Eli nodded, tight-lipped. “Just one thing. What the devil are you doing in Manchester?”
“What do you think? You were supposed to be gone three days. It has been two weeks. Da is frantic.”
“He must have been, to tear you away from domestic bliss.” He liked to tease Rob about his besotted reaction to fatherhood a mere three months before. Rob ignored him. “I’m tempted to complain that none of you seem to believe I can take care of myself, but I’m too glad to see you,” Eli grumbled.
Rob had the good grace not to point out the circumstances he’d found when he’d arrived. “Besides, David is cooling his heels in Ashmead after getting your urgent message.”
David?“The earl came himself?”
“And isn’t happy that his steward has disappeared. Let’s find your Miss Hancock, little brother, and get you home.” Rob mounted and rode off, leaving Eli stifling his resentment.
Always the little brother. Get over it, Benson; there’s no time for pettiness.He set out for the Happy Cock at a dead run.
