CHAPTERELEVEN
“Howis Eric doing?”
“Good, my lord. He’s learning fast, and I’m keeping an eye on him. No one has come calling so far.”
Leo nodded to his stable master as he swung himself up on his horse. Eric bowed, then threw him a smile, and Leo thought that the boy already looked healthier, his eyes brighter.
“Good morning to you.” Lifting a hand, Leo urged his horse out of the stables and into the gray London morning. It was early again, which annoyed him, but as he’d not been able to sleep since he’d kissed Beth four days ago, he’d given up trying, and ridden most mornings instead.
He certainly achieved more in a day rising early, he had to admit. The excitement around his betrothal had yet to wane, and that was not helped by the fact he had seen Beth only once since their kiss. Nick told him she had a chill and was staying in bed, but Leo had a feeling there was more to it than that, and he was part of the more.
Letting his horse have its head, he held the reins loosely, and made his way through the streets. Guilt had settled on his shoulders as he realized that perhaps Beth was avoiding him. He’d announced their betrothal, found out one of her secrets, and then he’d kissed her, when for years they’d avoided each other. The problem now was, he couldn’t seem to get her out of his head. Plus, there was the matter of the fear in her eyes when she’d pulled away from him.
Because I know what it is to be scared and alone.
That thought kept rolling around inside his head. Who had hurt her?
Taking a detour, Leo thought food may improve his mood before he headed to Night Street to meet his friends, where they ran an investigation agency. Of course, no one knew it was four noblemen who did so... actually, not entirely true, there were a few people who were aware, but they were trusted with the secret. The wives of his friends and colleagues.
Walking up a narrow lane, he turned left. At the end of this lane was Renn’s Bakers, and there he would find food. He saw a woman ahead, dressed in a stylish bonnet and long, deep red coat. In one hand she had a small girl, who was skipping at her side. On the other side walked a young boy, who if Leo was guessing right, was about six or seven. Another woman walked at the rear.
The lane was narrow and as he approached he opened his mouth to let them know he was about to pass, when the woman turned.
“Beth?”
Surprise was etched in her pretty face as she looked up at him. The little girl smiled, flashing dimples; the boy bowed.
“What are you doing out here with two children?”
He dismounted, and moved closer.
“Good morning,” the little girl chirped.
“Good morning.” Leo could never resist a child.
“I am Scarlett, and this is Joseph. We are going to the bakery to buy a treat. I get gingerbread and Joe a currant bun. Miss Whitlow has a bun also, as does Amanda.”
“Yes, thank you, Scarlett. Lord Vereton is a busy man, we shall let him pass.”
Leo watched as Beth urged the children and maid, who he presumed was Amanda, to the side with her.
“Actually, I am bound for the baker’s also. I shall keep you company, if that is agreeable to you, Miss Scarlett?”
The little girl giggled, as little girls did for no apparent reason, and bobbed her head.
“Oh I don’t think—”
“I think it best you don’t think,” Leo said to Beth as he handed the reins to the boy, who had moved closer to his horse, and begun patting him. “Would you like to ride him, Joseph?”
“Could I?” The boy’s eyes grew impossibly wide.
“Have you sat a horse before?”
The boy nodded so fast Leo feared for his neck.
“Then of course you may.” Leo lifted him into the saddle. “I shall lead you. He is even-tempered, and will give you no trouble.”
“You shouldn’t let him get up there, he could fall.”
