Page 58 of Boy of Chaotic Making

March 6, 1847, London, England

I’m excited to see them again,Owein said as he and Merritt wound their way through Cyprus Hall, careful to avoid the crew of men hastily repairing the breakfast room. They passed another hired patrolman; would they be relieved of their duty, or would Lady Helen keep them on in case another “revolutionary” came by? Not that Merritt condoned the violence in any way, but he could certainly understand why a poor man—and Benjamin Dosett was poor, judging by the clothes he’d worn—would be frustrated by the privileges granted to a small elite class while others toiled endlessly for their bread. There were a lot of similarities between the States and England, but there were a lot of differences, too, and Merritt found himself noticing them in stark contrast.

As for the Druids, to whom Owein referred, Merritt believed they were genuine. His interest in them certainly was. However, that outing, plus the walk, plus his questioning had left him very cold, and Merritt wanted nothing more at that moment than a fire. Owein, of course, seemed completely unaffected by temperature and recent arrest alike.

Still, it was good to see him with friends, even if one was a hawk. But was tomorrow too soon to reunite with these folk? Granted, theydidn’t live here. There would be only so many opportunities before they departed for Ireland.

“We’ll go,” Merritt agreed, “if the Leiningens don’t have need of us.” He imagined there’d be some sort of church attendance and luncheon on the morrow, but Lady Helen hadn’t disclosed any plans in particular.

The door to the blue drawing room was ajar, so Merritt slipped in, instantly relaxing when warm air hugged him. Then tensing when he spotted Briar on the sofa. She sat with Cora, a book in her lap.

“I didn’t expect you,” he blurted, then politely amended, “that is, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” He dipped his head. “I’ll ... go upstairs.”

“You’re quite all right,” Briar said, gesturing to chairs by the fire. “Your nose is red; might as well warm up here. I’m hardly going to bite you. Have the police left?”

She asked so casually Merritt wondered if law enforcement came by regularly. “They have.” Doing as directed, he removed his coat and slung it over the back of the armchair near the fire. Owein padded in as well.Hi, Cora.

“Owein also sends his greetings.”

Cora smiled. “Did you both go on a walk?”

“Yes, a rather long one.” Merritt rubbed his hands together. The fire was burning brightly, slowly driving back the chill. “But perhaps not as long a trip as you took,” he suggested, looking at Briar, who frowned.

“It’s much more pleasant in the spring,” Cora offered, then rubbed her eyes. “My apologies, I don’t mean to be rude, but I was about to retire. All this excitement has left me tired.”

Briar put a hand on her shoulder. “Go on, then.”

She stood, offered a brief curtsy to both Merritt and Owein, and departed the room. Merritt watched her go. Such a quiet girl, save for that last conversation they’d had. He wondered what had prompted her to open up. Was it dependent on her health, or how well she knew aperson? She was certainly being patient with the entire affair. More so than her sister.

As though hearing his train of thought, Briar said, “She is still young and naïve. She doesn’t wholly understand what our parents are signing her up for.”

Merritt kneaded his hands together. “I don’t think anyone really knows. Not to repeat myself, but there is more at stake here than what pertains to you and your sister.”

The noblewoman frowned.

Merritt steeled himself. “Where is the contract, Briar?”

She scoffed. “Now I suppose you’ll interrogate me, too, hm? I’ve gotten plenty enough of it for the day. Why do you think I’ve escaped here?” She looked away, perturbed, but her expression relaxed after a moment. “I have solicitors of my own, you know. Victoria is the queen, but she is not the law, not entirely. I will do what I must to protect my own. Surely you understand that.”

Merritt considered her a moment. “And where is the contractnow?”

She flipped a curl of hair over her shoulder. “Dear me, I believe I misplaced it.” Her tone was dry and flat, and her eyes dared him to challenge her.

Goodness, Lady Helen must have been exhausted, dealing with this.

I think we should leave,he pushed to Owein, but just as he moved to stand, Briar blurted, “If I could get Owein a body without a betrothal contract, would you accept it?”

She looked at him, not Owein.

Owein lifted his head.Yes.

“Yes,” Merritt repeated. “If it were morally come by.”

She blinked. “Well ... that is a relief.”

“Is it?”

“That it’s not about power or money,” Briar affirmed. “Though if I’m completely honest, I’ve no idea how to go about it, especially whenthelineageis at stake.” Her tone took on a sour note. “My parents are quite decided. Which is why I will continue pressing the queen.”

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