Though Edith appeared a bit strained, she suspected Justin was holding back his strength for her sake. It wasn’t as exhausting as it looked–if anything, she felt surprisingly at ease.
To get back to the bedroom, they had to climb the spiral staircase.
Latonia followed anxiously behind them, half–afraid the pair would tumble down together at any moment.
Justin had barely set foot on the first step when he glanced over his shoulder at Latonia. “Don’t worry, Latonia. I won’t let Mrs. Hawksley fall.”
Latonia burst out laughing, clutching her sides. “My dear boy, how much have you had to drink? It’s Mrs. Hawksley keeping you on your feet, not the other way around!”
Justin was a little tipsy and struggled to articulate exactly what he meant. In truth, he wanted to say that even if he were ever to lose his footing on the stairs, he would never let Edith fall.
Though the task wasn’t physically demanding, Edith had to stay close and steady Justin, supporting him as they climbed. By the time they reached the bedroom, she released him and sank onto the edge of the bed, catching her breath.
Justin wasted no time clinging to her, insisting on a bath. “It’s only proper for Mrs. Hawksley to help Mr. Hawksley bathe, don’t you think?”
Edith was reminded of her cousin–Lauren’s younger brother–a mischievous and clingy little boy. Right now, she felt as if she were babysitting.
She muttered under her breath, “Shall I tell you a bedtime story while I’m at it?”
To her surprise, even in his drunken state, Justin’s hearing was impeccable.
He slid his arms around her waist, his lips finding her earlobe as he whispered, “No bedtime stories. I’m a grown man. I don’t listen to fairy tales. I just want to fall asleep holding you, Mrs. Hawksley.”
Edith couldn’t help but laugh. “Are you sure it’s just sleeping you have in mind?”
She found it hard to believe.

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