Brandon raced up the steps of Westforth House. No light shone inside except for the sitting room, which was ablaze. Stifling his disquiet, he banged the brass knocker sharply.

As usual, no one appeared. Brandon knocked again, this time so loudly that the sound echoed. When no response was forthcoming, he cupped his hands about his mouth. “Herberts! Answer the damn door!”

The curtain in the sitting room flickered a moment before the door finally opened. Herberts stood in the opening.

“Bloody hell,” Brandon said. “Didn’t you hear—”

The butler’s nose and eyes were red as if he’d been crying, his lips quivering piteously.

Brandon’s heart thumped to a halt. “Verena—”

Herberts wiped his nose with the back of his hand. “Th—the sittin’ room.” His voice warbled, a fat tear rolling down his cheek.

Blood roared in Brandon’s ears. He shoved past the butler and raced toward the sitting room, his breath caught in his chest. Dear God, was he too late?

The door to the sitting room was open, light spilling into the hallway. Brand stepped into the room and came to a halt.

Verena lay on the settee, her head wrapped in a white bandage. Brand went to her side and gazed down at her, his throat peculiarly tight.

He just stood, thankful beyond words to see her chest rising and falling, to see her hand clenched about a handkerchief. Even the frown on her lips sent a tremor of gladness through him.

Brandon glanced over his shoulder at Herberts, who stood behind him. “What happened?”

The butler gave a wet sniff. “’Twas horrible, it was. Oiye heard a noise downstairs here in the sittin’ room. When oiye opened the door, oiye found the missus on the floor, crumpled like a rag.”

“Did you send for a physician?”

Verena opened her eyes into twin slits of ill humor. “I don’t want a doctor. I just have a little headache, that’s all.”

Though she was pale, her voice was even. The tightness about Brand’s chest eased somewhat.

He knelt by the settee and took her hand in his, linking his fingers with hers. “Are you well?” He lifted the edge of the cloth and viewed the angry bruise on her forehead.

She winced. “No, I’m not well. My head hurts, my teeth ache and my neck is stiff. How can you even ask such a question?”

Brand replaced the cloth. Damn it, this wasn’t supposed to happen. They were supposed to pretend they’d found the list and the blackmailer would press for an earlier meeting. That was all.

He glanced at Herberts. “Were the door and windows locked?”

“’Deed they were! Peters and oiye checked ’em all afore bed.”

“Have you checked them since? It would be easy enough to break a window and climb in.”

Herberts shook his head, his lips quivering. “Oiye should have stayed awake. Ye tol’ me something might happen.” He pulled out a handkerchief and blew his nose. As he went to stuff the handkerchief back in his pocket, Brandon caught sight of a familiar monogram—his own.

The butler caught his gaze, then looked down at the kerchief, the monogram still visible. His cheeks reddened to match his nose. “Sorry ’bout thet, guv’nor. Ye must have dropped it in the foyer.” He shook out the handkerchief and held it out to Brandon. “’Ere ye go.”

Brandon looked at the none-too-clean crumpled bit of linen. “Er, no thank you. You can keep it.”

“Thank ye, guv’nor.” Herberts wiped his nose once more and then crammed the kerchief back in his pocket. “’Tis the worst day o’ me life. Oiye’ve failed in me dooty.”

“You didn’t fail. We didn’t have any way of realizing that this would happen.” Not this quickly, anyway. “Where is Peters?”

“Oiye sent him to fetch ye and then go on to find Mr. Lansdowne.”

James. Brandon looked down at Verena’s pale face. He couldn’t tell her about her brother, not yet. “Once Peters returns, send him to me. Mr. Lansdowne will be coming soon. He will need a chamber prepared.”

Verena’s eyes opened once again. “James is staying here? I asked him and he said he thought it would be best if he remained at the inn.”

“He changed his mind.” Brandon rubbed his thumb over the back of Verena’s hand. Her eyes slid closed once again, her brows drawn, though her lashes rose just a bit when he pressed his lips to her fingers.

Slowly, her lashes lifted. Their eyes met, a wave of heat shimmering through Brand. Only this time it wasn’t anger, but pure lust. Startled at the strength of the feeling, he released her. The second he did so, though, her lips began to quiver, her violet eyes filling with tears.

Brandon caught up her hand again. “Easy, sweet.”

A single tear leaked from beneath her lashes. “I don’t know why I’m—my head hurts. Yes, it hurts and I’m—” She gulped a sob. “Oh, blast!”

“Herberts, is there any laudanum in the house?”

“Oiye already brought it but the missus wouldn’t touch it.” Herberts shook his head. “She’s a stubborn wench.”

“I still don’t want it,” she said, though her voice seemed weaker.

Herberts picked up a small brown bottle and a spoon that rested on a nearby table and handed them to Brand. “Mayhap ye can get her to take a good dose. There’s no reason fer her to be a hurtin’ so.”

“Fetch some water.”

The butler immediately scurried off. He returned almost immediately, a glass in his hand. Brand pulled the cork from the bottle and poured some of the thick brown liquid into a spoon.

He held it before Verena. “Open.”

“No.” She turned away a little, one hand pressed to the cloth on her head, the other balled into a fist on her stomach.

“It will make your head feel better.”

“So would dying, but I don’t want to try that, either.”

Brand quirked a brow. “Don’t make me pour this down your throat.”

Her eyes flew open. “You wouldn’t da—”

Brandon slipped the spoon between her parted lips. She choked, pressed a hand to her mouth, then swallowed, glaring at him the whole time.

Brandon placed the glass of water in her hand and then gave the bottle and spoon to Herberts. “That should do the trick.”

“I wish you would go away,” Verena snapped. She gulped the water, her mouth still twisted in disgust. “That is the most vile stuff.”

“I am not leaving you alone.” Ever. Brandon wanted her safe. Warm. In his arms. Where she belonged.

“Lud, guv’nor. Oiye cannot believe someone would hurt a fine lady like the missus. ’Tis a crime.”

Verena wrinkled her nose, an accusing note in her voice as she peered up at Brandon. “I need a cup of chocolate. Something to get this foul taste from my mouth.”

Herberts looked skeptical. “Do ye think chocolate is a good idea after ye’ve knocked yer noggin? Oiye think perhaps some nice cabbage soup moight be more the thing.”

Even with a bandage on her head, Verena managed a very quelling look at her butler. “I don’t want cabbage soup, thank you. But I do want chocolate. Now, if you please.”

Brandon thought he’d never seen a more adorably ill-tempered patient. He pressed her fingers to his mouth, her fingertips trembling against his lips. She was so damnably brave. Most women he knew would be bawling, sobbing hysterically. Verena merely used her injury as an excuse to procure hot chocolate.

He glanced at Herberts. “Hot chocolate, Herberts. Now.”

The butler stuffed his handkerchief into his pocket. “Won’t cure her head pain none.”

“That’s for her to decide. Now fetch some chocolate and be quick about it.”

“Very well.” He straightened his shoulders and marched from the room.

As soon as the door closed, Brandon released her hand and stood. “I’m going to carry you to your room. You’ll be more comfortable in bed.”

She lifted up on her elbows. “I can walk, thank you very much.”

“Really?” He scooped Verena into his arms. “Not while I’m carrying you.”

“You’re despicable.”

“And you need to be in bed.” He didn’t wait another moment, but carried her upstairs.

The bed was mussed. Brand set her on the edge of the mattress while he straightened the sheets. She waited patiently, her eyes never leaving him.

When he had everything ready, he slid his arms beneath her and laid her gently on her pillows. “There,” he said, wondering why he felt so helpless. His heart was doing strange things, aching as if he’d already lost something.

“Don’t move.” Brand went to the door and yelled for Herberts.

The butler pounded up the stairs almost immediately. “Sir?”

“Bring some cold water and some fresh cloths.”

Herberts nodded. “The chocolate’s almost ready, too.” He turned and clomped back down the steps.

Brand returned to Verena. She had closed her eyes and a slow tear trickled down her cheek. He sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. “Verena. It’s all right. I think I’d be crying, too.”

She looked at him, her violet eyes dark as if they, too, were bruised. Brandon’d had only one sister. But that one sister had taught him many things. He reached out and gathered Verena to him. “Easy, sweetheart. Easy.”

The tears came and he held her, rubbing his cheek against her hair, stroking her back. But even as he comforted her, he thought of all the ways he wanted to kill the man who had harmed her.

Moments later, Herberts entered the room carrying a bowl of water, a pitcher, and a cup of steaming chocolate. He paused on seeing Verena in Brand’s arms, but only for a minute. “’Ere now, a good cry is jus’ what ye need, missus. Oiye brought ye some extra cloths, too, so ye can wash yer face when yer finished. Ye don’t want a red nose, do ye?”

Verena didn’t think she really cared what color her nose was, so long as Brandon didn’t release her. It was heavenly, being held, nothing expected, nothing given. Just shared. Perhaps it was the laudanum, but she didn’t want to feel anything beyond this moment.

Herberts clumped about a bit more, rambling about how he’d been searching the downstairs windows for signs of entry. A yell from Peters sent him out the door.

The instant he was gone, Brandon chuckled, the sound rumbling beneath Verena’s ear in a comforting manner. “You should see what he’s done to your night table.”

Verena risked a peek. Herberts, in his desire to be of service, had folded all the extra cloths into large, sloppy, flower-shaped bundles. “Where did he learn that?” she asked, amazed.

“I don’t know, but you should have seen him. He had to do each one four or five times before he was satisfied.” Brand brushed the hair back from her face. “We need to wash your bruise. Think we can manage it ourselves?”

Verena nodded. She wasn’t better at all, though that no longer seemed to matter. Thank heavens for the laudanum. The pleasantly numbing sensation was slowly spreading through her and in a moment, she wouldn’t even be able to feel her tongue.

She cast about for something bright and witty to say—something to offset her horribly red nose. “I suppose our plan is working.”

Brand’s mouth thinned. “Don’t get me started. Can you sit on your own?”

She nodded once, then winced. Her head still ached, but from a distance now. She allowed Brandon to arrange her pillows into a huge wall of comfort. Then he gently undid the bandage around her forehead.

She watched him as he worked. He was the most handsome man in the world. And he was sitting on the edge of her bed. She wished she had a whole group of friends to whom she could brag. It was rather sad that she didn’t. Not even one, really. Oh, she knew a lot of people, of course. But not well enough to confide in any of them.

Verena supposed that was yet another sign that she’d forgotten how to live.

Brandon set the bandage aside, his gaze fastened on her forehead, his mouth thinned.

“What’s it look like?”

“Blue. Very blue.”

She put her fingertips to the bump. “Ouch!”

His face softened. “Don’t touch it if it hurts.”

Verena giggled. “I shan’t touch it at all. You can touch it. In fact,” she made a huge gesture that almost sent her tumbling to one side, “you may touch all of me.”

A glimmer lit his eyes. “You’re laudanum-drunk.” But he smiled and ran his thumb over her chin. “Let me get some cold cloths on your head.”

She caught his hand and pressed it to her cheek, looking at him with all the longing she felt inside. “You aren’t going to leave me?”

He cupped her cheek. “Never.”

“Ever?”

He bent until his face was even with hers, his blue eyes seeming to burn. “Verena, I promise to stay as long as you’ll have me plus one day.”

“One day?”

“A very, very long day.” He straightened. “Let me get the cloth.”

She reluctantly released his hand. The second he stepped from the bed, she felt alone again. Alone and uncertain, afraid. But not of being hurt or meeting up with her attacker. Her fear had to do with Brandon. With losing him. Losing herself.

He returned to the bed with some cool cloths and carefully bathed her forehead. Only once did it cause her any pain, and he immediately stopped. When he finished, he said quietly, “There. That should do it.”

Brandon returned the cloth to the bowl and came back to the bed with the cup of chocolate. “I believe this will cure any further ills you may have.”

Verena took the cup in both hands and inhaled deeply. The heavenly aroma sent a pleasurable shiver down her spine. She put the cup to her lips and let the creamy liquid slide down her throat. It was heavenly. She closed her eyes and let the bittersweet taste fill her with a delicious peacefulness.

Suddenly, she realized how ridiculous she must look to Brandon, getting blissful over a cup of chocolate. She peeped at him. “Sorry,” she said, with an uncertain laugh. “I didn’t ask if you wanted any. I could pour half of this into another cup, if you’d like.”

“No, thank you. I don’t need my own cup. I can taste it from your expression.” He pushed a strand of her hair from her face, his fingers gentle. “Finish that. It will help you sleep.”

She did as he suggested though she was aware of his gaze the entire time. He watched her hungrily, as if afraid she would disappear if he looked away too long. She took the last sip and then handed him the empty cup.

He set it aside. “It’s time you went to sleep.”

The laudanum had taken hold now. Her nose and chin were numb and she thought perhaps the room was tilting ever so slightly to the left.

She sighed happily as she looked about her familiar room. She’d spent as much money on her bed and bed linens as she had for every stick of furniture in the sitting room. The bed represented her home. Her haven. But for the first time in four years, she didn’t want to be here—not alone.

She leaned forward and put her head against Brandon’s shoulder. “Stay with me?”

He stilled, a flicker of tension on his face. “That would not be wise.”

“It would be heavenly.” She found that somehow her fingers were now twined in Brandon’s coat. She frowned. “You still have on your coat.”

“I didn’t have time to remove it.”

There was something wrong about his coat. What was it? She squinted at it again, then smiled. Damn, but she was intelligent—far more intelligent than anyone had ever imagined. “I know what it is! You’ve no buttons.”

“Herberts.”

“Ah.” It took a little concentration, but she forced her fingers to loosen from his coat. But as soon as she let go of him, he rose. A faint sense of panic gripped her.

Brandon must have read her gaze. “I’m not going anywhere.” He pulled off his coat and tossed it over the chair.

Ah, her chair. Her lovely, lovely chair. She remembered the last time Brandon had been in her room, how he’d held her in his lap. The chair would always be special to her. One to be cherished. Especially once this ordeal was over and she had left England and Brandon forever.

The thought of leaving sent her mood spiraling to black. Oh God, she was going to leave. Leave her home, her beloved bed, and Brandon. Her chest ached from unshed tears.

“Here, now. Don’t start that.”

She looked up at him, her lips quivering. “Can’t help it.”

“It’s the laudanum. You need to go to sleep, Verena.” Brand sat back on the edge of the bed and brushed her cheek with the back of his finger, the movement hypnotic. “Close your eyes. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

The sadness abated as a heavy lassitude weighed her down. Her head still hurt, but only from far, far away.

It was lovely lying here, all snuggled in her bed, Brandon gently smoothing her face, her hair. She imagined him whispering nonsensical words, words of comfort and joy and love. But not love—not from Brandon.

She smiled woozily and placed her hand on his, loving his gentle touch, as if he feared to hurt her. After a moment, she said into the silence, “My head feels better.”

He glinted a smile. “Good. Now sleep.”

“Don’t want to sleep,” she said, though her eyes slid closed.

“Hm.” He continued to trail his fingers through her hair.

It was almost hypnotic and she smiled her contentment. “My mother used to do that, whenever I was ill.”

“Then she was a good mother. Mine did the same.”

“I miss my mother.” She opened her eyes to look at him. “Do you miss yours?”

“Every day. Tell me about your family, Verena. What are they like?”

Her family. How lovely that Brandon wanted to know about her family. He was such a kind man. She nestled her cheek against his palm. “I have a brother.”

“I know that. I’ve met him. He looks very much like you.”

Good old James. Always there when she needed him. She wondered where he was right now. He’d said he’d only be gone a short time, yet that had been hours ago. “I wonder where James has gone—”

“Do you have any other brothers or sisters?” Brandon asked.

“Two sisters. They are younger. I’m the oldest of us all, though by only two minutes.”

“You and James are twins?”

“Yup.” She sighed happily. Laudanum was a delightful drug, she decided. “I have a lovely family. My father thinks I am the best card turner he’s ever come across. Except, of course, when I drink port.”

“Ah yes. Our little game. That seems years ago.” He cupped her face, his palm warm. “Why didn’t you join your family once Westforth died?”

“Because I wanted to have my own bed.” She chuckled softly. “That sounds strange, doesn’t it? I love my parents, but they are sadly addicted to excitement.”

“Unlike you.”

“I want peace. Home. My very own bed with plump pillows and crisp linen sheets.”

Brandon brushed his thumb over her cheek, enjoying the warm silk of her skin. “Was it very difficult, wandering so much?”

The smile faltered, then disappeared. Her eyes slowly came open, the violet drowning as if in a rain. “At times,” she whispered. “At times it was very difficult. Every time I found a friend, we would have to leave.” Her voice quavered. “Like now.”

Leave. Never had Brandon disliked a word so much. He realized with a shock that he didn’t want Verena to leave. What he really wanted was—he closed his eyes. What did he want?

Verena must have noted his pained expression for she placed her hand along his cheek. “It wasn’t all bad. Some parts of living with my parents were marvelous.”

“Marvelous?”

“They were not monsters. Just…opportunists.”

“You mean scoundrels?”

“That and other things. But they loved us. And they cherished us.”

Not enough, Brand thought. He wondered if anyone had cared for Verena the way she deserved. “What did Westforth think of your parents?”

“Andrew?” She smiled, a slow lazy smile. Her voice was growing more indistinct and he knew she was about to fall asleep. But after a pause, she managed to murmur, “Andrew was amused. I think he cared more for my parents than his own.” Her voice faded with each word.

Brandon pulled the covers up and tucked them about her. “Go to sleep, Verena. I’ll be here when you wake up.” And he would, he decided. That day and the next, and possibly the one after that. However long it took to make certain she was safe and cared for.

She snuggled deeper into the mound of pillows, her hand curled to her cheek, and was soon fast asleep. Brandon watched her for a long time afterwards. Then, moving quietly, he pulled the covers more neatly about her and then settled into the chair by the fireplace and waited for dawn.