“God knows, you aren’t asking for my hand out of greed—I bring you nothing but a shabby house and an entire army of troublesome boys.”
“Your work will be my work.”
What he saw in her eyes in response humbled him. He sobered then. “You’ve only known me for a few days, but I’ve come to love you, Patience. We could announce a betrothal, but take our time with a proper courtship, me living at the inn, until you are sure. My only concern is whether an offer from a coachman will bring you more disgrace than honor.”
“For an educated man you speak a great deal of nonsense, Zachary Newell. It may only have been a few days but I’ve quite tumbled into love with you. You could never disgrace me.”
He gripped her hands and she squeezed his in silent assent. He swallowed the lump in his throat. “In that case, we had better get ourselves back to Fenwick before I prove you wrong.”
She looked as if she would argue, but he reminded her they had to find Norb, transport Hercules, and get back to some worried boys. He didn’t mention his own obligations to his passengers and his uncle who deserved a proper resignation from him.
They traveled back along the track in full sunlight, Hercules nestled in a sling attached to the saddle. Zach’s never-ending supply of ribald songs, his only defense against pulling her down to the track and making her his in the midst of the marsh, kept her laughing most of the way.
* * *
Patience didn’t recall laughing so much in her entire life as she did while listening to Zach’s songs and silly nonsense; his magnificent baritone kept her fears at bay even as he held her close. She sobered, however, when he pointed to the end of the track and reality intruded.
Algernon stepped eagerly onto the road, still muddy but less than it had been and much more solid than the track through the marsh.
“What if Norb isn’t there?” she asked, not expecting an answer.
“Then we’ll work with Brewster and Ryland on a search plan,” he said, leaning in to kiss the top of her head. “We’ll find him.”
They were the words of a partner. Nothing in her past prepared her for the sensation of it.Partner.My work will be his work, he said—my boys, his boys.
They rode into the stableyard, deserted in the late afternoon, and Zach urged Algernon to a stop. He slid down and reached up to help Patience dismount. She did. Straight into his waiting arms. He kissed her tenderly, brushed her hair back from her cheek, and smiled against her forehead when they heard Stump yell, “They’re back.”
Patience buried her face in his wooly waistcoat, “So much for discretion.”
He pulled her close, kissed her again, and slid his hands down to take hers. “Look,” he said, gesturing with a shake of his head. Six boys stood ten feet away, mouths agape.
“Norb!” Joy, consternation, and relief propelled her into the midst of them, where she grabbed Norb by the lapels, gave him a wee shake and pulled him into an embrace.
“Why are you crying?” the boy protested, trying to wriggle loose. “I’m fine.”
She gripped both his arms. “Where have you been, young sir? You have much to account for!”
Before Norb could answer, Zach came to her side, a squirming ball of fur in his hands.
“Hercules!” Norb took the puppy, snuggling his nose into the furry back.
Zach took her hand and looked sternly at the boy. “You frightened Miss Patience and caused her to go off on a perilous mission.” Atperilous missionNorb glanced sheepishly at Patience and dropped his gaze to the dog.
“Sorry, Miss Patience,” the lad murmured.
“You didn’t answer my question,” Patience said firmly.
Froggy pulled on her sleeve. “He were with my grandda, Miss Patience. Grandda found him in the marsh.” He tugged and pointed.
They turned, still holding hands, to see old Mr. Morling standing with Brewster and Ryland. Mrs. Brewster, the cook and two of the maids stood nearby. Every one of them appeared to be staring at her hand joined with Zach Newell’s. Worse, well-dressed guests, drawn by the disturbance, peered from the door and first floor windows.
Zach cleared his throat. She hoped he knew what to say because she had been struck dumb. Before he could, another man spoke.
“I take it we are to wish you happy.” The familiar voice came from behind them, behind the boys.When did the majors come out of the carriage house? Absorbed in the boys—and the feeling of Zach’s support and security—she hadn’t noticed them.
They turned back as one to see Jamie Heyworth’s cocky grin and Major Mallet’s kind face. Zach lifted her hand and kissed it. “You may indeed wish us happy, Major. Miss Abney has honored me by agreeing to become my wife.”
“Marry?” Boys began to talk at once, words climbing over questions, over exclamations.
