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Chapter 6
Later that night, Silas, Percy, and Levi were awake, having a drink in the library. Silas was full and warm, with a pleasant buzz resulting from the good brandy he’d had.
“It’s been a good first night,” Levi commented.
“Indeed,” Silas said, his mind immediately going to the younger Miss Wilds. She was very beautiful. She’d worn a simple muslin dress, in a soft green colour. On her, it was very handsome, bringing out the chestnut in her brown hair and the golden highlights in her eyes.
“There are a good many handsome ladies among the group,” Percy added.
“There are. And Dinah seemed to have a good talk with the Marquess of Browning,” Levi added.
“I think the two of them would make a fine match.” The Marquess of Browning was a good gentleman. His estate was close by, which made him an even better prospect for Dinah, who was very close with her family.
Silas heard the sounds of footsteps in the hallway. He glanced towards the open doorway in time to see Miss Patricia Weaver pass by on her way to her room in the East Wing. She was dressed in a very eye-catching red silk gown, which enhanced the copper of her hair.
When Silas looked towards Percy, there was a glint in his eye. Percy finished his brandy, then set the glass aside.
“Excuse me,” he said, then walked out of the room, following Miss Weaver.
He’s quite the womanizer. I wonder if Miss Weaver requires a saviour?
Silas suspected that Percy would become overly flirtatious in his pursuit of Miss Weaver, and perhaps handsy in a very ungentlemanly manner.
He glanced over to Levi.
“I’m going to go and make sure Miss Weaver is all right,” he said.
Levi nodded. “A good idea.” He tipped his glass to his lips, turning away from Silas as he went to the window to look out at the lake in the night. For the party, several torches had been lit along the drive, and the light glittered over the dark water.
Silas left the library, heading up the stairs, then down the hall to the East Wing. He heard their voices echoing in the corridor, followed by Miss Weaver’s laugh.
They both turned at his approach. Miss Weaver smiled at him. She was leaning back against the wall, while Percy was just edging in closer. Percy’s smile was false—his eyes betrayed his disappointment.
“The Honourable Mr Sweet!” Miss Weaver said. “What are you doing here?” Her cheeks were rosy, her smile coy.
“I was just coming to check on Percy,” he explained, concern in his tone. “I wanted to see if he’d seen the physician yet for that rash… down there.” He raised his eyebrows in concern, grimacing.
“Oh my,” Miss Weaver said. “I’ll let the two of you discuss.”
She scurried away. The sound her bedroom door opened and closed softly.
Percy glared at Silas. “What was that?” he demanded.
“Once you start treating women better, then I won’t have to protect them from you.”
“You’re one to talk,” Percy shot back, and Silas gave him a withering glare. Burying his hands in his jacket pockets, Silas strolled down the hallway, heading back towards the library. When he arrived back downstairs, he found that Levi had gone, likely off to his bed chamber.
Silas wasn’t at all tired. He felt wide awake. So, he began to peruse the shelves, looking for a book to keep his mind occupied. He couldn’t stop thinking about Miss Wilds and her bewitching eyes.
