She gave a restless lift of one shoulder. "Yes, but there can be no denying that he is slow of wit and incapable of controlling his inheritance."
"He would not be the first son who is a disappointment to his parents," Sebastian pointed out in dry tones. He had been in London long enough to witness the wretched display of debauchery by those who claimed to be of the highest blood. "The gaming hells of London are littered with worthless noblemen squandering their inheritances."
A revealing grimace crossed her pale features. "I believe that my father would prefer such a scoundrel. As it is, he feels that William is ..."
Her words trailed away and Sebastian instinctively covered the fingers upon his arm with a comforting hand.
"An embarrassment?"
"Yes," she whispered softly.
"But not you?"
Her head rose abruptly, the dark eyes glittering. "Of course not. William may not be like other gentlemen, but that should be rejoiced in, not feared. He does not harm others, nor lie or cheat.
And certainly such a sweet man should not be locked away as if he were a dangerous animal."
Sebastian narrowed his gaze at her fierce words. He might admire her determined love for her brother, but that did not make him indifferent to the danger that he posed. William was a weakness that Drake would be swift to use to his advantage.
"No, but neither should he be allowed to lead you into reckless folly. Last night was a near thing, my dear. Too near."
He could feel her stiffen at his side. "William does not make a habit of slipping off in the night.
Besides which, I have spoken very sharply with him."
Sebastian arched a knowing brow. "And you believe that he will heed your warning?"
Her eyes revealed the truth of her unease. She clearly was no more confident than himself that William would halt his excursions through the dark streets of London.
"It is all I can do," she admitted reluctantly. "I will not have him locked in his rooms nor tied to his bed."
"So instead you will allow yourself to be put at risk?"
"If I must."
That stubborn expression had returned to her countenance and Sebastian heaved an inward sigh. He was once again in danger of pushing her away.
"Then I hope you will call upon me if you are ever in any need," he said gently. "I should be happy to lend my assistance."
Without warning, she came to a halt and turned to face him. "Why?"
He gave a blink of surprise at her sudden question. "I beg your pardon?"
"You offer your assistance to a mere stranger. I wonder why you would do such a thing."
"You are a young maiden on her own."
The hint of wary suspicion remained simmering deep in the ebony eyes. "There are any number of young maidens on their own in London, most without the security of a home and regular allowance. Why choose me?"
Sebastian paused before deliberately curving his lips into a small smile. "Do you seek compliments, my dear? Do you wish me to tell you that I thought of you long into the night? And that I was anxious for an opportunity to speak with you again?"
Just for a moment, her breath seemed to catch at his flattering words. There was even a hint of color upon her cheeks. Then her shoulders squared sternly and she angled her chin to a stubborn tilt.
"I do not believe you."
Sebastian gave a choked laugh. "No?"
"I am not entirely ignorant. You are not a gentleman who indulges in light flirtations."