*~~*~~*
Mud notwithstanding, the shortcut through the woods was a blessing, and the two of them emerged on Franklin Chase’s back lawn no more than fifteen minutes after leaving the lane.
And as they hurried to the nearest door, it opened on a very astonished young footman.
“Ho, lad,” said Harry, “Is Sir Roger here?”
“Um…” the surprised footman blinked. “Er…”
“Good heavens, Mr Chalmers,” said a stern voice. “What on earth are you doing on our lawn?”
“Barton,” breathed Harry. “Thank God. Is Sir Roger here?”
“No, sir, he is in town and will be for a few days. Was he expecting you and the…er… young lady?” Moving away from the door, he beckoned them inside. “May I offer tea? Dry clothing?”
“There isn’t time, I’m afraid.” Harry tugged Willow along with him into the hallway. “We need horses, Barton. My…my wife and I had our carriage stolen last night, not far from here, and when I found out that the Run was so near, I thought of Roger.”
“How dreadful.” Barton frowned, his massive eyebrows drawing together. “Of course, we’ll be happy to provide mounts for you and your lovely wife.” He bowed low to Willow.
“Jeremy, go to the stables at once. Have Mr Thomas saddle two horses and make one a side-saddle.”
“You are both gracious and kind, Mr Barton,” Willow smiled at him. “Sir Roger is blessed in his staff, I can tell.”
A little spot of colour appeared in the butler’s cheeks as he turned back to them. “A lovely compliment, Mrs Chalmers. If you’ll come this way, I believe I can find something a little warmer for your ride.”
“That would be most gratefully appreciated,” said Harry, as they walked down a passageway and into a large hall. “Please also pass our thanks along to Roger? I shall most definitely be seeing him soon to thank him in person, I know.”
“Of course, sir.” Barton opened a cupboard door and produced a couple of warm woollen coats. “I believe these should fit. You and Sir Roger are close to the same size, I think…and for you, Ma’am, I have this jacket with a cloak attached. Sir Roger’s mother had it made for when she was riding.”
“Oh, how clever.” Willow smiled and accepted the garment. “You are so kind.” She slipped into it with a smile, clearly relishing the warmth of the fine wool and the convenience of the large cape, which would settle easily over a horse’s rump.
Harry nodded approvingly. “I know better than to ask if you’ll be comfortable in a side-saddle for a few hours.”
She shot him a quick glance. “Good. We’ve not ridden together, but I’ve not lost my taste for a good gallop.”
“I would encourage caution,” offered Mr Barton. “These local roads are not the smoothest, and it will be a couple of miles before you reach the main road to London.”
“We understand. And I cannot thank you enough for your assistance.” His face sobered as he looked at the butler. “Such gracious and immediate aid is extraordinary, and rest assured, Roger will know about this as soon as we get to town and finish our business.”
Barton nodded and returned his sober look with one of his own. “We here at Franklin Chase understand that sometimes haste is of the greatest necessity. Your horses are outside, so you must depart immediately, I imagine.”
Harry narrowed his eyes, then nodded. “Very good. Come, Willow.” He held out his hand and the two of them left Franklin Chase on what turned out to be very nicely paced and fresh mounts.
“Interesting,” said Harry as they took the first mile or so slowly, accustoming themselves to the horses and the rough lane.
“What was??” Willow glanced at him, finding herself more comfortable than she’d expected in the saddle.
“Barton. He had everything we needed ready in extremely short order, without questions or anything that might have delayed us.”
“He did indeed. A very efficient butler. Sir Roger is a lucky man.”
“I think Sir Roger might also be friends with some of the people I know.”
Willow was quiet for a few minutes, and Harry knew her mind was turning over the implications of his comment.
Then she took a breath. “Well, goodness. One does indeed learn something new every day.”
They rode as fast as they dared, and when they reached the firmer surface of the road, Harry darted a quick look at her. “Ready for a bit of a gallop?”
