A sigh stole into her heart. “And I you, husband.”
His gaze glinted. “Ready for more?”
The sigh became panting.
“Always.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
As soon as the storm ended, James and Evie returned to Bottoms House. He sent word to the others that Evie was with him and safe. As he had kept her awake—and vice versa—most of the night, he was feeling sleepy. Before he could suggest a quick nap, Gigi and Godwin arrived.
“Thank heavens you are back!” Gigi hugged Evie.
“I am sorry to have inconvenienced everyone,” Evie said sheepishly. “It was inconsiderate of me to wander off without leaving word. I was waiting out the storm in the hermit’s grotto when James found me.”
“Never mind, we are just relieved that you are well.” Gigi paused for a heartbeat. “All is well, I trust?”
In answer, James held out a hand to his wife. She took it, her glowing smile affirming what was in his heart.
“All is well,” she said.
“Well, we had quite an adventure of our own,” Godwin said. “We were checking roadside inns when the storm struck. We ended up taking shelter at a rustic place off the beaten path, the Stag & Harrow?—”
“And you will never guess what we discovered,” Gigi exclaimed.
Seeing his sister’s effervescent excitement, James said, “We won’t have to guess. The answer is about to pop from you like a cork.”
When Conrad snickered, Gigi nudged him with her elbow.
“Why am I in trouble?” he asked. “Your brother was the one who was teasing you.”
“You are supposed to take my side.”
“All right, then. I shall.”
He slung an arm around her waist, dragging her against him while she giggled.
“This is better,” he drawled. “At the very least, my ribs are protected.”
With roses in her cheeks, Gigi said, “As I was saying. We were chatting with the innkeeper at the Stag & Harrow, asking if he’d seen a lady matching Evie’s description. He said he hadn’t, but then he added, ‘I’ll pray for her swift return—unlike that poor fellow the constables found in the stream. He was here but a few nights before he disappeared. At first, I thought he’d left without settling his bill, but then I heard the news. Dreadful business.”
James stilled like a bloodhound catching the scent. “Merrow stayed at the Stag & Harrow?”
Gigi and Godwin nodded.
This is it. The trail to Wilmington.
The anticipation in Evie’s expression reflected his own.
“I’ll send for the carriage,” he said.
As he headed off to handle the details, he heard his sister ask, “What is going on?”
“It’s a long story,” Evie said. “If you wish to join us, I will explain on the way.”
James, Evie, Gigi, and Godwin arrived at the Stag & Harrow around noon. The innkeeper, an amiable fellow named Mr. Rudwick, was supervising the busy taproom and promised to assist them as soon as he could. He offered them “a plate of the hot” while they waited; realizing that he and Evie had skipped several meals, James gratefully accepted. When the food arrived—a generous spread of roast beef smothered in gravy, mashed potatoes, and herbed carrots, accompanied by thick slices of bread—they both ate heartily, washing it down with strong tea.
“The pair of you have worked up quite an appetite.” Godwin smirked as he buttered his bread. “Busy night, Manderly?”
