“I do,” she replied. “Attention seldom falls on a woman like me unless someone gives it shape first. He has been… persistent.”
Marcus’s jaw tightened. “Fenwick’s persistence is not your burden.”
“It becomes mine,” she said, “once others begin to notice.”
They walked in silence.
She had spoken the truth of her position. A boarding house had too many eyes. A reputation that could splinter under the wrong glance.
He wanted to reassure her. To promise protection. Such promises belonged to men who were certain of their ground.
Instead, he said, “Mrs. Dove-Lyon was right. You should not walk alone tonight.”
“I dislike imposing.”
“You are not imposing.”
“You do not know that,” she said.
Marcus stopped short.
Lila halted beside him.
Lantern light softened her profile, the clean line of her jaw, the vulnerability she hid behind composure. She was too aware of being seen. Too aware of what might be said.
“You should not have to fend off unwanted attention alone,” he said gently. “Not from Fenwick. Not from anyone.”
Her gaze dropped to her gloved hands. “And you believe being seen with you would help?”
He swallowed. “I do not know. But I know that giving Fenwick one moment more of your company would harm you far worse.”
The admission slipped free.
Lila’s breath caught—only just.
Henry returned, holding up the pebble. “I found it!”
“Well done,” she said, steady again.
They walked on.
By Dover Street, Lila slowed. Rosehaven House came into view, modest and orderly, lamplight spilling across its steps. Curtains shifted upstairs, discreet but attentive. Women in boarding houses noticed.
“You may leave me here,” she said quickly. “I can manage the last steps.”
Marcus did not move.
“It is ten paces,” she insisted. “And I would not have anyone mistake this for impropriety.”
Henry looked between them, confused by rules he did not yet know.
“I will walk you to the door,” Marcus said.
She weighed caution against truth, fear against dignity. Then nodded.
Henry took her hand for the last steps. Not from fear. From choice.
At the door, she released him gently and turned to Marcus.
