Page 63 of A Daring Pursuit

A choked cough of raucous laughter spilled from Julius across the chamber. “Belle, I could use some fresh water.”

“Oh, yes. All right. I’ll return soon.” She hurried out.

Geneva moved to Julius’s bedside, where a full pitcher of water stood. She lifted a brow at him, then poured out a glass and handed it to him. “Truly? Mr. Oshea is afraid of spiders? Snakes, I understand.” She dropped into the chair next to the bed. “Still, it’s difficult to imagine the man fearing anything.”

“He does. It’s comical, actually. There aren’t many species of spiders of the poisonous variety about this far north. Too cold,I expect.” He shrugged, then winced, having obviously forgotten his wound. “Nothing truly harmful. But what do I know? Isabelle is the resident expert.” He laughed softly then stopped. “Except snakes. Adders are prevalent in Northumberland, especially as the weather grows warmer. They are dangerous, so mind where you walk.”

His words startled her and she sensed something quite personal about them. She opened her mouth, fully intending to inquire regarding that very thing, but something stopped her.

Julius didn’t appear to notice and went on with a short laugh. “I can just imagine Noah’s reaction to seeing that blue scorpion of Isabelle’s. Just the thought of such a creature gives me the willies.”

Geneva laughed too. “You?”

His stunned expression was priceless, brows disappearing under the untidy hair covering his forehead. “You don’t fear spiders?”

“I grew up in a near slum, sir,” she said with a wry smile. “Disturbing creatures are a normal part of life outside the confines of Mayfair. Though the snakes I typically encounter are of the human variety.”

A contemplative look entered his eyes. “What, then, is it you fear?”

Geneva’s gaze dropped. No one had ever asked her such. “I’m not sure I could even articulate an answer.” A wry smile touched her. “My loss of independence, I suppose. But that does not appear to be in jeopardy.”

“What else?”

She shrugged. “Being forgotten.” The words came out a mere whisper.

“I doubt anyone could forget you.Icertainly won’t.”

His words snapped her out of the odd doldrum and her gaze fell to his bandaged arm. “Are you truly all right?”

“Yes, blast it. Thanks to you.”

She didn’t rise to his baiting tone. “Then why are you still in bed?”

He went to cross his arms—flinched—then grinned. “Because I’m being waited upon hand and foot, of course,” he said. “And the family has threatened my life if I so much as step outside this room.”

She didn’t return the smile, tilting her head to one side. “Who do you suppose would do such a thing?”

“I’ve no notion. I’ve been on the Grand Tour the last few months. I haven’t made anyone angry in years.”

“Well, there’s me,” she informed him blithely.

“What?”

“You ran off and left me in a forest!” she accused him. “Alone! Where I tripped over a dead body. I vow, I would have preferred facing an adder!”

“Yes, well, I apologized for that.” There wasn’t an ounce of repentance in his voice. “Besides, most brothers would have done the same. As a jest.” He tipped another grin. “You would know that if you’d grown up with your sibling around or visited your friends who have siblings.” He let out a mocking sigh. “It’s quite fortunate that you’ve found me. Otherwise, you would be a hopeless case.”

She narrowed her eyes on him. “Hopeless case?”

“Well.” He picked at the sling holding his arm then speared her with a pointed look. “I think we can safely assume now that you shall never be forgotten…sister.”

Stunned, touched, floored, Geneva stumbled to her feet, unable to speak for the sudden tears constricting her airway. Then, shaking her head, she ran from the chamber. More accurately, she ran from the sudden and unfamiliar emotions drowning her.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Geneva rushed intothe Morpho Suite and dashed straight for her bedchamber, silently latching the door behind her. She couldn’t face anyone. Not even Pasha. Blue was reputed to be a calming color, but the seething emotion inside Geneva was anything but calm. It was a red so deep, she feared it resembled black. She fell against the shut door with her fist at her mouth.Brother.She swallowed back a harsh cry, swiping the tears from her eyes that did nothing to stem the flow.

She went to the window and stared out at the sea crashing against the rocks. Nature had a way of displaying the fervent unrest that swirled within her. Fast-moving clouds grew dark, preparing for one gale of a storm—much like that churning sea that replicated the jumbled thoughts in her brain. She had a brother. She was no longer… alone.

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