fourteen
The next day, Vivienne knocked on Captain Jackson’s door with eagerness. Guilt buzzed in her ears like an annoying mosquito. The only reason why she’d left the house today was because the physician had given Mother a strong sleeping potion, and she was now in her bed, drugged and unconscious. Father had urged Vivienne to go, telling her not to worry and to enjoy herself, and she’d seized the opportunity
The way she’d been allowed to go out left a bitter taste in her mouth, with her mother drugged and in bed. But Samuel was her responsibility. The more time she spent with him, the more she wanted to be with him, especially after what had happened in the park.
She shouldn’t have taken him out. Or maybe she should do it again.
The fear and pain in his eyes had affected her deeply. She’d orchestrated his rescue, and while she didn’t regret anything, she wanted to help him through his recovery.
“Your mother will probably be asleep tomorrow as well,” Dobkins said. “But we have exhausted the excuses.”
“Samuel needs me.” She knocked again.
“Exactly.” Dobkins angled towards her. “You don’t want your mother to forbid you to go out completely. Do as she asks you now and then.”
“I always do as she asks me.”
“This is a particular moment. This is one of her deep crises.”
She was about to say that the particular moment had lasted for years when the door was flung open.
“You’re early.” The captain scowled.
“Would you please greet a lady properly?” Dobkins said.
The captain shot his gaze skywards. “Please do come in.”
The scent of wood polish teased Vivienne’s senses, distracting her from her worries. No more smell of cheroot.
“Samuel?” She rose on her tiptoes to see past the captain.
“He’s getting ready. Getting ready takes a long time because he doesn’t stop hand signing now. Always chatting. I have to tie his fingers to make him stop.” He laughed, hooking his thumbs into his waistcoat.
Vivienne gasped, and Dobkins glared at him.
“It’s a joke,” he said. “I would never do that.”
Samuel came out of the bedroom, dressed in a dark brown suit that made his lion eyes stand out. He beamed when he saw her, and she admitted to a little, fluttery feeling in her chest. He bowed, keeping his stare on her.
“What would you like to study today?” she asked. “History, geography? Or literature?”
“The Regent’s Park.”
The captain paused putting the kettle on. “Are you sure, lad?”
Samuel nodded. “I want to try again.”
“Isn’t it too early?” she asked.
He signed slowly. “I don’t want to let too much time pass.”
Judging by the silence, Dobkins and Captain Jackson shared Vivienne’s worries. But then again, she’d told him she would help him overcome his fears.
“Let’s go.”
As all four of them walked along the pavement, her hand brushed Samuel’s. Every time their fingers touched, he would catch a breath.
Warmth stirred in her as well, but with it came worry. He was a pure soul, and she didn’t want to make a mistake and hurt him.
