Chapter Ten
“What do you mean, she’s not here?” Reid stared at Brent in the middle of the Chillendale Inn’s upstairs corridor.
“I left her at her home. I haven’t seen her since, and I’m going quietly mad I think.”
“You couldn’t have left her at home. She was with me all night.”
“What do you mean she was with you? Allnight? What did you do to her?” Brent’s voice rose as he neared Reid. “If you’ve frightened her…”
“What the hell…of course I didn’t frighten her. We both agreed it was what we wanted. I’m going to propose today. If I can find her.”
“You can’t,” gasped Brent. “I’m going to marry her. Not you.”
Reid blinked. “You’re going to marry Prudence?”
Brent stared at him. “No, of course not. I’m going to marry Emmeline.” There was a pause. “Wait…”
“What?”
The two men each took a step back, frowned and then sighed.
“You want Prudence,” said Brent.
“And you want Emmeline,” answered Reid. “Although for the life of me I’m not sure I understand why.”
“Just a moment…” Brent bristled. “Em is the sweetest girl I’ve ever met. She’s shy and intimidated by a lot of things, but if you’re gentle with her she will reveal a very smart mind. She’s lovely and gracious and funny and…”
“All right, that’s enough.” Reid held up his hand, grinning. “You’re smitten. Got it.”
“And you’re not?”
“Er…”
“Right then.”
The two men looked at each other, shrugged, and turned as one to find the nearest ale.
After they’d procured two tankards of Chillendale’s finest, they found a small table near the fire that afforded them warmth and a degree of privacy, tucked away as it was in the corner of the taproom.
“Now.” Brent put his tankard down and licked his lips. “God, whatever else you do in life, Reid, I have to say that you make the best ale in the entire known universe.”
“I know.” Reid smiled smugly.
“So we’re both looking for missing ladies. Emmeline might well have stopped to visit some of the locals on her way. She’s late, but I won’t start worrying yet.”
“I’m not sure where Prudence might be. But yet, she might have done that as well. She does get on very well with people and there are one or two houses near the village she might have passed.”
“There we are then. No reason for us to panic. Yet.” Brent nodded reassuringly.
“However. I think it’s time you told me what’s been going on between you and Pru.”
Reid blinked. “There are some matters which should remain private, Brent. Even between friends like us.”
“Good lord, I didn’t mean…” Brent paused. “It’s gonethatfar?”
It was Reid’s turn to pause. “Well, I’m going to marry the woman. There’s no doubt in my mind.”
“Aftertwo days?”
