Page 78 of Forgotten No More

“Are you sure?” Harold asked.

“Of course. I was not even aware your brother was in town.”

“Sir, the horses are being readied and will be brought round momentarily,” Buttons called. “Shall I send for Lord Haversham’s family doctor as well?”

“No, I am sure the dock doctor is versed in all manners of port injuries.” Next he turned to Applewood. “Please, tell me what happened while we wait.”

He looked at Ruby, then back to Harold.

“She has a solid stomach. I assure you she can handle all the details.”

“Yes, please, Mr. Applewood, tell us how bad things are.”

“Very well.” The man paused as if to gather his thoughts. “We were loading the vessel, preparing to set sail on the morning tide. The hoist was lifting a crate aboard the ship when the rope broke. It landed, pinning Mr. Jakeston—the other Mr. Jakeston—”

“We know which Mr. Jakeston,” Ruby assured him.

“Very true,” Applewood conceded. “The crate pinned Mr. Jakeston beneath it. We were quick to push it off him, but his leg and hip were damaged.”

“Oh, dear!” Ruby gasped.

Harold pulled her hand into his in reassurance. “Let us wait out front. The horses should be ready soon.”

A million thoughts ran through his head as they went outside to await their horses. He debated for a moment flagging down a hackney, but knew they would be stalled in town as the ton traversed the streets on their way home from their evening entertainments. He could run the miles to the docks, leaving Applewood and Ruby to follow on horse, but he’d be too winded to be of much help once he arrived.

Finally, three horses from Brock’s impressive stables were brought round, two steeds and a mare he supposed was Ruby’s personal horse.

“You are not dressed to ride.” He hadn’t even thought of Ruby, still dressed in her evening gown.

With a flip of her hand, Ruby held her foot out for a step-up. “It is only a dress, and can be replaced…a brother cannot. Please, help me up and we can be on our way.”

He lifted her up onto her mare and she gained her seat quickly. She’d spent years helping Lady Haversham at her foal ranch, and he knew she was more adept with horses than most men.

“Please, lead the way, Mr. Applewood,” Harold said when they were all comfortably in their saddles. “Ruby, stay close.”

“I am perfectly capable of navigating the streets of London, thank you very much.”

“I meant no offense, Miss Ruby.” He despised the formality in his voice after their private moment only minutes before. “There are many things that can spook a horse after dark.”

Ruby nodded at him and pulled her horse close. “I appreciate your concern, Mr. Jakeston.”

It was as if they were only briefly acquainted, rather than intimately aware of one another. From his higher position on his horse he had a breathtaking view of her slender neck and kissable shoulders. His hands would far rather hold her than the reins of his horse.

“I was unaware of your current association with your brother,” Ruby stated. “I had been led to believe that you’d lost touch with your brothers years ago.” She kept her eyes straight ahead, but he knew she listened intently.

“We had lost touch, but William reached out soon after I arrived in London. I believe you saw us together not long ago.”

“I do not recall.”

“You were having ices with Lady Ellington, if I remember correctly.”

“That was William? I saw you slip money to him.”

“Yes. We have a joint venture we’ve been working on at the docks.”

“I had no idea. Why were you so secretive when I asked that day?”

“Your own actions at the time did not inspire me to confide in you.” It had been petty—Harold had known it at the time, and it was even more obvious now. He’d kept his dealings private to spite her.