Chapter Six #2
He shook his head. “The well-dressed man was older, but apart from that, nothing. They had their horses at a gallop.”
“The servant was not leading the other horse by the reins?”
He widened his eyes. “I don’t believe so. I would certainly have noticed that.”
“You’ve been most helpful, thank you. Can I stand you an ale? A glass of wine?”
He smiled. “Kind of you. But I must get on. I’m on my way to my new parish.”
“Far to go?”
“Another eight miles.”
“I hope the weather holds.”
“Thank you. God speed.” The man squared his shoulders and trudged on.
Jack rode east into the woods. It proved fruitless. There was nothing to show where the holdup had taken place. Interesting, though, if the cleric was right. Might it not have been an abduction at all?
On his way back to Ivywood Hall, Jack had no idea what else he could do to help.
Unless he could learn more from Lady Althea or Lady Butterstone.
He remembered how little surprise the latter had shown at her husband’s confession.
In what manner had he been a fool? Had a dreadful mistake on his part resulted in his death?
Lady Althea might have her suspicions. If she did not at least toss him a crumb, something to lead him in a new direction, he might as well continue his journey.
It was dark when Jack arrived back at Ivywood Hall. He was dusty and smelled strongly of horse and wished to wash and change before he met Lady Althea.
In the entry hall, Billings relayed the invitation for Jack to dine with the ladies. “Lord Butterstone’s valet is happy to assist you in dressing,” the butler said with an eye on Jack’s leather breeches.
“Thank you, Billings. I should like a bath and a shave.” Jack ran a hand over his shadowed jaw while thinking of his limited wardrobe.
One thing was sure: if his services were needed for a few days or more, he would need better clothing than those he’d brought with him.
He would send a missive to Harry in the morning, in the hope that he may be able to bring his evening clothes.
*
On Wednesday afternoon, Erina waited for Harry in Hyde Park.
She had sent her maid, Tilly, to buy a posy of violets from a flower seller near the park gates and now sat alone on a bench beneath the trees.
There was a pleasing view of the rippling waters of the Serpentine Lake.
It was a mild day, the worst of the chilly weather behind them, the air sweet with the scents of wildflowers and trees painted in their new spring green.
Perhaps because she wanted to ensure Harry would keep his promise, she had taken great care with her appearance.
Her Indian muslin with its broad flounces of lace was pretty; the blue velvet spencer tied with bows in front was very smart.
She had teamed them with white chamois leather gloves and French gray kid half-boots, and a bonnet of spotted blue velvet with an embroidered feather.
Harry approached and raised his hat. “Lady Erina, how delightful to see you again,” he said as a couple strolled past. “Is your father in good health?” He slid onto the bench beside her.
“Father is quite well, thank you.” She gazed at him while trying to judge his mood.
Might he have had a change of heart? “Are we all set?” Erina sounded a little breathless.
She had packed her bag in readiness, proud of her restraint in choosing only necessary items. She had no idea how much luggage one could take in a curricle.
“There’s a hitch,” Harry said while his gaze took in her outfit from her boots to her hat.
“‘A hitch’?” Was he trying to wriggle out of it?
He leaned back against the bench and folded his arms. “No need to look at me like that.”
“Like what?” she asked impatiently. Now that her mind had been made up, she wanted to be gone.
“You think I’m backing out.”
She noted the wry twist of his lips, annoyed with him for toying with her, while at the same time distracted by his well-shaped mouth. She grabbed his arm. “Oh, Harry, you aren’t, are you?”
“I jolly well should! I’ve received a note from Jack. He stumbled into an unfortunate affair at Ivywood Hall. The Marquess of Butterstone has been murdered.”
“How dreadful,” she said, frowning in concern. “What will he do now?”
“Jack has had to change his plans. He intends to stay on until he can consult the magistrate. He’s in need of evening clothes. Asked me to take them to him.”
“Is that far out of our way?”
“Less than a day’s ride from here.”
“Well, that’s not so bad. In the scheme of things.”
“Better I go alone. There’s no sense in risking more exposure than is necessary. But you won’t wait here for me to return, will you?” He sighed. “You’ll be riding in my wake.”
“I’ll come.” She eyed him suspiciously. “You won’t go without me?”
“What do I tell Jack about you? You two have met.”
What would he make of this? He sensed would be more difficult to deal with than Harry. “He has mentioned me?”
“In passing.”
“What did he say about me?”
Harry shook his head. “Has Jack won another heart?”
“How ridiculous!” She scowled. “I was merely curious.”
“He said I would be lucky to marry you.”
“Oh.” Erina smiled. “Wouldn’t Jack keep our secret? He could tell Lady Butterstone I’m your cousin, and you’re escorting me home to Ireland.”
Harry snorted. “I’d trust Jack with my life. In fact, I have done so on occasion. But fooling a marchioness might be more difficult than you think. Will you leave a letter for your father?”
“I plan to.” Her face heated. “I don’t want to upset him.”
“And leaving without a word won’t, of course.”
It would, she knew. She was letting her father down most dreadfully. But he did want her to give up her life. It wasn’t fair. When he learned the reason, he might forgive her, although she wasn’t confident of it. “I’ll explain that I’m with you. He won’t worry.”
“Not initially, perhaps. Then again, he might send someone after us.”
“I don’t think he will because after all, I am of age.” She’d given it some thought. “Father will be concerned about my reputation.”
He frowned. “That is something about which I am also concerned. And I’m surprised that you are not.”
She couldn’t afford to be. Her father was not to learn about Cathleen until she stood before him. Then she was sure that his good heart would triumph. “But no one will know except our parents.”
She gazed into his serious, brown eyes. Did he consider her very bad? He surely wouldn’t want to marry such a dreadful person. A very tall, dreadful person. Well, the answer to that was he didn’t.
He cocked an eyebrow. “Sometimes rash actions can come back and bite us.”
“And sometimes they can change one’s life for the better.”
He drew in a breath. “Right. I see your mind is made up. I shall wait in the lane behind your townhouse tomorrow at nine o’clock.”
She smiled, trying not to rub the goosebumps on her arms. Any sign of weakness and she knew Harry would call a halt. “I’ll be there. Thank you, Harry.”
When her maid arrived clutching a bunch of violets, he stood and bowed. “Always happy to please a lady.”
Erina watched him walk away. Her gratitude knew no bounds. He would want nothing from her, surely? She found she trusted Harry, although why she did when she didn’t know him well, escaped her. Erina turned to the small, brown-haired maid. “Tilly, the violets are for you.”
Tilly flushed. “Oh, Lady Erina, thank you.” She held them to her nose. “They smell so sweet.”
“Yes, well, it’s better you know nothing of my plans. Once I’m gone…”
Tilly’s eyes widened. “Gone, Lady Erina?”
Erina waved her hand to silence her. “If my father should question you, you can tell him honestly that I did not confide in you. Do you understand?”
The maid gasped. “Yes, Lady Erina. But he won’t hand me my notice, will he?”
“He will not. And as you are not my lady’s maid, I doubt he’ll think to ask you. In any event,” she added kindly. “I shall write to ensure you are not blamed.”