Ellis shook his head. “You really are reckless, Fortescue. I’d have never guessed it. Has this girl turned your head so much you can’t see that you’re throwing your career away?”
“Look, the best chance we have to keep Mr. Hale’s invention out of the hands of the French is to get to it before Roundtree. The truth of the matter is that Miss Hale here gives us that upper hand so I am willing to take the chance on her. If my career is over, then at least I will have taken the action I deemed necessary in order to make the best of the circumstances.”
“It’s your choice as the leader of the mission, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Ellis lifted his end of the cot. “Let’s get this poor man settled in so I can arrange the others around him.”
Once her father was in the cart, Hetty put her hand inside and touched the part of his arm she could reach. Torn about leaving him in the hands of the odious Ellis, but sensing she was doing the right thing, she whispered, “Please hold on. You’re going to be fine.”
Turning away and wiping the tears that threatened, Hetty headed toward the stables.
Laurence caught up to her. “Are you sure this is what you want to do? You can stay with your father if you want.”
“Of course, I want to stay with him, but I think the greater need is for me to help stop this terrible deed from happening. We must be on our way.”
“Fine. Let’s choose some horses and then stop at the kitchen to gather a bit of supplies to eat on the way. We won’t want to stop at an inn. It’s imperative that we keep moving as Roundtree has quite the start on us.”
“Then stop talking and let’s go.” Hetty’s glance darted around the stalls until her eyes rested on the perfect mount for her. “I’ll take this one.” She opened the door and the black steed leapt out so quickly with his front legs pawing the air, she had to jump aside.
“Forget that one. He’s too much for you.”
“No, he isn’t. I’m taking him.” Locating a saddle—a man’s saddle—she found the mounting block and after strapping on the saddle, mounted the horse.
Laurence, in the meantime, had found himself a chestnut brown mount and when he had him saddled, led him out of the stables toward the kitchen.
Finally, as Hetty became impatient, Laurence came out of the house and placed a bundle wrapped in white cloth into the saddlebag. He mounted and they rode out of the yard.
The last glance she had of the estate was the cart where her father was reclined. Several men were seated around the outer edges, tied and under armed guard. Peregrine Ellis stood on the buckboard and glared at her as she and Laurence rode off, kicking up sod and dirt in their wake.
As they dashed down the path, leaving the manor house and all the prisoners behind them, Laurence had a moment of regret. He only allowed himself one second of that kind of thought though. Having chosen this path, he was duty bound to follow it.
If someone had told him four days ago that he’d bet his whole career on a tiny woman who said she could assist him, he’d never have believed it. How exactly he’d gotten here was a mystery. Last week, he was barely aware of this girl. He never thought of her unless she was right in front of him and even then, it was more about the way her gowns displayed her bosoms to advantage than about the person herself.
Now she seemed to have taken over not only his life in the way she pushed herself and her ideas on him, but his mind in the way her face kept popping up at the least expected moments. But maybe that was merely because she’d been with him for so many hours now.
He hoped so anyway.
Glancing beside him to make sure she was all right, he said, “Are you keeping up?”
“Sure. I think if I gave this one his head, he’d go even faster.”
“I don’t doubt that. He’s looks like he wants to fly, but we need to conserve at least some of their energy as we may not be able to find fresh horses.”
They rode on in silence for a while and after a few hours, Laurence needed to stop for a bit and walk around. He knew if he did, she surely did.
Once they’d dismounted near a stream and let the horses take in some water, he pulled out a couple of hard rolls. “Have one of these. We need to keep up our strength.”
The horses munched on some grass. “I’ll be back in a few moments. Don’t wander off.” Laurence needed to find a tree to relieve himself behind and hoped Hetty would use the time to do the same.
She called after him, “I won’t, but whistle before you return.”
He grinned to himself. She was quick that was for sure. Glad also that she didn’t complain about the pace he was setting and in fact, seemed to want to set a more brutal one, Laurence allowed himself to hope they might be successful in beating Roundtree.
When he made his way back to the clearing where they’d stopped, he whistled lightly and she called out, “It’s safe.”
Laughing, he came around the last tree between her and the horses. “We seem to be a good team.”
Hetty blushed prettily. “I’m glad you think so and I hope we’ll be a successful one as well.”
“As do I. I’d sure hate for Peregrine Ellis to be right.”
“How can you be friends with that odious man?” She took hold of her horse’s bridle, put her foot in the stirrup and attempted to mount.
“I’m not. I just met him today. He’s someone my superior sent to aid in the mission.”
She made another little leap trying to get on the massive stallion’s back.
“Would you allow me to assist you?” he asked.
“I thought you must be enjoying the diversion since you hadn’t offered.”
He hated to admit it. Her bottom did look fetching as the boy’s breeches stretched across it. “Of course not. I merely didn’t want to cause you distress by touching you in an inappropriate manner.” Laurence hoped his voice and face didn’t give him away.
“There’s only one way for me to get back on this steed and that’s with some help from you so you need to move past inappropriate.” She grinned over her shoulder. “Besides, aren’t we already way past that?”
“You’re right. At least you aren’t missish about this kind of thing.”
“One can hardly be that out here in the wild. If we were in a ballroom, I could show you some prudish and timid behavior, but I’ll save that for town.”
“Thank you for that.” Laurence laughed. “It’s a good thing your father was delirious. If he knew you were really there on that ship, he probably would’ve been apoplectic.”
“There’s plenty of time for him to be that later when he’s well.” She wiped a tear that Laurence would bet she didn’t think he saw.
“Let me help you up. We need to be on our way.”
“I’ve been waiting for you.” Her smile was genuine and with that giving him courage to touch her on that delicious bottom, he stepped over to where she still held on to the horse.
Hetty put her left foot back in the stirrup. Laurence placed his left hand on her left calf and his right one on her right buttock and using his right wrist as leverage, hoisted her upward.
Once she was settled, he returned to his own horse and mounted. Clicking his heels into the animal’s side, he started the steed into a trot.
For the first several miles, he could feel her flesh as if it were still in his hand. He’d been with a number of women, but none who had such firm muscles. Finding he quite liked a woman with such a calf and rear, it was all he could do to stay on the horse. Imagining those legs wrapped around him made him almost lose his seat.
She rode up beside him. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I don’t know. You seemed to wobble a bit back there.”
“Sorry. Yes, my mind was otherwise occupied.”
“Thinking about the mission?”
Laurence leapt at the suggestion. No need for her to know what he was really thinking. “Yes. And hoping we’ll be ahead of Roundtree. I’m praying he fee
ls he doesn’t need to rush since the others will have a longer sea route to France than he will from Dover.”
“That makes sense.” She nodded and fell behind again. It was as if she knew they would make better progress if they didn’t try to ride close enough to chat.
The day grew later and soon it was dark. Laurence was tempted to stop since he wasn’t sure how hardy she was in the saddle. He was also a bit concerned about brigands on the road at night.
Slowing for her to catch up, he asked, “What do you think about making camp for a while?”
“We don’t have the right supplies and I haven’t seen an inn at all, so I’m not sure what you mean.”
“I’ve been avoiding the inns, but we could try to find one or just stop for a few hours and sit by a small fire.”
“I’d like to keep going.” She searched his face. “Unless you’re tired?”
“I think we’ll have to sleep at some point, but we can wait longer if you want. But promise me you’ll let me know when you feel like you can’t go on any longer.”
“I already feel like that, but we have to beat Roundtree.”
“Rest assured, Miss Hale, that man is taking a bed in an inn and sleeping on a nice mattress. I know him and he’s not someone who will suffer the ravages of the road.”
“In that case, then, yes, I’d like to stop for a while.”
“I’ll be on the look out for a good place.”
She fell back again and he led the way until they came upon a small village that really was just a gathering of several small houses, barns and what appeared to be a smithy.
He chose the barn farthest from the houses and led them that way.
Dismounting, he handed Hetty down as well. “Let’s sleep in this barn for a while and be gone by dawn.”
“That sounds wonderful. A bed of hay instead of a muddy riverbank is perfect.”
“I’d never make you sleep on a riverbank.” He laughed lowly so as not to be heard.
“We may not have had a choice if we hadn’t come upon these buildings.”
“I still would’ve chosen a better spot if at all possible.” He tied the horses to one of the trees and removed their saddles. “Let’s carry these inside.”
Passing Hetty the saddlebag with the food in it, he carried both saddles to the door of the barn.
Finding the building unlocked, Hetty opened one of the double doors and they went inside.
“You find a place to rest and I’ll take some water out to the horses.”
“I don’t mind helping,” Hetty said.
“No. You need to relax for a while. You’re not used to this kind of riding and we have to get right back to it in a few hours.”
She stretched and yawned.
“See? You need to listen to me. Please.”
Hetty must have decided not to argue any further since she walked over to the large pile of hay in the corner.
Laurence found a couple of buckets and went to water the horses. While he was outside, he decided to call on the homeowner and let him know they were bedding down in his hay. No need in getting shot by an alarmed farmer.
When he knocked on the door, the owner of the house called out before opening it, “Who’s out there?”
“My name is Laurence Fortescue, I mean no harm. I merely wanted to ask permission to bed down in your barn for a few hours. My companion and I will be on our way before dawn.”
The man opened the door. “That’s fine and I appreciate your politeness in asking. Many people bed down out there without asking. I wish I could offer you a bed, but we’re full here.”
“That’s quite all right. We’re fine out here.” Laurence held his hand out. “Thank you for your kindness.”
“Hold on one moment.” The man disappeared for a time. Laurence was concerned Hetty would miss him, but he wanted to wait so as not to anger the man.
Finally the farmer returned. He held out a platter. “We’ve already had dinner, but here’s some warm bread and meat.”
It smelled delicious, but Laurence knew the man’s family was probably counting on that food for another meal. “I don’t want to impose.”
“Nonsense. You take it. We have plenty and the missus likes to share.” The man thrust it at him in such a way Laurence knew he’d take offense if it were rejected.
“Thank you then. I know we will enjoy it.” Laurence turned away, knowing he’d be leaving the man some coins in the barn in a place he’d be sure to find them.
“Have a nice rest.”
“Thank you again, sir. You’re too kind.” Laurence made his way back to the barn and opened the door to Hetty stepping out.
“What’s that?” she asked. “And where have you been?”
“I went and spoke to the farmer. He sent us some dinner.”
“That is so generous.” She leaned over and sniffed the plate. “Oh, my. I don’t think my stomach knew just how hungry it was until right this minute.”
“It does smell delightful, doesn’t it?”
“Let’s stop inhaling its aroma and eat it.” Hetty laughed.
They sat on the floor with the plate between them and ate until they were both full.
Laurence glanced around and found a small cup. “I’ll fill this with water to share.”
When he returned with the cup, Hetty held her hands out. “Let me warm it a bit.”
Ashamed he’d forgotten he was supposed to assist her with the after effects of her lightning strike, he said, “As soon as we take care of Roundtree and I report in to my superior about the mission, I promise I’ll help with that. I apologize that I haven’t been able to do so yet.”
“Will you also tell me what you actually do besides lecture at Oxford? And who is your family?”
Laurence almost choked. “My family? Why do you ask?”
“That vile Ellis said something about you having to rely on your family for money once you were removed from whatever it is you and he do for the government.”
“Oh, that.” He waved his hand in the air. “He merely meant he knew I have a bit of a private income.”
“You do?”
“Yes. It’s not massive, but adequate.” He stood and picked up the almost empty plate. “Come on. We can talk another time. Now’s the time to sleep.” He looked up and out the one large window. “If you can with that full moon lighting up the place as if it were a candlelit ballroom.”
“Oh, I can. I’m so tired and saddle sore, I only hope I don’t keep you awake with my snoring.” She sat on the hay.
“I’ll sleep like the dead myself.” He set the plate on a worktable near the far wall.
“You sleep in the hay and I’ll rest over here,” Laurence said.
“No. There’s no need in you being uncomfortable.” She grinned. “After all, we’ve already slept in that terrible bed together. Why not a haystack? What’s different?”
He knew one thing that was not the same from last night to this night. Before last night the woman was all but invisible to him. This night, he saw her clearly and he wanted what he saw. Very much.
Being near to her, close enough to take her into his arms, might just be the undoing of him.
Putting on an air of nonchalance, he moved toward the hay. “If you insist.”
She patted the area beside her. “Come on. Don’t be missish.”
Laurence had to laugh. He’d admired her for not being that way and now she was accusing him of being exactly what he hated.
Sitting beside her, he said, “We can’t have that, can we?”
“Absolutely not.” She turned on her side with her back to him. Over her shoulder, she added, “Now go to sleep. It’s going to be dawn soon and we have a traitor to stop.”
Glad she had the sense to not face him, he leaned back on the straw, still tempted by her. Her scent wafted over him each time she stirred in the straw. Of course it was mixed with the smell of horseflesh and dirty clothing, but her sweetness overrode it all.
It was all he
could do not to take her in his arms and make her his.
Chapter Twenty-One
Dawn came too soon for Hetty. She really would love to spend at least two days in her own room, on her own exquisite mattress. But it was not to be. It was more hours in a saddle. A man’s saddle. Much tougher on her poor tender thighs than her normal sidesaddle.
Except she had a suspicion even a sidesaddle was uncomfortable after this many hours on it.
The farmer came out of his house and brought them some food supplies to see them on their way. Laurence had already left some coins to pay the man for his kindness, but he offered more.
Soon, they were riding hard again with Hetty vowing to send a nice gift to the family since they’d been so good to them. A warm breakfast sat in her stomach better than the cold roll she and Laurence had eaten the day before.
They rode and rode for hours. The monotony of the path soon had Hetty almost falling out of her saddle as she found herself dozing off.
“Do you need to stop and rest?” Laurence slowed his horse so they were riding side by side.
“No. In fact, I’d like to increase our speed. I think I’m recognizing the terrain. We’re within a few miles of Oxford if I’m not mistaken.”
“I think you’re right about that. By my calculations, we should be there in about an hour.”
“Then let’s make haste.” Hetty spurred her mount on and the steed, being allowed his head as if he’d been waiting for permission, took off at a brisk pace.
The wind in her face made her smile. The last few days— first in the coach and then on the horse— had been hard. She imagined she smelled like horse, sweat and Lord knew what else. All she really wanted to do was take a long soak in the tub in front of the fire. And dress in a gown. If she never had to put on boy’s breeches again, she would be thrilled.
Hoof beats behind her alerted her to the approach of Laurence. She hadn’t meant to leave him behind, but the animal she rode seemed to find the energy from somewhere to keep up a speedy pace.
Lightning Strikes Twice (The Heart of a Hero Book 4) Page 20
