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from them. The space was stifling.
    Mr. Harrison cleared his throat. “With all due respect, my lord, the boys are rather tired. Perhaps your son might need a nap?”
    For the first time in their acquaintance, Val wanted to kiss his benefactor. The marquess considered them all and then held out his hand to Mr. Harrison.
    â€œMr. Harrison, I presume? I believe I owe you a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.”
    â€œIt was nothing, my lord. I could hardly leave the boys there once I’d seen them, could I?”
    â€œI am still very grateful.” The marquess turned to Captain Ford. “And to you for bringing my son safely home to me.”
    â€œAn honor, sir.” Captain Ford bowed.
    â€œI do hope you’ll both have dinner with us this evening and stay the night?”
    Both men nodded and the marquess smiled. “Good, then perhaps we should show you all to your rooms so that you can rest?”
    Val reached out and took Peter’s hand. “What about Peter? Why haven’t you welcomed him too? He’s the one who really saved my life by sharing every damn minute of it.”
    His father half-turned, his gaze dropping to their clasped hands. “I am aware of that, Valentin.” He nodded stiffly at Peter. “You are most welcome in my house, Peter.”
    â€œThank you, sir.”
    His father’s wife stepped forward again. “If you would all like to follow me, I’ll show you to your rooms.”
    They walked up the sweeping staircase in silence, leaving the marquess standing staring up at them. Val concentrated on putting one foot in front of another and ignoring everyone around him.
    â€œThis is your old room, Valentin. We thought you might be comfortable in there.”
    He stopped at the door she opened and went inside. It was as if he’d never left. He recognized his old toys, his globe, and the desk where he’d sat to read any book he could get his hands on. He could barely read in English now, and had only kept the skill because he’d had to teach Peter. Didn’t his father realize that the innocent who inhabited this space had died a long time ago and wasn’t coming back?
    â€œWhy hasn’t the room been redecorated?”
    â€œYour father wouldn’t allow it.” The new marchioness spoke from behind him but he didn’t dare turn around to confront her. “He was always sure that one day you would return.”
    â€œAs a ten-year-old boy?” Val stared hard at the worn blue curtains, forcing down his emotions, forcing his voice to sound light, amused, and most importantly, disinterested.
    He thought she sighed. “Peter will be next door.”
    â€œNo.” He swung around. “He’ll be here with me. We always share a bed.” He smiled at her, his tone mocking. “I’m sure you don’t want me wandering around naked looking for him.”
    She swallowed, her color high. “As you wish.”
    â€œThank you.” He looked over her head at Peter. “Come in here with me.”
    Peter gave an apologetic glance to Captain Ford and Mr. Harrison and came to stand alongside Val, who advanced on his father’s wife until she backed up to the door.
    â€œWhat time is dinner?”
    â€œSeven o’clock. I’ll send a footman to remind you.” She held his gaze. “I do hope you’ll be comfortable, Valentin, and I sincerely hope you’ll change your mind and stay with us. Your father will be devastated if you don’t.”
    He nodded and shut the door in their faces. God, he didn’t even want Peter to see him. Walking away, he stared out of the window and imagined smashing it with his bare fists and leaping down to the street below.

    â€œVal.” Peter studied Val’s rigid back and cautiously approached him. He put one arm around his shoulders. For once, Val didn’t pull away. He was trembling so hard he couldn’t seem to stop.