“Thank you. God speed.” Hesquared his shoulders and trudged on.
Jack rode east into the woods. Itproved fruitless. There was nothing to show where the holdup tookplace. Interesting though, if the cleric was right. Might it nothave been an abduction at all?
On his way back to Ivywood Hall he hadno idea what else he could do. Unless he could learn more from LadyAshley or Lady Butterstone. He remembered how little surprise she’dshown at her husband’s confession. In what manner had he been afool? Had some dreadful mistake on his part resulted in his death?Lady Ashley might have some suspicion. If she didn’t at least tosshim a crumb, something to lead him in a new direction, he might aswell continue his journey.
It was dark when Jack arrived back atIvywood Hall. He was dusty and smelled strongly of horse and wishedto wash and change before he met Lady Ashley.
In the entry hall, Billings relayedthe invitation for Jack to dine with the ladies. “LordButterstone’s valet is happy to assist you to dress,” the butlersaid with an eye on Jack’s leather breeches.
“Thank you, Billings, Ishould like a bath and a shave,” Jack said, thinking of his limitedwardrobe. One thing was sure if his services were required for afew days or more he would have need of better clothing than he’dbrought with him.
~~~
On Wednesday afternoon, Erina waitedfor Harry in Hyde Park. She’d sent her maid to purchase a posy ofviolets from a flower seller near the park gates and sat alone on abench beneath the trees. There was a pleasing view of the ripplingwaters of the Serpentine Lake. It was a mild day, the worst of thechilly weather behind them, the air sweet with the scents of wildflowers and trees painted in their new spring green.
Perhaps because she wanted to ensureHarry would keep his promise, she had taken great care with herappearance. Her Indian muslin with its broad flounces of lace waspretty, the blue velvet spencer tied with bows in front very smart.She’d teamed them with white chamois leather gloves and French Greykid half boots, and a bonnet of spotted blue velvet with anembroidered feather.
Harry bowed. “Lady Erina, howdelightful to see you again,” he said as a couple strolled past.“Is your father in good health?” He slid onto the bench besideher.
“Father is quite well,thank you.”
“Are we all set?” Erinasounded a little breathless. She’d packed her bag in readiness,proud of her restraint in choosing only necessary items. She had noidea how much luggage one could take in a curricle.
“There’s a hitch,” Harrysaid, while his gaze took in her outfit from her boots to herhat.
“A hitch?” Was he trying towriggle out of it?
He leaned back against the bench andfolded his arms. “No need to look at me like that.”
“Like what?” she askedimpatiently. Now that her mind had been made up she wanted to begone.
“You think I’m backingout.”
She noted the wry twist of his lips,annoyed with him for toying with her, while at the same timedistracted by his well-shaped mouth. She grabbed his arm. “Oh,Harry you aren’t, are you?”
“I jolly well should! I’vereceived a note from Jack. He’s stumbled into an unfortunate affairat Ivywood Hall. Lord Butterstone has been murdered.”
“How dreadful.”
“Jack has had to change hisplans. He intends to stay on until he can consult with themagistrate. He’s in need of evening clothes. Asked me to take themto him.”
“Is that far out of ourway?”
“Less than a day’s ridefrom here.”
“Well that’s not so bad. Inthe scheme of things.”
“Better I go alone. There’sno sense in risking more exposure than is necessary. But you won’twait here for me to return, will you.” He sighed. “You’ll be ridingin my wake.”
“Then take me with you.”She eyed him suspiciously.
“What do I tell Jack aboutyou? You two have met.”
“He has mentionedme?”
“In passing.”
“What did he say aboutme?”
