Dangerous Thoughts

Chapter 16

Charles did not sleep well that night. He kept dreaming of Lillian's face, blending in and out of the darkness like a ghost.

He had stayed up late, poring through the things in his office. He had even spent a fair amount of time staring at the dust, looking for fingerprints, smudges, or other evidence of misdoings. But as far as he could tell, everything was in place. It seemed that Lillian had taken the dress and nothing more.

And yet the look she had given him before she'd gone to bed haunted him.

At the first sound of a creaky step, he jolted upright off the settee in the parlor, expecting to see Lillian at the foot of the stairs. Instead, it was his brother, who raised a sleepy eyebrow at him. "Someone's jumpy," James commented.

"Sorry," Charles mumbled, sliding out of his makeshift bed. "I had a hell of a night."

"Did you not enjoy the banquet?"

"That I enjoyed," Charles said, following James into the kitchen where he knew he couldn't be overheard. "But afterwards, when we got home, Lillian was... acting odd."

"I don't blame her," James said, opening the icebox to pull out some eggs. "She got caught wearing that dress of yours. I'm sure she felt embarrassed."

"It wasn't just that," Charles said. "After you and Juliette went upstairs, Cecilia came over and Lillian was just... She was like a whole different person. Smiling, laughing. The façade was incredible. And then, once Cecilia left, she looked at me like... I don't know... maybe I'm looking into things too much. But..." He trailed off and rubbed his face. "What if it was a mistake inviting her into our home?"

"I don't know what you saw," James said, "but I, for one, think last night was a harmless mistake. I think she got curious, went snooping, and decided to play dress up—and you must admit, it was a dazzling display. That gown looks like it was made for her."

"It's enchanted fabric—of course it looks like it was made for her." Charles shook his head. "Something feels off. Tell me, how is she when you're alone with her? When you go upstairs and check on her mother?"

"She acts just like anyone else who's in the process of losing a parent: alternating between fear, hope, and sadness. That said, I haven't stopped by her room yet this morning. I'm happy to give you a full report after I do."

Charles didn't know what to say. Yesterday morning, he thought he was beginning to see the person his brother described. But after last night, he couldn't shake this feeling of unease. "I simultaneously want to get some fresh air to clear my mind, but also I can't stand the thought of leaving her alone in this house again. I think that was a mistake."

"It's Saturday," James said, "so the market is in full swing. Why don't you sell today? It's been a while since either of us have made an appearance there. Plus, Juliette mentioned she wanted to see you work your magick a little more. She's fascinated by the memory craft." He glanced at the cauldron. "I was going to brew most of the day—I have some bluebells that are the absolute perfect shade for a sleeping potion—so I can keep an eye on Lillian."

Charles hesitated, but then realized his brother was right. It had been over a week since he'd made a sale, and with all the extra guests in their home, they needed to pay the bills. "Okay. I'll do that. Just... keep an eye on her okay? And be careful."

James patted his pocket. "You know I can handle myself. Now come on. Have some tea and rest up. I'm sure Juliette is going to keep you busy today."