“One would hope.” Richard scooted himself to the edge of the bed, exhaling slowly. Then he hoisted himself onto his feet, his hands taking hold of the chair Adelaide had vacated for stability. His legs shook, and he took several slow breaths, his eyes closed.

“Are you all right?” Adelaide asked with some concern, coming to him.

He nodded on another breath. “Yes, quite. I’ve been abed too long, so standing takes a moment for my head to accommodate.” He exhaled again, then opened his eyes, smiling. “There. Come, sister, let me use you as my crutch.”

Adelaide scowled playfully as she came to him. “What a lovely idea.”

“What a lovely crutch,” he returned without missing a beat. He dropped his arm across her shoulders, adjusting his weight. “Ready.”

They started to walk slowly, and Richard seemed fairly steady in his gait, though not quite confident in it. He gripped her shoulder hard, leaning against her enough that she put an arm about his waist to help.

“You’re too good for my brother, Adelaide,” Richard said as they walked. “Far too good. Far too beautiful. You deserve someone who appreciates that.”

Adelaide frowned at the statement. “Basset treats me very well. It was not easy at first, but we’ve found our way.”

“Finding one’s way can be an adventure.” Richard’s hand slid from her shoulder to her arm as he stumbled a little. “One never knows what one can do, or would like to do, until it is presented to them as an option.” His hand moved then, sliding under her arm to grasp the front of her bodice at the same time his mouth was at her ear. “I know how a woman like you deserves to be loved, Adelaide. I’d be happy to show you what that means. We’ve grown so close, surely you must see how it could be between us.”

Adelaide shrieked and wriggled out of his hold, shivers of distress racing through her as she whirled to face him. He stood in place, leering at her without shame, showing no hint of the weakness he’d had only moments before.

“How dare you!”

He chuckled darkly, starting for her on perfectly steady legs. “I dare where I please, my dear,” he purred as his eyes raked the length of her. “From the moment I was told Harry took a bride, I wanted to interfere, but I never dreamed he would marry such a beauty. Oh, I’ll dare with you, all right.” His eyes rested on certain parts of her, making her feel exposed and afraid.