Bessie’s gaze shifted, sharp, knowing, between Marcus and Lila.
“Miss Edgewood,” she said, “a word after the lesson.”
Lila nodded, though Marcus caught the faint tightening at her throat.
The lesson resumed. Henry hummed even when not required, his fingers lighter now, his shoulders loose.
When the hour ended, Henry closed the lid of the pianoforte with great ceremony.
“I did three lines today,” he announced.
“You did,” Lila said, smiling. “And tomorrow we will make room for a fourth.”
Henry touched her sleeve lightly. “Miss Edgewood, will you be safe going home today?”
Lila blinked, then knelt at once, smoothing his hair.
“Yes, my dear. I will be safe.”
Henry searched her face. He sensed more than anyone wished.
“Papa walks people home,” Henry said.
Marcus went still.
“Yes,” he said carefully. “When needed.”
Henry nodded, satisfied. “Then she will be safe.”
Lila rose slowly, her pulse still uneven.
Marcus stepped closer. “He worries.”
“I know,” she whispered. “I try not to let him see it.”
“He sees what matters,” Marcus said. “As do I.”
Her breath caught.
Mrs. Dove-Lyon tapped her cane.
“Miss Edgewood.”
Lila followed her into the corridor.
Marcus waited, every muscle taut.
Henry leaned against him. “Papa?”
“Yes.”
“Will Fenwick bother Miss Edgewood today?”
“No,” Marcus said without hesitation.
The door opened again. Lila returned composed, breathing evenly, though tension lingered in her posture.
“She wants me to take care,” Lila said softly. “But she believes the matter may settle if I do not walk alone.”