“Not so much.” The stablemaster crossed his arms. “Someone spooked Calliope while she was in the pasture, but it was dark and I didn’t get a good look. Had to run him off. Didn’t seem like he had the know-how to steal a horse though. More likely to steal my tools than anything.”
“Have any tools gone missing?”
Zachariah pointed to a riding whip. “One of those maybe?” He waggled his eyes suggestively at me, and I ignored him. He was going to be the death of me. This time around, at least.
The stablemaster turned back to the saddle he’d been working on. “Can’t say they have.”
I hesitated. “Did Emmett take Corpse Runner out frequently?”
“Not usually, but more often in the past month.”
I nodded, then gestured to Zachariah. “We’ll stop wasting your time. Have a good day now.”
When we cleared the stables, Zachariah raised an eyebrow in question.
“He likely took his horse wherever he went,” I told him as he matched my stride toward Hemlock Manor. “That indicates it was at least a short distance away. He had a destination in mind.” I hesitated. “Of course, if I were to kidnap someone who was prone to disappearing for days at a time, I would take the horse as well, to throw off suspicion. If we assume he left of his own volition, though, Isabel might know why Emmett was taking his horse out more frequently. The reason could lead somewhere.”
“Ugh. Isabel. I can’t believe you’re forcing Ambrose to keep her in the competition. You’re going to positively spoil the excursion to Foxglove Abbey.”
I cocked my head. “You have to admire her spirit though. As much as I loathe her, she’s sharp.”
“She also has inscrutable taste. Nothing on me, mind you. But I can concede that point.” He hesitated. “Look, Lucian, I know you’re only here for the competition, but be careful with Maxwell. He’s suffered many disappointments in his life, and with his father’s health failing … he’s feeling delicate right now, especially without Emmett.”
I frowned. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
Zachariah paused at the bottom of the steps leading to the front doors, turning to meet my eyes. “You’re using Maxwell to get closer to Ambrose. That’s the only reason you’re helping him search for his brother. That’s the only reason you’re giving him the time of day. But he’s taken a liking to you, and I just ask that you … be kind to him. If you don’t win Ambrose’s hand, don’t turn your back on him. He needs people in his corner.”
I blinked, wondering how Zachariah was able to see me so clearly. I would have to work harder to keep my guard up around him, even if he did have some of the details wrong. I did enjoy Maxwell’s company, far more than even I desired.
“Duly noted, Zachariah,” I said, reaching out to place a hand on his shoulder. “But if you trust anything about me, trust that I don’t want to see Maxwell hurt any more than you do.”
Some of the tension seemed to ease from Zachariah’s shoulders. “That’s good to hear.”
When we stepped into the front hall, it was buzzing with activity. Guests lined the room, craning their necks, as a low murmur fell over the crowd. Anticipation hung in the air as Percival posted something on a column. He straightened and looked out over the sea of faces with resignation. “I expect you all to act in an orderly fashion.” He then stepped out of the way as the crowd surged forward.
It dawned on me what this was. The names of who would move on to the next round of the competition.
“Did you have a chance to vote?” Zachariah asked as we moved closer to the column. I heard excited shrieks and dejected gasps. Isabel smiled proudly as she left the room, Violetta vibrating excitedly at her side.
“I did,” I replied, a small grin in place as I watched Violetta wipe away a tear. I felt a swell of happiness for having aided her.
Upon reaching the column, I noted the rankings with interest. Cecelia had come in first. So, her connections truly had positioned her as the favorite. Melbourne hadn’t done too poorly either, in the middle of the pack, while Isabel and Violetta hung close to the bottom. My heart began to sink as I didn’t see my name. But then I found it, at the very bottom. I’d likely squeaked by on two votes. Outside of Melbourne’s vote, hoping for anyone else had been a gamble. I would have thought a few people would reward me with tokens, given what had just occurred with Raven, but apparently that had been too much to hope for.
I let out a breath and grinned at Zachariah as we stepped out of the way of the guest behind us. “Well, that’s good news.”
“You’re welcome,” Zachariah said.
I lifted an eyebrow. “You voted for me?”
“Yes. I think you’ve proved your worth, given what happened on Old Mill Road.” He hesitated. “And Maxwell wouldn’t leave me alone until I voted for you.” He lifted a finger. “But, mind you, I wouldn’t have if I thought you were bad for Ambrose. Don’t make me regret my decision.”
I clapped him on the shoulder. “I am in your debt, kind sir.”
Zachariah bowed his head in acknowledgement.
When we neared the dining room, we were greeted by the sound of laughter. I exchanged a look with Zachariah before stepping into the room.
Flora was in high spirits, talking animatedly with Cecelia, whose success was clearly being celebrated. “Imagine! Half a dozen tokens. It truly is a marvelous feat, is it not, dear?”
