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A hearty mug instead of a dainty cup. Perfect for a cold winter morning. “I’d love that.”
“Did you sleep well?” Gwyn asked.
“Yes, Gentleman Jack and I had a wonderful, restful night.” After a moment of hesitation, Casey said, “I feel so safe here. Thank you for your welcome.”
“All gifted people are welcome here,” Rhys said seriously. Then he smiled. “And after you’ve had a good breakfast, we’ll get to work on finding the man behind the attacks on Sir Samuel Bentham.”
“But breakfast first!” Gwyn said firmly. “Help yourself.”
Casey did, filling a plate with shirred eggs, fried potatoes, and a slice of ham. Then she sat down with the tea Cameron had poured, and feasted.
After all four of them had finished eating, Rhys said, “It’s time to take our tea to the study and hunt for a villain.”
Cameron topped up everyone’s tea, and they adjourned to the study. After they were seated, Casey asked, “How does this work?”
“The four of us join hands,” Gwyn said. “Casey, think of the men that you sensed plotting against Sir Samuel. Cam, you were also there, so add what you sensed. Rhys and I will amplify the energy. That might help lead us to the man behind the plot.”
Casey obeyed, startled how the addition of each new person sharpened her sense of the villain they were seeking. “I think he’s a Frenchman, though I believe he can pass as English. And … he’s gifted!” she added with surprise.
An instant later the man sensed her mind touch and shoved angrily back. It hurt! Like a swiftly passing headache. She yanked back into herself, breaking the link and muttered a rude word under her breath before saying, “That was … interesting. Are there many gifted people who can use their abilities as a weapon?”
“It’s rare, I think,” Rhys said, “but there is much we don’t know about gifts.”
“So true,” Gwyn agreed. “Do you have any idea where we might find him?”
Casey focused, drawing on the power of the other three but not directly touching the Frenchman. “He likes going to a particular coffee house. They can be almost like clubs, can’t they?”
“Yes, for a penny any man can enter and have a cup of coffee and join the conversations,” Rhys replied. “Men of humble backgrounds can discuss affairs of state with members of Parliament. Customers visit their favorite houses regularly and become friends with other regulars. Can you identify a particular coffee shop?”
“I think it’s not far from here,” Cam said slowly. “Around Bond Street. The Frenchman goes there regularly. Usually in the afternoon, I think.”
Gwyn glanced out the window. “The day is going to be sunny and rather mild for December. Rhys and I can wander a bit around Bond Street and look in shop windows, and perhaps sense the correct coffee house.”
Cameron also gazed outside. “Casey, I have a good idea for how to spend the next few hours since it’s relatively warm. Let’s go riding. That’s one of the things you wanted to do and we have a couple of very gentle mounts in the stables.”
She caught her breath. “I can go riding with you? Astride?”
“You certainly can.” He grinned at her. “Did Naomi find you an acceptable pair of riding boots?”
“Yes, she did.”
“Then run upstairs and put them on along with your warmest coat and hat!”
As Casey swallowed the last of her tea and headed for the door, Gwyn said indulgently, “Enjoy yourselves!”
CHAPTER 12
Going for a ride in the sunshine on a fine horse with a handsome male companion was bliss. Casey laughed out loud with pure happiness when they entered the nearby park.
Cameron chuckled. “You may have sore muscles later, but clearly you haven’t forgotten how to ride.”
“Never.” She patted the neck of Cinnamon, her handsome chestnut mount. “I used to dream of riding again but couldn’t imagine how that might happen.”
“Proof that dreams can come true,” Cam said with a smile.
Together they explored several of the riding paths, chatting amiably as they did. When the sky began to cloud over, Cameron said, “It will be dark soon, so it’s time to head back. But we’ll ride again another day.”
“I look forward to that.”
