At least someone is happy to be here. “I’m glad you’re happy, Molly.”
Eva spent the remainder of the day in her room or checking on Reggie, who had not stirred since he fell asleep many hours ago. Daniel came to see her briefly telling her to call him if she needed anything and that he would be in his office working through the paper work that was awaiting his attention. When she was sure that Reggie would not wake until morning, Eva washed and retired early, exhausted she was asleep minutes.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Daniel came upon Reggie Winchcomb the following morning as he walked past the library. It was early, but as was his usual routine, he intended to run through the day’s correspondence before eating his morning meal. He found the boy on his way to the study.
“Good morning, Reginald.”
“Reggie is my name. Thank you, your Grace.”
Nodding, Daniel looked at the young man as he replaced the book he held. His eyes were like Eva’s, filled with the same pain and fears, although he wanted to believe her fears were easing.
“Reggie, then. Did you sleep well?”
His nod was solemn. “It was the best sleep I have ever had.”
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“Excellent. Would you like to have breakfast?”
“I would. Thank you.”
Also like Eva, each of her brother’s words was spoken carefully and with thought. Daniel did not have much experience with young men - he had no siblings and he was not terribly close with his cousins – and therefore, he would have to go by instinct when dealing with Eva’s brother.
“This way,” he indicated, forgoing his study for the breakfast room. Once seated, he asked the boy what he would like to eat and drink. Reggie’s response was to stare blankly back at him.
“No preferences? Ham, eggs and toast?
“Yes, please.”
“Wernham, please bring us a meal worthy of two men and Reggie will have chocolate to drink and coffee for me, please.”
The boy didn’t move at all. His hands never reached for his knife or played with the tablecloth. Instead he sat very still and watched Daniel. Fidgeting was obviously not tolerated in the Winchcomb household.
“Reggie, have you given any thought to what you would like to do now you are here in London?”
“I don’t want to go back to my father.”
“That will never happen,” Daniel vowed, holding the boy’s eyes until Reggie nodded, acknowledging the words.
“I want to go to university.”
“Away from London to university?” Daniel queried. Intrigued, he waited as Reggie formed his words before continuing.
“Eva taught me everything she learnt from her tutor. I know a great many things but I want to go to a school with other boys where I will learn more. I want to read books and study languages. But most of all…”
Daniel found himself leaning forward as a sparkle came into Reggie’s sapphire blue eyes. “What, Reggie? What do you really want?” Daniel would find a way to give it to the boy, no matter the cost.
“I want to have friends.”
Wernham brought their breakfast in and Daniel took the few minutes to think about what Eva’s brother had said. He still had friends he’d formed at Eton - solid reliable friends who had made his time there something to remember. “I will start enquiries today for Eton, Reggie.”
“But I am not of noble birth, your Grace.”
“Your brother-in-law is a duke, Reginald. Please remember that fact.” Daniel winked at the boy and was rewarded with half a smile, which made him feel good. “And please call me Daniel.”
“While I am honored that you would offer such a school for me, I would rather go to Edinburgh University.”
Daniel sipped his coffee. “How old are you?”
“Seventeen, your Grace.”
Lord, he’d thought the boy no older than fifteen. His height was no greater than Eva’s and he would not weight much more.
“Why Edinburgh?”
Reggie lowered his fork, then wiped his mouth before speaking, both actions giving him time to think. “Edinburgh is open to anyone and I have no wish to attend a school where I will not fit, your Grace. Now I know Eva is safe in your hands, I have no need to stay near her and Edinburgh is far enough away from them.”
“Why do you believe your sister is safe with me, Reggie?” Daniel was curious. This boy, like his sister, had suffered at the hands of their family, yet unlike Eva, he seemed willing to trust Daniel on short acquaintance.
“My sister said I could trust you, Daniel, and I can see in your eyes that it is true.”
Clearing his throat, Daniel nodded. “If you want to stay here with your sister, Reggie, you can trust me to keep you safe also.”#p#分页标题#e#