Lucas peeled off the upper covers, then lifted Christopher with tender care. Kendra thought how natural he looked with a child in his arms. He would be a far better father than Denshire had ever been.

They descended, Lucas careful not to bump any part of Christopher on the walls of the narrow staircase. In the drawing room, Kendra collected the bag of their belongings and they headed out the back of the house.

Simon was waiting by the carriage. “Thank you for being our coachman,” Kendra said.

“It’s my pleasure. That brave little boy of yours deserves protection,” Simon said seriously. He took Christopher while Kendra and Lucas climbed into the carriage, then passed her son up to Lucas again. “Suzanne will be glad to have him. She has a history of taking care of people when they’re in need.”

Simon swung onto the driver’s seat and drove the short distance to Duval House. They entered from the mews. Kendra didn’t think anyone had seen them. Perhaps they were taking more precautions than strictly necessary, but she wasn’t going to lose her son again.

Suzanne met them inside and peered at Christopher’s peacefully sleeping face. “What a beautiful little boy! He’s the picture of you, Kendra. They sleep so soundly when they’re young, don’t they? I imagine you’ll want to stay with him for now. You can join us for dinner, or food can be sent up if you prefer.”

Kendra felt tears stinging her eyes. “I can’t thank you all enough for what you’re doing. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“You would have managed,” Suzanne said seriously. “But I’m glad we can make it easier for you. Rest now.”

Kendra nodded, thinking she was almost as tired as her son. Then she followed Lucas up the stairs as he carried Christopher to the attic room. It was pleasant, with a bed large enough for them both and a view of the back garden through the small window.

She turned back the covers and Lucas gently laid Christopher onto the bed. He straightened and said, “Tomorrow we’ll figure out what comes next, but tonight, sleep in peace with Christopher.”

“Thank you for all you’ve done,” she whispered as she gave him a light kiss on the cheek. But they both shifted and their lips met and the kiss turned serious. His mouth was warm and welcoming and she wanted to fall into him forever. Her arms went around him, his around her, and they were pressed together with swift, unexpected heat.

After an endless interval that was over too soon, Lucas released her and stepped back, his breathing unsteady. “Wrong time, wrong place,” he said. “Until later.”

She kissed her fingertips, then brushed them down his cheek. “Until later,” she whispered.

Later couldn’t come soon enough.

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 23