“Let’s hope it lasts.”Beyond the window the sky was an uninterrupted blue above thetreetops, but sunny skies could not be relied upon.
Having received a subdued greetingfrom Harry, Jack eyed him as he sat considering his food withintense interest. “I trust you slept well?”
When they both rushed to assure himthey had, Jack looked from one to the other. Something had occurredbetween them. It must have been earlier this morning, or late lastnight, which would mean…. No, these two had insisted they did notintend to marry. Hadn’t Harry been less than enthusiastic about thematch? But if he had decided to marry Erina, then it would happenas sure as the sun rose in the east, a favorite saying ofHarry’s.
Jack asked for coffee and investigatedthe hot dishes on the sideboard. He filled his plate with hot,steaming eggs, bacon, and sausage while he considered his trip toLondon, and the lady he must leave behind.
As if he had conjured her up, Ashleyentered the room. He hadn’t expected her to appear after they’dparted in the early hours. She was breathtaking, her unadornedblack gown a perfect foil for her beauty. Every inch of him cravedto be near her.
“I’m glad I caught youbefore you left.” Her gaze flickered to Jack. Something in her eyestold him she had news. Harry and Jack took their seats as thefootman hurried to pour her a cup of tea.
“I welcome the opportunityto thank you and Lady Butterstone for your hospitality,” Harrysaid.
“Especially at such a sadtime,” Erina added. “It was good of you.”
“Your cheerful company wasa welcome distraction.” Ashley’s fair lashes hid her expression asshe sat and drank her tea. “It will be very quiet here after you’vegone.”
During the night, Ashley had told Jackof her intention to return home to Lambourne Park in Oxfordshireafter the funeral. She had lost one of her pet dogs and the othertended to pine. And then there was her garden. “I sound mostdreadfully dull,” she confessed.
Jack didn’t consider her dull in theleast.
He recalled her words in the dawnbefore she left him. “I remain hopeful you’ll discover something,but if London fails to shed any light on my father’s death, letthat be the end of it.”
“The end?” He’d responded,trying to ignore the hollow feeling in his chest.
“Yes. You will want tocontinue your journey, and I intend to live quietly in thecountry.”
She was right, of course, but it wouldbe hard. He didn’t just find her desirable, he felt enormouscompassion for her. Just emerging from a period of mourning for herhusband, she was now to grieve for her father and endure anothersix months in black bombazine.
After they ate, a servant went withinstructions for Harry’s curricle to be brought to the front of themanor.
When it arrived from the stables, Jackbowed to Erina. “Safe journey.” He shook Harry’s hand.
“It was on our way. Andit’s good to see you.” Harry raised a quizzical eyebrow. “Life hasa funny way of surprising us. Never know where we might meetagain.”
Jack grinned. “Beware of theleprechauns, Harry. They’ll steal your money soon as look atyou.”
Harry laughed, acknowledging Jack’sgentle jibe without revealing anything more about his intentions.Harry was playing a game with a closed hand, Jack thought as hisfriend climbed into the curricle and took up the whip.
Erina looked anxious as she calledgoodbye.
Harry touched his hat in a salute,called, “walk on”, and soon had the matched set of grays trottingaway in perfect unison.
Ashley raised her hand in farewell. “Ilike your friend, Mr. Feather, and his cousin, Lady Erina.” Sheraised her eyebrows. “Poor Mama was too distracted to give theirrelationship any consideration. If she had they would have beenshown the door.”
Jack smiled down at her. “It’s notwhat it might seem. It’s complicated, I don’t fully understand itmyself. But thank you for your generosity.”
“It was the least I coulddo.” Her gaze took in his riding boots, his leather breeches, creamshirt open at the neck and black cotton waistcoat. “Incognitoagain, Jack?”
He nodded with an amused smile. “Youhave learned something of interest?”
“Yes. Mama tells me that myfather’s valet has sworn that Father’s luggage was searched at ourtownhouse in Mayfair before it left London.”
Jack stared at her. “Was the valise inthe coach with him?”
Ashley shook her head. “It would havebeen searched too, but they failed to find the diary.”
“Then it must be someone inyour father’s employ.” He paused. “Not someone who knows his habitto keep the diary secreted in his valise. Not his secretary at anyrate.”
