"Mr. Everard." The town guard offered a bow, his earlier frown now replaced with a more subdued expression. "Sire, my apologies if I have caused a disturbance. This would not have happened had the criminal not attempted to escape his punishment. Mr. Rouge was angered by his disappearance from the mansion and requested my assistance."
"And how does Mr. Rouge intend to punish the boy?" Matheu asked, as members of the upper class had the right to discipline their servants as they saw fit, depending on the severity of the offense.
"He wants him caned for a day, milord."
While many in the crowd agreed that caning was a fitting punishment for a thief, someone who in their eyes deserved no mercy, a faint frown crossed Matheu's face.
Elain also frowned, unable to imagine a small boy enduring a full day of caning. There was no way he would survive it.
"Isn't that too cruel?" Rory whispered, shaking her head in dismay.
"I will bring him to the town hall's detention quarters," Matheu said firmly, as though his decision was not to be questioned.
"But, milord, Mr. Rouge expects the criminal to be returned to his mansion before the day ends."
"The boy has caused a disturbance in public today. For that, I believe he should spend a few nights in the town hall's detention quarters as punishment," Elain spoke, attempting to imitate the tone of an annoyed noble lady.
Matheu's gaze shifted to Elain, and they held eye contact for a brief moment. Then he turned back to the guard.
"The lady is right. This is Lilymist, one of the upper towns in the capital. People should know better than to cause a disturbance here. I will speak with Mr. Rouge myself, so you need not concern yourself."
Relief washed over Elain as Matheu took control of the situation. Though she had suggested sending the boy to the detention quarters, she had only done so to spare him from Mr. Rouge's brutal punishment. She could not be certain what would happen to the child afterward, but with Matheu involved, she trusted he would find a way to help him.
The town guard did not appreciate Matheu interfering, but he could not voice his displeasure. Matheu was the son of a marquess and held considerable standing. The guard had no choice but to comply without protest.
"Take the boy to the town hall," Matheu instructed his aide.
Once the guard and the boy were out of sight, the crowd gradually dispersed, returning to their own affairs.
The tightness in Elain's chest eased, though the incident had left her mentally drained.
She wished to go home and was about to tell Rory when she realized her cousin was no longer beside her. She turned, catching a glimpse of Rory's pale blue dress just as she slipped into an alley, as if in a hurry.
Elain's forehead creased slightly as she wondered what Rory was up to. She was about to follow the path her cousin had taken when she heard someone speak.
"I hope your worry has been eased, milady."
When she turned, she was surprised to see Matheu Everard standing close. She offered him a slight bow. "Mr. Everard."
As she registered his words, her brows drew together in confusion, while he smiled in understanding. The concern on her face earlier must have been obvious. After all, most of those present had condemned the child without a hint of sympathy.
"I know you had the boy's best interests at heart, despite your suggestion. You made it easier for me to get him out of trouble. I should thank you for that."
Elain's cheeks warmed, though she kept her expression composed. She did not wish to take credit for something so small. "I was worried until you arrived. I should be thanking you. You are a kind man, Mr. Everard."
"You know me?" he asked with a smile, perhaps one of the most beautiful smiles Elain had ever seen. Not because of the perfection of his teeth, but because of the warmth and sincerity it carried.
"I do not believe we have met before," Matheu added.
Elain shook her head. "Indeed, we have not. I only heard how the town guard addressed you."
"I am Matheu Everard," he said in introduction. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Unaccustomed to speaking with a man of Matheu's standing, Elain felt a quiet nervousness settle within her. She was used to going unnoticed, which made her wonder why he had taken the time to speak to her at all.
"Elain Penrose," she replied with a small smile.
Matheu's gaze lingered on her green eyes, and the longer he looked, the more striking he found them—rare, and quietly captivating. Though she was dressed simply, his keen eye noted the quality of her attire. The silk of her dress and her refined bearing spoke of upper-class origins.
"Thank you for the kindness you showed the boy. Do you think he might be spared from such a harsh punishment?" she asked, growing slightly self-conscious under his gaze.
Matheu was a handsome young man, with short brown hair and warm brown eyes, and his gentlemanly manner only added to his reputation among young ladies.
"I will speak with Mr. Rouge to better understand what occurred, and I will see what I can do. Even if he did steal, I will not allow him to be subjected to such cruelty."
Elain nodded, relief softening her expression. The world might be flawed, but there were still people like Matheu who made it more bearable.
Remembering her cousin, she said, "I should be on my way now. Have a pleasant day, Mr. Everard."
She was about to leave after offering a bow, but she did not expect him to stop her with a question.
"Will you be attending the Halcyon, Lady Elain?"
It was a simple question, yet Elain found herself momentarily at a loss for words. Why did he care whether she would attend? If they were seen speaking at one of the balls or soirées, people would begin to wonder who she was, and why she was acquainted with the son of a marquess. The thought of drawing such attention made her uneasy.
"I… am still considering it."
Matheu smiled. "I would be glad to see you at one of the balls or soirées."