Bewitching The Recluse [BOOK 2 of Price Family Saga]

16. Chapter (In Flames)

As the clock struck midnight, Travis embarked from London, and he, along with Lafferty, reached Reading just after the break of dawn. In the sun-drenched hall, both men came to a halt, relieving their fatigued limbs from the rigours of the journey.

"Was this undoubtedly a judicious decision, My Lord?" inquired the majordomo.

The Marquess gave a nod.

"I have depleted my reserve of patience and decorum within the city, and, in the end, if the matter of the assault upon me still lingers, it is prudent not to impede the magistrate. It could have turned out direly for us at that moment a few nights ago—I cannot fathom where my reason wandered when I acquiesced to your imprudent proposal. Moreover, a younger sibling awaits me here at home."

Perhaps that vexing Price is privy to more than he discloses, ruminated Travis to himself, releasing a sigh. Lafferty, as if lost in profound contemplation, ran his hand over his face and eventually spoke:

"I did not intend to jeopardize you, sir, although I confess that in this instance, my curiosity surpassed the instinct for self-preservation. I offer my sincerest apologies for that. Evidently, you confront a highly perilous adversary."

Travis' countenance darkened. "But I have no adversaries, Lafferty." 

"Your progenitors may have incurred some," responded Lafferty, arching an eyebrow. 

The Marquess remained sombre, for, although his father appeared, from the depths of recollection, to be an honourable man; his mother, on the contrary..."I've recollected that my mother once cautioned me about highwaymen on the route between Reading and Hertford. She also spoke of a spectral presence near my father's hunting lodge. It led me to speculate that there might be a connection to the assault." 

Observing Lafferty's swift eye gesture and change in countenance, he inquired: "What is it? Are you concealing something from me?" 

The majordomo promptly shook his head. "Not at all, My Lord, but... It is I, who divulged the information about the highwaymen and the spectre to her ladyship. The highwaymen were apprehended merely two years ago—they still languish in the prison at St Albans to my knowledge. As for the spirit, it was a mentally afflicted man from a neighbouring hamlet, I believe, hailing from Hurst."

Thus, it seems my mother was likely not involved in that particular arrangement, pondered Travis. He inclined his head to the majordomo and proceeded towards his chamber to change his attire. En route, however, he discerned voices—a feminine one and a child's—emanating from slightly ajar doors leading to Silas' nursery. He paused, gently pushing the doors further ajar, revealing a charming tableau. One of the maids was engaging in play with his younger half-brother on a velvety carpet.

"A steed! Yonder stands a steed! Yet, I boast a captain as well, behold Teddy!"

"Captain!" echoed an animated Teddy as his toy mount collided with the girl's.

"And he tumbled from the saddle, soaring through the air, and he flies, flies," they laughed in unison.

In witnessing this scene, something within Travis stirred—a subtle, indiscernible yearning. However, he promptly relegated the sentiment to the recesses of his mind, much like he had done with all other familiar emotions hitherto. He had long mastered the art of retaining control over them, with no intention of breaching the robust dam that safeguarded them. Suddenly, the maid noticed his presence, startled and rose from the floor at once.

"My Lord," she curtsied, prompting Travis to enter the room.

Young Silas regarded him with wide-eyed innocence, seemingly uncertain of the appropriate action. Following the maid's lead, he uttered, "My Lord," with an indistinct bow, evoking a smile on Travis' countenance.