chance to clear Papa’s name? To prove what we’ve always known?” He shook his head. “I’ve watched you carry this burden for twelve years. I’ve seen how it eats at you, knowing the truth and being powerless to act on it.”
“Then you understand why I have to try.”
“I do. But that doesn’t mean I’m not terrified.” James’s voice roughened. “Wentworth destroyed Papa. He could destroy you too if he discovers what you’re really doing there.”
“He won’t. I’ll be just another servant to him. Invisible.”
“See that you stay that way.” James gripped Sebastian’s forearm. “Get the evidence we need, but don’t take unnecessary risks. We’ve lost enough already.”
Sebastian nodded, already running through the possibilities in his mind. After twelve years of waiting, of planning, of carrying the weight of Papa’s memory, finally he had his chance.
“Tomorrow morning, I’ll ride out to Wentworth Manor and apply for the position.”
“And I’ll be here, keeping things running, waiting for word from you.” James’s eyes were fierce with the same protective instinct thathad once driven him to defend weaker boys at school. “Just come back to me, Sebastian. Come back with the truth, but come back alive.”
Sebastian felt the weight of his brother’s faith, his trust, his shared need for justice. “I will. I promise.”
Viscount Wentworth had no idea what was coming for him.
But he would learn.
Soon.
*
The barmaids hadnearly finished washing up the tables and were now asking for their pay, so Sebastian excused himself to take care of them.
Sebastian paid the women and sent them on their way. “You’re walking together, isn’t that right? There are all kinds of riffraff on the streets this time of night.”
They agreed, giving him cheeky grins and promising to return tomorrow evening. He walked with them to the door, planning on locking it behind them so he could start closing up. Besides one last poker table, the tavern had emptied out.
He’d just seen off the barmaids when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a dark figure approaching. Someone slight. Definitely female. Limping? She wore a cloak with a hood that covered her face. When she stepped into the light shed from the streetlamp, she pulled back her hood.
He gasped. It was his sister.
“Sophia? Is it you?” He blinked, sure his eyes were playing tricks on him. But no, it was Sophia. His darling sister. There was no mistaking her fair, heart-shaped face and golden hair and those big blue eyes that had captured his heart the moment she was born.
“Sebastian, thank God I found the right place.”
They rushed toward each other, embracing tightly. “What in theworld are you doing here?” He glanced around, eyeing a gang of rough-looking men across the street. “Never mind. Let’s go inside.” He rushed her through the door and locked it behind them.
“Sophia? I cannot believe it’s you.” He held her at arm’s length, taking in every detail. He’d not seen her in three years and had hoped to make a trip to Bristol where she’d been working, but hadn’t yet had the opportunity. She was as pretty as ever, but a dark bruise under her left eye looked fresh. Her eyes were red and swollen, as if she’d been crying for hours.
“I’ve had to leave my position.” Sophia’s eyes filled with tears. He reached into his pocket for a handkerchief and handed it to her. She dabbed at her eyes, then slumped against him. “I’ve not eaten since yesterday. Do you have any scraps left in the kitchen?”
There was obviously more to the story, but she seemed too weak to tell him now. “Yes. Come sit. I’ll get you something warm to drink and eat.” He led her over to a table in the corner.
“Stay here. I’ll find you something from the kitchen,” Sebastian said.
