“Faith?” Hope said.
“Hmm?”
“Are you feeling well?”
“Yes,” she said in a monotone voice as she scraped a bit of butter against the bread.
Though she didn’t look up to see, Faith sensed her aunt and sisters were sharing a concerned look. But it didn’t matter as Graham spoke to the room before anyone could press her further.
“Thank you, Daughtry,” he said as the head groom left. He turned to address the family. “I’ve some unfortunate news for everyone, but I don’t want anyone to panic.”
Of course, at the word “panic,” everyone turned, anxious to hear what he had to say.
“What is it? What’s happened?” Aunt Belle asked.
“There’s been a theft from the stables,” he said, his gaze flickering to Faith. “Sweetness was stolen last night.”
“Stolen?” Hope said. “Are you sure? Couldn’t it have simply run off?”
“No,” Graham said, shaking his head. “The harness and bridle had been cut and an empty bottle of scotch was found near the grooms’ room.”
Faith frowned while Belle let out a laugh.
“Someone pickled the grooms before robbing them?” she asked. “They might have earned that horse.”
“Belle,” Graham said, his tone one of warning, but the old woman rolled her eyes.
“Was Sweetness the only one who was taken?” Grace asked.
“It would seem so—for now, at least. I’m going out with Daughtry to try and track her.”
“Is that safe?” Hope asked, standing up.
It was sweet to see how concerned she was for Graham. Where most men might tell their spouses that there was nothing to worry about, Graham was always the sort to be honest.
“Possibly not, but we can’t have horse thieves running about the Highlands, can we?”
“But what if it’s the same man who shot at Mr. Harris?” Hope asked, reaching him.
“I assure you, love, that if someone is willing to shoot me dead for a Connemara, they wouldn’t make it far.”
“Be that as it may, a stray bullet can find anyone by chance.”
Graham moved his hand to the back of Hope’s head and pulled her toward him, giving her a comforting kiss on the forehead.
“Worry not, my love. If there’s any pressing danger, we’ll manage it.”
“But—”
“Hope,” he said, his tone gentle in its command, and Hope snapped her mouth shut. “Thank you.”
She didn’t answer as he left the room, seemingly more put out than usual. When she retook her seat around the table, Faith leaned toward her.
“You haven’t told him then, have you?”
Hope glanced between her sisters and aunt as they all patiently awaited her answer.
“No, not exactly.” All three ladies sighed and leaned back into their chairs, making Hope sit up defensively. “It’s not that easy.”
