“That is a relief.”
Winston nodded his agreement. “Furthermore, the other Bow Street Runner has arrived at the village and is keeping a watchful eye out for Isaac.”
Shifting in his seat, Bennett asked, “How do we contact this Bow Street Runner?”
“We don’t,” Winston replied. “But I was told by Jasper that he is close by, watching, and waiting.”
“Do you know this particular Bow Street Runner?”
Winston shook his head. “Jasper did not disclose any additional information of the Bow Street Runner and I am a smart enough man not to ask.”
“Do you think Isaac would be stupid enough to come here to speak to Father?”
“For the money, yes,” Winston replied.
“You think he cares more about money than his own wife and son?” Bennett asked.
Winston grew thoughtful. “Regardless of what I think, Isaac is dangerous. And that does not bode well for Sarah or anyone for that matter,” he said. “Father even instructed White to hire additional footmen and to post them around the manor.”
“That will be sufficient,” Bennett responded, rising from his seat. “If you will excuse me, it is late.”
“Late?” Winston repeated. “You are starting to sound like an old man. Soon you will tell people that your bones are creaking.”
“I am not that old yet.”
Winston’s expression grew solemn. “I am worried about you.”
He stared back at his brother incredulously. “You are worried about me?” he repeated. “I am more worried aboutyou.”
“There is no reason to worry about me,” Winston asserted.
“I could say the same thing, but we both know we are lying,” Bennett said, challenging his brother to argue with him.
Winston leaned back in his seat, his expression resigned. “All right, but just know that I am here to listen,” he responded.
“Thank you, but I can manage on my own,” Bennett said before he departed from the study. He knew his brother was just trying to help, but this was something that he had to handle on his own. Delphine would eventually leave Brockhall Manor, and he would need to learn to live without her.
As he stepped into the entry hall, he saw a tall, broad-shouldered footman standing guard. This must be one of the new footmen that White had hired. He hoped that the presence of additional footmen would keep Isaac away from their family, including Aunt Sarah and her son.
“Brother!” Elodie called out from the top of the stairs.
Bennett turned and saw Elodie descending the stairs in her white wrapper and slippers. “Whatever are you doing up at this late hour?”
“I am hungry,” Elodie said. “I am going to the kitchen for a biscuit. Would you care to join me?”
“For a biscuit, always,” Bennett responded.
Elodie came to a stop at the bottom of the stairs and gave him a curious look. “Why do you look so disheveled?”
“Says the girl who is wearing a wrapper and a cap on her head,” Bennett teased.
She smiled. “Fair enough,” she replied. “Let’s go find the biscuits that Mrs. Meek left out for me.”
“How do you know she left out biscuits for you?”
A mischievous look came into his sister’s eyes. “This is not the first time I have raided the kitchen for biscuits.”
“Dare I ask how often you do such a thing?”
