The ride back the next morning was relaxed, with the normal amount of casual conversation exchanged between Suzanne and Simon. They had almost reached the Moreau farm when he remarked, “Whenever you look at me, you blush.”
She looked at him, and blushed. “Yes, but in a good way.”
Mercifully, he changed the subject. “I don’t know how long we’ll be in Belgium, but I’m thinking about asking Monsieur Moreau if he’ll sell us these horses. They’re sound and well trained and would probably cost us less than buying similar mounts in Brussels. What do you think?”
“I like the idea,” she said. “I love riding, and these are both fine beasts. I like Hercule here almost as much as my sweet Luna back in England. Your Achille is also a fine fellow.”
“He has first rate stamina and I think he’ll be a very good horse for long distance riding if I turn exploring officer again.” Simon patted the sleek dark neck of the bay.
“Are you in danger of running out of money?” Suzanne asked. “This has been an expensive journey.”
“I brought more cash than I thought I’d need and I’ve spent almost all of it, so it’s good we’ll be back in Brussels soon, where I can call on my banker,” he admitted. “I should have enough to buy these horses and saddles and get us back to the city, though.”
“I am fortunate to have been almost penniless during my early days in London,” she said thoughtfully. “It makes me really appreciate being married to a rich man.”
He chuckled. “I’m not rich beyond the dreams of avarice, but I’m grateful that I can afford to buy what I need without having to think hard about it. Except for a castle. I could not afford a castle.”
“Who needs a castle when we have White Horse Manor?”
“My thoughts exactly. But I suspect we will need these horses.”
Since Monsieur Moreau had raised and trained the horses for sale, it didn’t take long to agree on a price that included the saddles so that Suzanne and Simon could ride on their return to Brussels if they wished.
They arrived at the inn to find that Maurice and Jackson had returned with a wagon that was covered and had good springs. With a well-padded pallet on the floor, Philippe should be able to travel in reasonable comfort. Marie assured them that he was recovering well and sleeping most of the time, which should help him heal.
They left the next morning after exchanging affectionate hugs with the Moreau family, who waved them off with invitations to return soon. Maurice drove the wagon with Jackson at his side, Simon and Suzanne rode, and Marie traveled with her husband inside the wagon.
The journey was unremarkable until they neared Brussels, where the traffic became increasingly heavy, and included soldiers as well as elegant carriages and farm wagons. They entered the city behind a company of marching Dutch-Belgian troops.
Simon’s expression became grim. Edging his mount toward Suzanne’s as they made their way along the crowded streets, he said, “There must be news of possible war.”
Suzanne said, “More likely to be probable war?”
Simon nodded. Even so, it was a surprise when they reached their house. As the wagon and the two dusty riders halted in front of the building, Jenny ran out to greet them, her face tense. “The Duke of Wellington has just arrived in Brussels, and he’s taken a house only a block away!”
Simon swore under his breath.Probablewar had become inevitable war. And he suspected that Brussels would be the headquarters for the British and Dutch-Belgian troops.
Chapter 26
The conversation that Simon knew was coming took place the morning after they arrived back in Brussels. At breakfast, Marie said shyly, “Sir, Philippe would like to speak to you at your convenience.”
“After breakfast then,” Simon said. “Would you like more coffee, Marie?”
“Please.” She spread marmalade on a warm croissant. “I’m so hungry now!”
“I think that’s natural,” Suzanne said. “I assume that Philippe wants a man-to-man talk with my husband and female presence is undesired?”
Marie nodded. “Yes, but I shall make him tell me everything afterward.”
“I’ll do the same with Simon,” Suzanne said, and the two women laughed. Simon was glad to see that they were becoming good friends. Suzanne needed the chance to make more female friends.
Simon finished off his coffee and stood. “I’ll go up to see Philippe now. If you hear shouting, ignore it.”
He was only half joking. Philippe was in a situation that would madden any man. At least he wasn’t armed this morning.
Simon entered the spacious bedroom that the young Duvals shared to find that Philippe was now wearing a robe and sitting up in a chair by the window with a blanket tucked over his lap. Simon offered his hand. “Good morning to you. You look much improved.”
Philippe shook hands with conscious strength. “Thank you. I feel weak as a kitten but that’s much better than I felt several days ago.” He grimaced. “I imagine you know why I asked to speak with you.”
