“Yes, miss. We will not arrive at Carlisle until well past dark. And three, steer clear of the brood sow. She is known to take an ear or a nose when in a mood.”
Jane grimaced as her eyes fixed on the missing portion of Gormley’s right ear. She began to step away, certain that she’d rather return to theWayfarerthan board this man’s rig. Adam caught her elbow and tipped his hat to the man.
“Thank you, Mr. Gormley. We happily accept your offer of a ride and agree to your terms.”
“Wonderful. The angels said I could trust you, regardless of what the devils say.” He smiled cheerfully and boarded the driver’s seat. Jane stared at Adam, sure he would reconsider. Instead, he leaned near.
“Daft but harmless, Mr. Pugh said. Are you afraid for your safety?”
Unwilling to show weakness to her lifelong enemy, she shook her head. “No. But I do fear for yours. That brood sow may take amorous interest in you.”
He snorted with amusement. “I should only be so fortunate.”
“Got room for one up here,” said Gormley. He patted the seat beside him. Jane briefly considered the lesser of two evils—a madman or a herd of swine. Before she could decide, Barlow stepped toward Gormley.
“I believe Mrs. Byrd should have the seat. She is quite above rubbing elbows with pigs.”
Aunt Hester stood straight and lifted her chin. “Nonsense, sir. As a member of polite society, I rub elbows with pigs regularly. My lovely niece should take the seat.”
Jane shook her head. “Oh, no, Auntie. I am quite content to ride alongside you. Perhaps someone more delicate should take the seat. Adam?”
“And ruin my reputation as a wastrel? I think not. Mr. Barlow should take the seat.”
Barlow gazed at Aunt Hester. “I believe I must decline and instead offer my protection to the ladies.” He extended an arm to her. “May I help you aboard, Mrs. Byrd?”
Aunt Hester flushed again. “Thank you, kind sir.”
She slipped her hand tentatively into the crook of his offered elbow. He led her to the rear of the wagon and helped her climb through the gate. Jane watched with fascination. Abruptly self-conscious, she looked at Adam. He returned her regard.
“I would offer you my hand, Miss Hancock, if I did not think it would offend you.” As the awkwardly worded phrase left his lips, his cheeks flushed. He had clearly not intended the statement to sound like an offer of marriage. With ears heating, she hurried toward the rear of the wagon.
“If it is all the same to you, Mr. Ashford, I’d rather go back to scrubbing pots and barking into the sea.”
She immediately regretted her biting response. She climbed up into the wagon alone, wishing that sometimes she could keep her mouth shut.
Chapter Eight
Like virtuous knights of old, Adam and Barlow stood guard between the moody brood sow and the ladies. Fortunately, the large pig seemed content to remain motionless while emitting periodic grunts. As the wagon bumped along toward evening, Adam shoved aside the snuffling nose of an inquisitive piglet to better view Jane. She sat near the front of the wagon engaged in low conversation with Hester. Sleeping piglets sprawled around her, and one lay nestled beneath her hand. He did not know what might be considered proper attire for traveling with swine, but Jane’s appearance transcended her situation. A well-worn riding habit of faded blue covered most of a sturdy cotton walking dress, illuminating the blue of her eyes. Her prominent cheekbones, narrow nose, and dimpled chin seemed appropriate to a miller’s daughter—delicately bold. Not unlike her general demeanor, he decided. He did not notice Jane’s gaze until she spoke to him.
“Do you wish to say something, sir?”
He cut his eyes away quickly to hide the fact that he had been staring. Her gentle laugh informed him that she already knew. He looked her way again. “Would you find my presence overly odious if I joined you for a bit of conversation? I have exhausted my discussion points with Mr. Barlow and the brood sow.”
He motioned toward the solicitor and the massive pig, both of whom were sleeping soundly. Jane blinked three times in rapid succession but retained the smile. Her hand patted the wagon bed next to her. He moved to her side and sat, with the blissful piglet as a buffer between them.
“Thank you,” he said.
“I believe I will rest now,” said Hester overly loudly. She rolled away to feign sleep. Jane peeked at her aunt and shook her head. She turned to regard Adam with a steady confident gaze that he found lacking in many women her age. He reluctantly commended her for that.
“So…what might we discuss?”
He glanced down at the sleeping piglet. “I suppose we should begin with your new friend. He seems a bit young for you.”
“Sir,” she said with mock umbrage. “I must begin by offering offense on behalf of the pig, as ‘he’ is a ‘she’.”
“My apologies to the pig, then. Perhaps the odor has dulled my powers of observation.”
She nodded. “On behalf of Lily, I accept.”
