A guard stationed at the path eyed her riding habit nervously. “Corporal Goodfellow said as how you were staying in the hall, Miss Hancock.”
“Did Sir Robert and his lordship come this way?” she asked.
“Aye,” the man said, uncertainty marring his expression.
“Excellent. I plan to join them.” She darted past. The man followed her, obviously torn between stopping her, something his universe told him would be inappropriate, and allowing her to put herself in danger, something that might cost him his job.
Fanny bustled through the woods, to the stable yard just in time. Rob pulled his horse up, glanced at the guard and back to his sister. “Fanny, what is it?” he asked, brows drawn together.
Clarion, who rode slightly ahead, turned around and approached. Both men leaned forward on their saddles. “Is there a problem?” the earl asked.
“Yes,” she said. “A big problem.” She let that sink in before continuing, “My book is finished, and I have no one to share it with, and I’m in danger of collapsing…” Their identical frowns amused her. “…under the weight of boredom. I need exercise. If you are going for a ride, I’m going with you. Surely the two of you can protect me.”
Clarion frowned, and Rob laughed.So much alike and yet so different, she thought, aware of her miraculous fortune to have them both in her life. They waited until a gentle mare was saddled and brought to her. Two armed grooms, summoned with a gesture, mounted up as well.
She rode quietly and listened attentively while they discussed estate management, Rob frequently quoting Lucy with pride. They rode Fanny past cultivated fields and tenant cottages, stopping to gossip with many. At one cottage, the earl dismounted to inspect the roof, making a note of the damage caused by a fallen tree. “Benson will see to it,” he said.
Fanny gritted her teeth. She waited until they rode on to ask what was on the tip of her tongue. “When?”
“When what?” The earl asked.
“When will Mr. Benson deal with the roof?”
“I think what she means is, ‘When will Eli be back?’” Rob said, swallowing a laugh. “If he isn’t back in one more day, I’m going after him.”
