Maddox patted his wife’s hand. “Patty can spot a good act in under a minute. She instantly knows if they have potential.”
“We have two clowns that do an act with their menagerie of dogs. And of course, Hamish, our strongman.” She pointed her chin down the table. “Be careful, he has a particular fondness for Susanna. He would not be happy with you if she appeared upset in any way.”
Miles snapped his gaze in the direction she indicated to where an enormous man sat at the foot of the table. A shock of bright red hair fell over a pair of eyes set into a broad flat face. His massive shoulders shook with laughter at something being said. There were very few men that intimidated Miles with their size. He and his brother both stood over six feet and were generally broad and strong. But, even sitting, Hamish looked as though he would dwarf him.
Miles frowned. “Lady Ashby is none of his business. I know what is in her best interest.”
Mr. Maddox chuckled. “Don’t be jealous my lord. Hamish has no designs on your girl. Just be careful, he is protective of all those he considers a friend.”
“She is not my girl,” Miles muttered.
Maddox took a sip of his whiskey. “And yet you travel as husband and wife.”
“That’s just so I can keep an eye on the brat.” He threw back his drink and stood. “If you will excuse me, it’s time for bed.” He bowed to Mrs. Maddox. “Good night.” Then turned to exit the room.
“Yes, don’t keep her waiting,” a voice called out followed by a bark of laughter.
Miles didn’t bother to turn around as he stomped out of the room.
Chapter Sixteen
The knock atthe door was too loud and insistent to be a servant. Susanna rose from her chair by the fire and hurried over to the door. “Who’s there?”
“It’s me,” Hawksridge’s voice replied.
She unlocked the door and turned the knob.
Hawksridge leaned against the jamb with a frown on his face. “You locked me out.”
“You told me to keep the door locked.”
His face cleared. “Oh, yes, of course.” He moved past her into the room. “I thought maybe you would be asleep already.”
Susanna shut and locked the door. Turning she found him right behind her. Miles swayed slightly on his feet. She sniffed the air around him. “Have you been drinking?”
He stiffened. “I shared a few drinks with your friends downstairs whilst having supper.”
Susanna brushed past him and returned to her chair with a huff. “I’m quite cross with you. You left me up here by myself while you go socialize with my friends. And I couldn’t even track you down considering all I have to wear is a nightgown!”
Miles stared at her with a strange focus. Then he shook his head. He moved to the chair opposite her and slumped into the seat. He was definitely foxed. She had never seen him sit without perfect posture. Her lip twitched with amusement even though she was still cross at being left alone for hours and hours.
“The public dining room of a posting inn is no place for a lady of your standing. Did you get your food?” He looked around the room, his brow creased with worry.
“Yes, and my trunk arrived about a half hour ago. Which is where I got this wrapper and slippers from.”
He stared down at her feet. “Too bad. I like your toes.”
Susanna raised an eyebrow. What a strange compliment. “Perhaps it’s time for sleeping. I was just waiting up to let you into the room.”
Miles nodded. Then he reached down to pull off his boot. She watched him struggle with it for several moments. He reminded her of a small boy, his face screwed up in concentration as he tugged ineffectually on his hessian. “Oh, for goodness’ sake.” She rose and crossed to him taking hold of the heel of his boot. She braced her feet and pulled. The boot slid off with only minimal effort.
“Thanks, it’s still damp from before. I had a terrible time getting them off this afternoon.” He lifted his other foot. And Susanna helped remove the other boot. She set both near the fireplace to dry.
Then she turned back to him. “What are we going to do about that?” She pointed to the bed.
Miles swiveled to look at the only bed. “You take the bed. I’ll sleep on the floor.”
Susanna nodded and crossed to the bed. She pulled back the counterpane and sat. She removed her slippers and wiggled her toes. They seemed perfectly ordinary to her. It must be the drink making Miles say such silly things. She glanced over at him. He rose from his chair and blew out the candles on the side table where she had been reading leaving the only light in room the banked fire. He pulled loose the knot of his cravat and laid it over the back of the chair. Next, he removed his jacket, then the cuff links on his shirt.
