“And yet we will have so little time together, it would be nice if you did.”
These people, Ash realized, were master manipulators. However, he was not one of them, and leaving was best for everyone.
“I would be grateful if you came, brother,” Gus said.
He was now mounted and had moved to stand before Ash. He wore no smile on his face, and his eyes were intent as they stared down at him.
“I will not bring danger down on this family,” Ash said softly. The words needed to be said.
“Danger has stalked this family for years,” James said. “If someone is after you, we can protect you.”
“This is not your fight.”
“It is, actually, as you are my brother, and these are our family members,” Gus said. “You want to push us away, but there is nothing you can do to change that.”
“There is everything I can do,” Ash growled, feeling cornered.
“Is the danger imminent? Surely you can give your brother a single day?”
The words came from her. The green-eyed witch who had secrets. Like why she was there that night and had saved him.
“No, the danger will not follow me here,” Ash said.
“Well then, Gus is your brother, surely you owe him this day?”
She was seated on a chestnut mare beside Gus now. His brother was watching Ash in silence.
“Mount up, cousin,” James said, then walked away.
Soon they were all mounted and watching him. He thought about simply turning and walking back into this house, but he’d have to wait there for Baron, and that could be hours. Or he could go and find Baron?
His head literally hurt from all the emotion charging through it.
“Get on your horse, Ash,” the duke said.
Grabbing the reins the groom held, he mounted and followed the party out of the courtyard.
He could give his brother another day. He owed him that.
“Lord Hardy has a lot of land and loves horses. He runs a carnival race day. But the highlight is the race which Warwick will compete in.” The duchess drew her horse beside Ash and proceeded to tell him the history of the event they were attending.
“I do not walk in society.”
“Many who attend don’t. I’ve always found that going to these things, you are surrounded by people from many walks of life.”
She rode off, and he was joined by Nicholas, who he knew was the Marquis of Braithwaite. Over the two hours it took to ride to Lord Hardy’s land, he had conversations with many of the traveling party, although they mainly talked at him. Ash did not speak a great deal. Dorset and Gus kept away from him, however.
Flags flew, and spectators were there dressed in every color when they arrived at Lord Hardy’s lands. Their horses were taken by grooms, and they walked to where people milled about chatting, some placing bets, others drinking or eating. Ash felt like a fish out of water but kept his expression clear as he was introduced to Lord this and Lady that.
“You get used to it,” Harry Sinclair said. “I was not raised in society either, and it took me some time to understand it. Maddie however refuses to try.”
“After today, I will not be among them again.”
“Of course, if that is your wish. But I’m sure your brother would be happy if you changed your mind.”
“I will not. It is not safe for you all if I stay.” He needed them to understand this.
“Come, walk with me. We will place some bets,” Wolf said. Harry fell in on Ash’s left.
