“He will. He cares for you so much. I’ve s
uspected it for some time, and you care for him too, or you would never have allowed him to comfort you in his arms.” Julia opened her eyes wide, but it was all too clear she was fighting the effect of the laudanum and losing. “I won’t need you after nightfall. I will ask Valentine to stay with me so if you were to slip out of the house after dinner, he will never know about it. There is a lot more that can be said without a chaperone, a brother or sister, butting in at the wrong moment. That is how your brother convinced me to wed, you know. We spoke our hearts to each other.”
“I don’t think I should.”
“Please.” Her grip tightened. “He knows you. He knows what you want. Give him a chance.”
Julia closed her eyes again and after a time, her breathing slowed enough to indicate sleep.
Was she brave enough to sneak into Walter’s house just to talk to him? Nothing in her life had prepared her for making these sorts of decisions.
Assured that Julia rested comfortably for the time being, she slipped from the room and made her way to her brother, only to be brought up short. Linus Radley had remained with Valentine and Walter. She took a step back. “Julia sleeps now.”
Valentine nodded and turned to Radley, one brow raised. “I believe you had something to say.”
Radley cleared his throat. “I wish to apologize, Miss Merton, for my poor display of temper. I have no excuse.”
Behind Mr. Radley, Walter nodded firmly.
She nodded too. “Thank you.”
Although Radley appeared ready to say more on the subject, she lifted her hand to stop him. She did not want to hear his excuses for losing his temper. What he thought of her no longer mattered. “If you gentlemen would excuse me, Julia expects me to remain at her side until nightfall. Walter, could you inform Imogen of Julia’s injury yourself? She should not suffer shocks in her delicate condition.”
“An excellent idea.” He collected his hat. “You know where I am if you need me.”
Sixteen
Repeated soft knocking brought Walter to his feet. He tossed Imogen’s latest manuscript onto his bed and threw a shirt over his nakedness and tugged on a pair of trousers. At this late hour, close to midnight, there was only one reason for someone to seek him out. Trouble. He hoped the matter had nothing to do with Julia Merton.
He grabbed the candle from the bedside and rushed down the stairs to unlock the front door. As soon as he’d opened it a crack, he was pushed backward and a small shape darted inside his home.
“What took you so long?” Melanie gasped. “I was afraid I’d have to toss pebbles at your window to get your attention.”
“I was in bed reading.” He wasn’t decent for company, least of all for Melanie’s, so he buttoned his shirt quickly. “Melanie, what are you doing scarping around at this time of night without even your warmest coat on?”
“Seeking you out.” She set aside her shawl and took the candle from him. “Should you not lock the door again?”
Walter closed and locked the door but he was confused. “Is Julia all right?”
“Yes, she is resting well.” Melanie set the candle on the entrance table and drew closer, her gaze riveted to his. “Do you mind that I’ve come to see you?”
“Not at all.” He caught her hand in his and squeezed. “But there are many reasons you shouldn’t be here.”
She glanced around the hallway. “Will you send me away?”
“No.” He chuckled and brought her bare hand to his lips. “I want to see you all the time, but I’m running out of excuses to use with your brother.”
She leaned into him, pressing against his chest. “I’m not leaving Brighton now. Julia needs me.”
“I need you more.” He pinched the wick of the candle, throwing the house into darkness. Through the thin shirt he wore, her touch was fire. He couldn’t help his reaction to her. He brought his hands to her head and cupped her face. “What should we do about that?”
“I don’t know. This is Julia’s idea.”
“Oh, I see.”
“She suggested we needed to talk without interruptions but I don’t know what there is to say now. I have never sneaked into a bachelor’s home before. I’ve never done anything impulsive or scandalous in my life, and here I am doing everything I’ve ever disapproved of.”
He sent silent thanks to Julia for her unexpected aid. “And you will never have to again, I promise.”