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“Borrowed,” Eliza corrected.
Asquith threw up his hands.
“Your task,” Eliza continued, adopting a gentler manner, “is to watch over her.”
“A small favor to grant,” Millie added.
“What do you mean, watch over her?” he asked.
“For one, make sure she eats,” Millie replied. “She doesn’t, you know... when she’s scared.”
His chest contracted. Had Lenora starved herself? Over a visit to his mother?
“And” Eliza added, “if you could also ensure she doesn’t spend all her time in a book, Godmama might have a chance to fulfill her goal of increasing Lenora’s confidence.”
“I still don’t see how easing Lenora out of her fear is my responsibility. You can visit her yourself.”
Eliza glanced heavenward. “If we visited every day, how does that give Lenora space to flower?”
Space to flower. The metaphor was uncharacteristic of Eliza, which likely meant she was either parroting his mother or was, in fact, deeply concerned.
Either way, who was he supposed to be, Lenora’s gardener? Space to flower, indeed.
Although Lenora had looked a touch pale when he entered. And Cassie’s arm around her waist had looked like more than a sisterly hug. And if he had caused her fear, her upset stomach, then he had a responsi—
No, he cut off that line of thought. “I can’t see why she would be scared,” he insisted instead.
“You wouldn’t,” Millie said derisively.
“I beg your pardon! I’m just as observant as the next fellow.”
Eliza and Millie exchanged glances. Then they laughed.
What the devil?
“I agree you can be observant,” Millie said. “Just not where Lenora is concerned.”
“Keep an eye out, will you?” Eliza added. “If not for Lenora, then for us. If Lenora looks like she hasn’t been sleeping—”
“Or eating,” Millie interrupted.
“Let one of us know?” Eliza finished.
Two pairs of expectant eyes focused intently on him.
Neither Eliza nor Millie was a worrier by nature. Both were creatures of decisive action. They would not express a concern unless it was genuine, nor would they issue such a strong demand unless they felt a need.
“Very well,” he said reluctantly. “Should Lenora seem unwell, I will inform you.”
“Thank you.” Millie surprised him with an uncharacteristic hug. “I knew you wouldn’t let us down.”
Eliza smirked. “Speak for yourself.”
He untangled himself from Millie’s embrace. “Do you want my help, or not?”
“You’ve already given your word.” Millie’s grin widened. “Can’t go back now.”
He couldn’t, could he? “You have me there,” he conceded.
