The manor stayed quiet until well past noon, with only the sound of distant footfalls and muted voices carrying up the staircase. Lucas dozed and woke in intervals, luxuriating in the weight of Trevor's arm and the rare absence of urgency. When a discreet knock finally came at the outer door, Windstone's voice followed immediately, low and steady: "Family only, sir."
Trevor stirred but didn't rise. "Alistair?" he guessed.
Windstone's answer carried a note of humor. "And Mr. Benjamin LaVierre, who insists his work be admired in situ."
Trevor sighed into Lucas's hair, the cedar scent a calm undertone now. "They've found us," he murmured.
Lucas opened one eye, green glinting. "The only cousin you like and your jeweler? I suppose that's allowed."
