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‘For Hugh’s sake or for mine?’
The words caught in his throat for a moment. ‘For mine.’
Her breath caught, she looked away from him, and said nothing else. When they arrived at Lady Smythe’s, they were announced upon entry to the ballroom, and he immediately spotted Hugh.
Beatrice was swept away by the gaggle of ladies that had taken a shine to her, and she took Eleanor along with her.
‘And how are you finding London?’ Briggs asked.
Hugh’s expression was opaque. ‘Eleanor’s dance card is full. I suppose that is a victory.’
He rather sounded like he was being sent to the gallows, not like he was pleased with his ward’s performance.
Something troubled him, and Briggs wished he could help. And also felt as if he did not deserve any additional insight into what Hugh was feeling, not when he had betrayed his trust as he’d done.
But you honoured Beatrice’s desires.
He found that as much as he loved his friend, that mattered more.
‘Full marks to you,’ Briggs said.
Hugh cast an eye over him. ‘And how are you finding London?’
‘I am here. As ever. And Beatrice is getting her experience of the Season.’
‘Good,’ Hugh said, looking around.
‘William is enjoying himself.’ Normally he went out of his way to never speak of William. Not even to Hugh.
His friend lifted a brow, indicating his surprise.
‘I’m glad to hear it.’
‘Beatrice is a wonderful stepmother to him,’ he said. ‘He has... He has changed a great deal with her. I wonder what would’ve become of me if I’d had a mother who had cared for me so.’
He did not know why he was saying this to his friend, except that he knew what Briggs had been like when he had first gone to school. The lack of confidence he’d felt. The inability to speak to other children.
‘I’m glad to hear it. That it has been something beneficial for you.’
‘I would hope for all of us.’
‘That is more than I expected to hear, I confess.’
‘She is a strong woman, your sister,’ Briggs said. It was difficult for him to keep the admiration from his voice, and then, why should he? Hugh should understand. He should understand what manner of woman Beatrice was. Woman. Because he got the feeling his friend still thought of her as a girl. And she was not. She was strong, and glorious. When the two of them made love they...
Hugh’s head turned sharply, his focus suddenly diverted. Briggs followed his gaze. His ward had gone to the dance floor and was now in the arms of another man.
‘I do not approve of that,’ Hugh said.
‘Abernathy? Why?’
‘You know full well.’
‘He frequents the sort of brothels that we do?’ Briggs asked.
‘He has a reputation for being quite perverse.’
‘So do I, as you well know.’
