Part two of sybbelle's Secret Santa blogger post! Mery Christmas Eve!
He smiled at that and then opened the door for her. Sybil nodded her head in thanks and began to exit the library, however she felt his hand reach out to touch her arm as she passed, and she turned her head and sucked in a breath as she realized just how close they were both standing together.
"I…" he swallowed and looked down, as if…he was worried about something. "I hope I didn’t frighten you, milady."
Sybil’s eyes widened. “Frighten me?” she asked in some confusion.
He nodded, and lifted his eyes back to hers, and again, Sybil swore her breath caught at the look of…deep concern…she saw in the blue depths of his eyes.
"I thought…I worried that perhaps my…the way I spoke to the Duke…" he explained, sounding rather embarrassed. "I was trying to…’intimidate’ them, yes, but…but please know, I’m not like that, really."
There was a pleading look in his eyes, a deep need that she believe him.
"I know," she assured, and she did. While his aggression towards her unwanted visitors had certainly startled her, it had not frightened her, and it certainly did not make her think and look at him as if he were some sort of…mad man, the way Thomas had clearly thought.
"I would never hurt you, milady; I swear on my mother’s soul, I would never—"
"I know, Branson, I do," she assured again, reaching out this time to touch his arm. "And I wasn’t afraid…other than something happening to you," she explained, hoping her words would put some ease in him, and her smile broadened as she saw his own lips curl upward.
They both stood there a moment longer, looking at each other and smiling, before Sybil finally cleared her throat and forced herself to take a step away. “I really shouldn’t keep Lavinia waiting,” she sighed.
He nodded and gave a small bow of his head. “Very good, milady.”
"Miss," he corrected, though there was a cheeky grin on his lips. Yes, she doubted that it was out of forgetfulness that he called her thus. A private joke between the two of them? Well, she couldn’t deny, she did rather like the thought.
Graphic made by Angiemagz and all pics and gifs not made by me. I think the gif of Tom was made by Repmet but I’m not sure.
