“The butcher is just around the corner,” Jacob called. The boy turned back to him giving a warm smile as his light step kept him just ahead of Rex.
“Excellent,” he replied as he marveled at Jacob and Petal’s ability to remain so fresh and upbeat in what were clearly difficult circumstances. “May I ask you a question?”
Jacob slowed his pace. “Of course.”
“Your sister. Does she have any suitors?”
Her brother shook his head. “Why would she? She’s not been formally introduced to society.”
“I understood that much. But sometimes there is a standing agreement.” He gave Jacob a sideways glance. It was wrong to ask these questions. He wasn’t available and should leave well enough alone. But his curiosity had been piqued and she refused to share.
“She’s no dowry, never has. There are no agreements.” Jacob’s sad smile slipped from his face with his words.
“Even without a dowry, she’s beautiful and charming. I’m sure some arrangement could be—”
“My sister will marry, sir.” Jacob had stopped walking, lifting his chin higher as he assessed Rex. “If you suggest anything else, then I will have to ask you to leave our home.”
He’d touched a nerve. That much was clear in both Chase siblings. “I only meant there are plenty of men who would marry her based on her other attributes. She’s a lady with a good name, a beautiful face, and a marvelous disposition.” He didn’t mention the curves fit for sin. Best not talked about with her brother.
Jacob’s stance relaxed. “My apologies.” Then the boy began walking again. “My mother would agree. She said once Violette was married, Daffodil would be easy to match. But I want her to be happy so I’ll give her the best dowry I can,” he said, determination dripping from his voice.
“A man who admires her for her will make your sister happy, dowry or no.” He gave the boy a stiff pat on the back. “I must confess, I am curious. Petal also seems rather touchy about men of ill intent. Did something happen to her?”
Jacob’s step faltered and his face twisted even as his mouth turned down. “You really shouldn’t call her Petal. It’s too familiar.”
“I apologize.” Damn. The boy’s face had turned stony as he assessed the cobblestone underneath their feet. “Is there a man you need to kill?”
“I should have killed him. My mother wouldn’t let me.” Jacob kept his gaze on the ground. Which was good because then the boy did not see the wild anger that bloomed in his own. His fists clenched at his sides.
“Who?” His voice came out as a throaty growl.
Jacob’s head snapped. “I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s a family affair.” Jacob swallowed. “I failed her.”
“Failed her how?” He managed to keep the rumble out of his voice.
“I should have protected her, defended her.” Jacob turned to him, his brow drawing together even as his body stiffened.
“What did the man do?” He forced his breathing to remain slow.
Jacob’s fists clenched. “He kissed her.”
“Is that all?” Rex let out a long breath, relief making him limp. Then he straightened again. Why was this bothering him so much? But he knew. She was a sparkling jewel of a woman who should be cherished, not abused.
“Isn’t that enough? But no, that wasn’t all. He made her promises. About marriage, then he tricked her into that kiss and refused to honor his word.” Jacob slammed his fist into his open palm. “I should have demanded he marry her.”
“Did anyone find out?” Rex stepped closer, dropping his voice, though it was a tad late now.
Jacob shook his head. “No, no one found out and Petal says it’s a blessing she didn’t marry him, but still, I failed her.”
“Who was he?” He kept his voice soft and light, letting none of his aggression and anger filter into his voice. He needed the boy’s trust.
“Lord Rathemore.” Jacob hit his hand with his fist again. “What I’d like to do to that man.”
Rex straightened. Once upon a time, he’d called Rathemore a friend. The man was a drunken gambler and a lout with the ladies. But he didn’t share that with Jacob. Instead, he clapped the boy on the shoulder. “You’re too young to take on a fully grown rakehell like that. But who knows. You might get your chance one day.” Unless Rex hadn’t already torn that slippery bastard into pieces.
He knew, strictly speaking, it wasn’t his fight. But the way he saw it, it was now Theo’s. As Petal’s brother-in-law, he had a duty to watch out for her. And Rex would act on Theo’s behalf. Besides, hadn’t she saved his life yesterday? He’d be returning a favor.
They managed to complete the rest of their errands without incident and after they entered the kitchen, arms full of goods to stock the larder, a knock sounded.