“I’m certain he would have kept William’s family ring at his grand estate.”
“In Devonshire?”
“Yes, in Devonshire.”
“That is quite a journey by land.”
“Indeed it is, which is why I need to obtain passage by ship.”
Maxey frowned. “When will you leave?”
“I’m hoping I can set sail by tomorrow evening.”
Her body stiffened. “Why so quickly?”
“Because I want my uncle stopped immediately. This will all be solved once I find the ring he took from William that claims the Wentworth title and lands.”
Her expression wavered before her gaze rested on his chest. “Will you come back and see me when it’s over?”
His heart soared, and he wanted to smother her with kisses. It thrilled him that she cared.
“No, my sweet Maxey.” He paused, waiting for her reaction, but when her lips had a slight tremble, he couldn’t take any more. He kissed her forehead. “I will not come back to see you because you will be with me.”
Her head snapped up. “Pardon me? What did you just say?”
“You are coming with me to Devonshire.”
She forced a laugh. “Are you insane? I cannot do that. What about my position as Lady Wentworth’s governess? And Sally… I must explain what happened to the poor maid before she hates me forever. Besides, I hate to sail. I—I’m afraid of the water.”
“You will have to get used to the idea, because I am not leaving you.” He faced her toward her bedroom and gave her a slight push in that direction. “Now get dressed and pack a few things. Time is of the essence.”
She swung back around to face him, her hair flying over her shoulder. By the fire flashing in her eyes, he knew he would be fighting her all the way. He looked forward to the challenge.
“Nash Burke! I’m doing no such thing. You have dictated to me all evening, and I won’t have any more of it. If you’re in a hurry to leave, you better go by yourself.”
“Maxey,” he said in a warning tone.
“Will you not allow me any time to set my affairs in order? I need to speak with Lady Wentworth and make certain Sally is safely at home.”
Smiling, he walked to her and slipped his arms around her waist. Why did she have to feel so good pressed up against him?
“The maid will be safe, I assure you.” He touched her stubborn chin. “You have exactly thirty minutes to ready yourself, and if you are not packed, I will take you to Devonshire wearing your nightclothes. It is your choice what you wear.” Taking a step back, he scanned her body and grinned. “But personally, I rather like you in this.”
“Oh,” she shouted, stamping her foot. “I don’t live here, which means I don’t have many clothes at this residence.”
He shrugged. “Then I shall buy you more dresses. Now hurry.”
Growling, she spun in a half-circle and marched into her room, slamming the door behind her.
He listened for a lock and thankfully did not hear the metallic click. He chuckled. Yes, this journey would be exciting one way or another.
He walked into the kitchen and picked up Maxey’s cooling cup of tea from the table before gulping it down. After she packed, he planned on returning to his townhouse to gather his belongings and the money he had saved.
Leaning his hip against the table, he scanned the kitchen and front room. Maxey had mentioned a brother, and the only sign that a man lived here was the untidy room. Nash strode into the front room to the worn cushioned chair beside the fireplace, and on the floor was a permanently dirt-stained throw rug just inside the front door. Pictures on the walls were of mountains.
He snooped through the rest of the house, which consisted of one more room besides her bedroom. The door to the unknown room remained shut, so he turned the handle and opened it. The faint smell of tobacco hung in the air, and the scent of dust tickled his nose, making him sneeze.
He assumed the tobacco smell came from Maxey’s brother. But she hadn’t mentioned a father. By the inch-thick layer of dust on the old wooden drawers, he surmised the occupant had been absent from the home for a while. Perhaps this was her father’s room and not the brother’s.
