He glanced up to find Barlow and Hester standing just before him.
“Yes, Mrs. Byrd?”
“You seemed quite distant just now. Are you, in fact, injured?”
“No.” He shook his head for the sake of conviction. “I am fine. I shall be fine.”
“Very well,” said Barlow. “Then perhaps you might address my initial question.”
“Which was?”
“What happens next, Adam? Midafternoon is upon us. Now that it seems we have found the next piece of the puzzle, should we consider the subsequent lines?”
Jane strolled up then. She cocked an eyebrow to lend support to Barlow’s question. Adam lurched into motion while trying to avoid her intense gaze.
“It is late,” he said while pacing in a tight six-foot line and studying the ground beneath his feet. “Three o’clock by my reckoning. We have made good progress since this time yesterday. Two towns, two puzzles deciphered.”
“So, you wish to press onward?”
Jane’s question stopped his pacing and drew his eyes. Her contemplative expression gave evidence to the sincerity of her question. He harbored no doubt she would soldier on past nightfall. She apparently shared his newfound hope that the hunt might actually lead to a reward. He pondered the prospect of pushing ahead on the journey. However, her eyes undid him. Beneath the resolve he glimpsed a hint of weariness. Only then did he acknowledge his own fatigue. After days of sleeping on ship decks and floors and walking mile upon mile, his body was beginning to revolt. He shook his head.
“No, I believe we should find a place to stay for the night. An inn with comfortable beds, facilities for washing, and decent fare.”
He could not help but notice the surprised relief that swept across her face.
“A good suggestion. Are you certain we can afford such?”
“We can splurge a little. I believe we have earned it.”
“We have,” said Barlow. “And in recognition of our success thus far, I will cover the cost of the lodging.”
Adam’s brow creased. “But sir. You are under no obligation to aid us financially. In fact, Mr. Rutley might consider such an action a conflict of interest.”
“Nonsense, Ashford. Mr. Rutley cares only about acquiring wealth and prestige. The finding of the gold, regardless of who keeps it, will bring him both. As his solicitor, my primary duty is to ensure the success of this venture. In my judgment, success is more likely if we all eat, bathe, and get a restful night’s sleep.”
Adam’s frown relaxed. He extended a hand to shake Barlow’s. “Thank you, sir. We appreciate your service to Mr. Rutley, then.”
Barlow leaned toward Adam with a sly smile. “Poppycock. Rutley is a villain. I am paying for your rooms because I grow fond of you all. If Rutley disapproved of my financial help, I would do so just to spite the man.”
Everyone laughed. Having a common adversary in Mr. Rutley drew the band tighter, it seemed. As they abandoned the ruin to search for an inn, young Margaret sadly waved farewell. Adam collected the horse, waved back, and began returning toward the main part of town. Jane chose to walk alongside him.
“Do you think we will find an inn with a bathtub?” she asked.
“We will. You will enjoy the bath you so desire.”
She wrinkled her nose and sniffed. “I did not ask on my behalf, but yours. The aroma of the road begins to seep into your bones, I’m afraid. A warm bath for you will help us all.”
He smirked and shook his head. “Thank you for the kind consideration, Miss Hancock. Your benevolence overwhelms me.”
“You are quite welcome, sir.”
He grinned slyly. “May I return the favor by expressing how fervently I hope to find you a comfortable bed? A good night’s sleep will certainly relieve your crankiness.”
She glared with apparent mock affront. “I am not the least bit cranky. I am merely spirited.”
He laughed and faced the road. “Perhaps a good night’s sleep will rectify that as well.”
Chapter Nineteen
