Oops I forgot to share this earlier. I just discovered it when I as about to share the first part of the next story.
Chapter 5 (part 2)
Several hours later, as the sun was just beginning to rise above the horizon, Richard settled once more into a chair in the small library at Lillesley House. The culprits had been rounded up and would soon be dealt with. The great house had been just as imposing as Richard had imagined it would be, and he now knew exactly who was at the helm of their organization.
“Thank you.” Lillesley broke the silence in the room. Richard settled further back into his chair. Lillesley was not speaking to him. This was for his sister.
“Me?” Harriet asked.
Lillesley nodded. “For finding that note and for being willing to put yourself in harm’s way for all of us.” He leaned his head back on his chair. It was a clear sign that he was bone weary. A yawn overtook him as if it had heard Richard’s thoughts.
And then, the blasted thing made its way around the room, causing both Harriet and him to yawn as well.
“I have misjudged you,” her brother continued. “I mean I always knew you were bright and fearless, but you are my sister.” He held up a hand. “No, I did not misjudge you because you are a girl.” He rolled his head so that he could give her a glare and a smirk because he had refuted her protest before she could make it.
Richard chuckled silently at Harriet’s huff in reply to his expression and words.
“You are my sister. My youngest sister. And I did not know how reconcile that fact with the responsibilities that were thrust upon me when Andrew’s role as oldest brother and heir fell to me. I knew how to play with you when we were young. I knew how to tease and torment you. I knew how to watch out for you to a degree, but I had never been so solely responsible for you as I was once Andrew died.”
Another yawn worked through him and then, the rest of them. “I could not bear the thought of losing yet another person I loved. Especially since she was now my responsibility. The business in which I find myself is dangerous. Richard’s life is no less fraught with risk. How could I willingly place you in a situation where harm could come to you from no fault of your own?”
He chuckled. “That is rather ridiculous to think about after recent events. Harm would not know better how to contain you than I did. You have always danced with peril to some extent. Sneaking here and there. Listening to what you were not meant to hear. Spying on your brothers and their friends. You would drive a normal man to distraction with your antics. I am glad you made me see reason about where your future happiness lies.”
He sat up straight and leaned toward her. “However, in the future, if you need me to see reason, plant yourself in my study until I have listened. Do NOT find some intrigue to pursue to prove your point.”
Harriet nodded. “I will.” She breathed and looked as if she was going to add more, but his upheld hand forestalled her.
He shared a look with Richard. Apparently, they were going to broach what they had been told now. It was likely for the best. This way Harriet would have time to consider it before they next met.
“You are part of our inner circle now,” Lillesley said. “It has been decreed by my superior.”
Indeed, the man had been rightly impressed by her quick mind and willingness to insert herself into the situation to help save a maid.
“That does not mean,” Lillesley continued, “that you will be given all the details about everything, nor does it mean that you will be given missions. It means, you may help in whatever capacity that both Richard and I deem acceptable.”
“We will not put you on the shelf and refuse to let you help,” Richard inserted. “You are just too precious to risk – even as much as we did tonight.” He took her hand in his. He knew she hated that he and her brother wanted to cosset her in safety.
“It was necessary,” Harriet protested.
“You are not wrong,” Richard agreed, which earned him a smile. “And you were allowed to assist because you were needed – even though I hated to see you there.” Allowing her to take part in their mission had been as hard for him as he now knew it had been for Darcy to allow Elizabeth and Georgiana to confront Wickham at Oxford Cottage. It had been hard, but it had made sense and had been necessary.
“But that is how we move forward. We use your strengths from a safe location and only move you into more precarious places when it is absolutely necessary.” His hold on her hand tightened. Every life ever entrusted to his care or command had been important to him, but hers? Well, that was a weight of responsibility that felt nearly too great to carry. “This arrangement will, of course, need to be revisited when we have children.”
Her brother cleared his throat and rose from his chair. “I am going to bed. We can begin all the preparations for your wedding once we have all slept. I will trust you to not be too long in seeking your own repose, Fitzwilliam.” There was an edge to the words that made it sound more like a command than a suggestion.
Richard gave him a bow of his head in acceptance of the directive. “I will see that your sister is on her way to her room in five minutes and that I am on my way to my home in six.” He had also stood and pulled Harriet to her feet with him since he was still holding her hand.
“In that case, allow me to wish you a good day instead of good night as that part of the day is swiftly fading – much like I am.” And with that he took his leave of them.
“My dearest Harriet,” Richard said as he drew her into his arms and held her against him. “You are my heart for I do believe mine would cease to beat without you.” He claimed her lips with his and attempted to drink his fill of her while pouring all the love he held for her into his kiss.
Breaking their kiss, he began to hum a tune that was familiar to her. It was the piano piece he had been playing a year ago in the music room at her sister’s soiree.
She rested her head against his chest as they swayed to the song he hummed. This was peace and tranquility. This was home. Here. With his lady in his arms.
She lifted her head and looked up at him as the melody came to an end. He kissed her once more.
And then, after he had seen her reach the top of the stairs, he stepped out into a city of shopkeepers and servants, of grand houses and tenements, that was just coming to life as he made his way home to find his repose.
(The End… for now)
