Page 25 of How to Ruin a Rake

“How long do you think it will take us to get to Southwold?” he asked Jack.

“Less than two hours, sir,” Jack said. “Maybe faster with this horse.”

The countryside was flat, with few farms existing within its large, windswept fields. There were a lot of Tudor buildings still standing in the occasional hamlet they passed through, indicating that whatever wealth had been accumulated in the area had been a long time ago, when wool had ruled the economy.

There was a light sprinkling of rain as they entered Southwold, and Max was glad when Jack directed him into the Three Lions inn. It was much larger than their previous accommodation, and there were mail coaches and private conveyances present in the stables.

“This is where me dad keeps his custom, sir,” Jack said. “They’ll look after you.”

“Thank you, Jack.” Max handed the reins over to the boy. Do you want to take the horse around to the stables so that you can arrange your return journey? I’ll meet you out there after I’ve spoken to the landlord.”

“Yes, sir. Ask for Mr. Archer.”

Max walked around the gig and offered Lady Allegra his assistance to get down. She took his hand and, in her efforts not to touch him, almost fell off the seat. He ended up having to grab hold of her waist to stop her falling.

“Thank you,” she murmured, her gaze anywhere but on him.

“You’re welcome.” He offered her his arm, which she ignored, and they both headed into the inn, where they were met by the landlord.

“Mr. Archer, I believe,” Max said. “Mr. Gunner said you would accommodate us. His son Jack is in the stable yard with his gig and my horse.”

“Jack’s a good boy,” Mr. Archer said. “How may I assist you?”

Max bowed. “I’m Mr. Foster, and this is my sister. Our gig met with an accident, and we were stranded with one horse and no baggage. Mr. Gunner put us up for the night in his charming hostelry and recommended that we come here to ask after renting a gig, as he did not have the ability to lend us one.”

“I can certainly do that, sir.” Mr. Archer looked at them expectantly. “As it’s getting rather late to travel, do you wish to stay the night? I have one room that you can share if you like?”

“That will be perfectly acceptable,” Max said, without even consulting Lady Allegra.

“I can also offer you a private parlor and a good dinner,” Mr. Archer added and turned to Lady Allegra. “If you’d like to follow me, miss, I’ll get one of the maids to show you to the room while I settle matters with Jack and Mr. Foster in the stables.”

CHAPTER 5

“How are we going to pay for all this?” Allegra asked as she entered the private parlor to find Max already eating at the table.

“Don’t worry, I have a plan.”

“Does it involve anything criminal I should know about?” Allegra asked.

“Criminal?” Max looked up. “Hardly. I’ll take your advice and seek out a pawnbroker’s establishment. I’ll use my watch as collateral.”

Allegra took a seat opposite him and reached for a hunk of bread and cheese. “You can have my pearls, as well.”

“We’ve already discussed this. There is no need.”

Allegra held her tongue. She was quite hungry, and the bread was still warm and delicious.

“I’ll go out before the shops close,” Max said. He continued to eat heartily. “I might not be back in time for dinner, so please go ahead and dine without me.”

“As you wish,” Allegra said, as she took another hunk of cheese before Max could finish it all off.

“No arguments today?” he asked. “No warnings as to my conduct?”

Allegra raised her eyebrows. “I’m not your keeper, sir. As long as you fulfill your promise and get me home to Musgrove Hall, I have no grounds for commenting on your activities.”

“With respect, that hasn’t stopped you in the past.” Max took a drink of ale. “In truth, you’ve been berating me ever since we’ve met.”

Allegra pressed her lips together and reminded herself not to rise to his bait. She slowly chewed her bread and cut off another sliver of cheese.