She opened her mouth to deliver a pert retort, but thankfully the hack drew to a shuddering halt and Lucien was swift to slip out of the door and help her onto the street. She did manage a jaundiced glance as she swept past him and toward the house, but it did not entirely hide the color that stained her cheeks.
Ridding himself of the impatient driver, Lucien strolled up the path to join her as she opened the door and entered the foyer. She was clearly eager to be away from his presence, but with a firm motion he reached up to grasp her arm.
"Hold a moment, Jocelyn. I wish to ensure your chamber is safe."
Her lips thinned at his commanding tone, but as if sensing he would not be pressed upon this issue, she gave a slow nod of her head.
"Very well."
"Wait here."
With a last glance toward Jocelyn, Lucien turned and slipped through the dark silence.
Although he could feel no threat in the air, he was not about to make any mistakes on this night.
Jocelyn had been frightened enough. He was uncertain even her staunch courage could cope with another unpleasant surprise.
It did not take long to search through the upper chambers, and certain that Amadeus had no further traps devised, Lucien returned down the stairs and took Jocelyn's hands in his own.
"All is well," he assured her softly.
In the light of the candle that had been left by Meg, Jocelyn's features appeared remarkably fragile. Lucien caught his breath, mesmerized by her beauty.
"Then I shall wish you a good night," she retorted.
His hands briefly tightened upon her fingers, desperately wanting to prolong this moment.
Only the shadows lingering in her dark eyes kept him from pulling her into his arms and covering her lips with his own.
She was far too vulnerable this evening. He would not take advantage while she was defenseless.
"Sweet dreams, my dove," he murmured, reaching down to brush his mouth over her troubled brow before stepping back to allow her to leave.
She hesitated only a moment before she was moving through the foyer and up the stairs. He stood silently until he was certain she was in her chambers, then he turned to make his way down the hall.
He knew precisely what he would discover in the small kitchen at the back of the house.
Stepping into the cramped room, his gaze swiftly fell upon the large, dour-faced woman seated at the table with a heavy frying pan in her hands.
With his lips twitching in amusement, Lucien strolled to stand beside the table. "Ah, Meg. I thought I would find you still awake."
The woman regarded him with an aggressive frown that would have frightened a hapless thief into an early grave.
"I won't be having any more of them villains bothering Miss Jocelyn."
"She is safely in her chambers," he reassured the loyal servant.
"I warned her there would be nothing but trouble living in such a place," Meg muttered in disgust. "Perhaps now she will listen to reason."
Lucien grimaced. "I would not place too much hope in such an occurrence. She is devoted to her work among the poor."
Meg gave a click of her tongue. "Devoted enough to end up with her throat slit, no doubt."
He stiffened. "Oh, no. I will not allow that to happen," he retorted in fierce tones.
The servant regarded him with a disapproving glance. "And how will you protect her when you are here for only a few weeks? Soon you will be back among your fancy friends and Miss Jocelyn will be alone."
"I will be here for as long as Jocelyn needs me."