Keep shape.
Keep sense.
Tonight, keeping shape required more effort than it should have.
Wolfton Hall
Henry burst intothe front hall as though his news belonged to the house.
“Miss Edgewood says the music will stay if I do my scales tonight!”
Mrs. Pritchard glanced up from a silver tray. “Then I suggest you do them before the cook grows cross at the noise.”
Henry scampered off.
Marcus paused at the foot of the stairs.
His coat still carried the faint scent of the evening air.
His pulse still remembered Lila’s breath beside him.
His mind replayed the quiet look she had given him when he told her she was not alone.
He could no longer pretend nothing had shifted.
Mrs. Pritchard studied him over the tray. “You are troubled,” she said.
“Thoughtful.”
“Troubled,” she repeated.
He let out a slow breath. “She is not safe. Fenwick is circling. He means to unsettle her.”
Mrs. Pritchard’s expression hardened. Years of service had left her no patience for dishonor inside these walls or beyond them.
“Then you will keep her safe.”
Marcus met her gaze.
Her tone softened. “My lord… this may be the first thing you have cared about since… well. For a long time.”
He did not answer.
She nodded once. “Henry will need supper.”
Marcus turned away before she could say more.
Rosehaven House– That evening
Lila lit hersmall bedchamber lamp. Amber light warmed the walls. She opened her portfolio and drew out Henry’s crooked page. Three notes wavered on the staff, written in a child’s determined hand.
Her breath tightened.
She had meant to teach him music.
She had not expected to feel altered by the attempt.
A knock sounded.
