“We’ll keep an extra keen eye out for anything unusual,” the man replied.
“Good and you might want to make sure one of the shotguns is visible to hopefully ward off an attack.”
With that said, Samuel climbed in, barely getting settled before the coach started off with a jolt.
Free of the tavern, he glanced first to Brittany then Aggie and was happy to see relaxed expressions on their faces.
“Aggie, I can only hazard the men behaved themselves in your presence?”
“Yes, m’ lord, they did,” she said with a smile. “Even that beast of a man Quinn was a perfect gentleman.”
With a smile back to her, Samuel cocked his head to Brittany who’d taken a book out and was reading. Then he noticed Aggie also had a book in hand. He wondered what they were but refrained from asking. Not wishing to disturb them, he reached under the squads, withdrew one of several broadsheets and started reading.
Finished with the first, he started to reach for another when the sound of yelling, followed by the loud crack of a pistol, alerted him to danger. Quickly, he looked to the ladies who, he wasn’t surprised, wore panic in their expressions.
“Could they be highwaymen after money?” Aggie asked, clutching her purse to her chest.
Another gunshot stopped him from answering then he heard horse’s hooves coming from the rear. Samuel leaned over and brought out a pistol from its hidden compartment, set it on full-cock then looked out the window. He saw the earl’s carriage had halted as had his. Turning his head to the rear, he saw Quinn galloping up. Once the man was close enough a scowl crossed his face.
“Ladies, stay inside,” he ordered, before climbing out to meet his man.
By the time he was on his feet the earl had joined up as Quinn brought Tempest to a halt.
“M’ lords, several men tried to attack us. Both of them aren’t in any shape to fight as they misjudged our strength. With your permission I’d like to bring the survivor along to question him upon arriving at the estate?”
Samuel shared a knowing look with Eli who nodded his approval, then added.
“Might as well bring the others also. All Lord Samuel and I ask, make sure none of the ladies see them.”
“Of course not, m’ lord. We’ll keep a bit back and when we arrive we can break off to the stables.”
“Good, now let’s be on our way as time is of the essence,” Samuel announced.
Finally, both carriages rolled into the forecourt of the Bemming country estate.
Climbing down Samuel smiled to himself when he didn’t see the guards. He helped Brittany then Aggie out and turned to see the Sexton butler and housekeeper awaiting everyone on the front steps.
Chapter Fourteen
While waiting for his trunks to arrive Samuel strolled over to the large window and looked out. His interest lay in the area between the veranda and garden which turned out to be expansive. He knew this would make it difficult for anyone to sneak up on the mansion. From what he’d seen on arrival any approach from the front would be impossible as well. This only left the sides. To examine those approaches he’d request a tour of the grounds from Brittany.
Hearing footsteps in the hall he turned, expecting to see footmen with his baggage. Instead he came face to face with Peter, the Sexton butler, with another staff member at his side.
“Yes, Peter?”
“M’ lord, I couldn’t help but see you arrived without with a valet.”
“That’s correct. I take care of dressing myself.”
“I understand. However, Lady Brittany has, through the earl, requested you be assigned one for the duration of your stay.”
“It wouldn’t do to upset the fair lady so I accept the kind offer.”
The grin he saw forming on the butler’s face told him he’d made the correct decision. Samuel waited while the other man entered his suite and bowed.
“I go by Jack, m’ lord, and have trained under the earl’s valet.”
In just those few words Samuel knew the man would be efficient, which he needed. Between continuing to study the book, when it arrived, and proving to Brittany he would make a worthy husband the last thing he needed would be someone who questioned his decisions as to proper attire.
“Good. When my trunks arrive set the deep blue jacket and black trousers out. I’ll wear them for dinner. I’m going to check on my horse. I will be back in an hour to bathe and dress,” Samuel told Jack, then without looking back strolled from the suite.
On Samuel’s way down past the first floor he heard Eli call out.
“M’ lord?” Samuel said. Turning, he joined Eli in the office.
Neither spoke until Eli closed the door, so not to disturb either of the ladies, Samuel assumed, should they come by.
“I received a disturbing report from your groom about the prisoner. Seems the man knows as much as the others we’ve captured. Nothing,” Eli stated.
“Not even a description as to who hired him?” Samuel queried.
“Unfortunately, no. This man seems to remain a mystery and well hidden. We’ll need to enlist the aid of the villagers and tenants,” the earl answered.
“Then Eli, I’d suggest tomorrow we ride out to spread the word. Also, do any of the staff live off the grounds? We can start with them to pass the alert”.
“That’s something I never would have thought of. We do have a few I believe. Between Peter, Cook and Mrs. Garrett they would know. Then instruct their staff on what to look for.”
“Also, thank you for the loan of Jack. Usually, I don’t bring mine as he’s quite aged thusly doesn’t travel well.”
“You’re welcome. I’m sure Peter informed you the request came from my daughter. For some reason she seems you need one to set the proper tone,” Eli replied, with a chuckle.
“Yes, he did which I thought interesting that Lady Brittany would take such concern for my comfort. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I want to check on my horse to make sure he’s up for a gallop tomorrow.”
“If you don’t mind, I’ll join you. I’d like to get a closer look at your beast.”
While they made their way to the stables, Samuel glanced around, wondering if there might be a way someone could sneak in. Again, as with the rear, at least one side of the house seemed well protected from any hiding spots.
“Samuel, worry not for the entire building is well protected from assault. The original had been a castle surrounded by a moat. About three hundred years ago when the building fell into ruins the current mansion construction began. For some reason, which I now appreciate, when the original designs were drawn up what used to be the moat is what you see. A wide expanse of grass between the gardens or woods,” Eli explained.
“Thank you, for the reassurance. We only have to figure out how they will get in? But, let’s leave that for now,” Samuel said, as they entered the barn, only to come to a halt on hearing a feminine voice at the far end.
Peering through the shadows he didn’t see anyone but recognized the speaker. Two questions came to mind. Where is she? To whom is she conversing with?
“Eli, I suggest we approach quietly so not to startle your daughter, in case she’s in a stall,” he whispered, receiving a nod of understanding.
Slowly, making his way forward when from the last stall he heard, “I can’t understand why everyone is so afraid of you. You’re sweet and adorable like my Pattie. I bet you both would get along quite well, if you promise to behave like Samuel.”
On hearing his Christian name he stopped so suddenly Eli bumped into him. Quickly, he gathered his feet under him thus saving himself from a fall.
“My apologies but hearing her words caught me by surprise,” he whispered.
“Let’s see what mischief Brittany is causing with your charger?”
With a nod Samuel started forward until they came to Tempest’s stall. Peering in, he almost choked when he saw his horse lying down with his huge head in Brittany’s lap. Happy that she didn’t know of his or her f
ather’s presence he retreated down the aisle aware the earl was following. Once far enough away he turned to Eli.
“Do you believe Lady Brittany might wish to accompany me tomorrow to alert tenants to be on the lookout for strangers?” he announced in a loud voice.
“I’m sure she would and I’ll arrange for a groom to accompany you both for safety.”
Having made their presence known, they walked up the aisle, this time to see Brittany leaning against the inside of the stall door. Not surprised, his mount had also risen and stood calmly in front of her, something he’d never seen.
“Yes, I would love to go with you on the morrow. I’d also like to ride this beautiful horse. I’m sure you’ve heard me say he has such a sweet disposition and as you see we already get along,” Brittany declared, while patting Tempest’s nose.
“M’ lady, except for Quinn and myself, you’re the first person able to get this close to him without being attacked.” Samuel opened the stall door so she could slip out.
“I don’t believe that. When I came to see him he was standing quietly with his head hanging over the stall door. When he noticed me, he whinnied. It sounded so friendly I didn’t think he would hurt me, but I was careful. Father, m’ lord, if you’ll excuse me I must return to my suite to dress for dinner. Later, I might play the pianoforte.” She gave her father and Samuel a curtsey then strolled down the aisle.
Samuel watched as she glided down the passageway, a slight haughty tilt to her chin. He’d first noticed the special mannerism, her stubbornness, when they’d butted heads in London. Her determination to be herself. Not superior to another. Not to be told what to do. Was this what had attracted him to her, and not the Hersey book, to begin with?
Granted, from the start he found her intelligent and attractive, but until now he had no idea the true reason. Would he be able to keep her safe from Hersey and his henchmen? He’d risk his own life to save her. A hand on his arm brought him out of his ruminating.
“Yes, m’ lord?” Samuel said.
“I should have mentioned this before. Besides being a bluestocking, she does have a way with animals, particularly horses,” Eli explained.
“Well, that explains why she could sit on the straw with his head in her lap.”
“Correct. Shall we return to the mansion for as she said, time is getting on so we should return to dress for dinner? We’ll gather in the family parlor for a drink which will be served at seven,” Eli directed to him.
An hour later, bathed, even shaved and dressed to perfection, something his regular valet at times failed to do for him, Samuel descended the stairs to the family parlor.
“M’ lord and lady and Lady Brittany,” he said.
From the nervous wringing of her hands, he suspected Brittany had a request.
“Lady Brittany, I’m sorry, but I can’t allow you to ride my horse. And before you try arguing, my decision is final. Even though you seem to get along well with him I can’t assure your safety on his back. Also, he’s never been trained to accept a sidesaddle.”
“I agree with your decision and will abide by what you stated. He’s much too tall for me anyway.”
Samuel nodded.
“With your permission Eli, I thought Lady Brittany and I would start tomorrow afternoon with the farms closer to the mansion. Then the next day go farther afield,” Samuel suggested.
“Yes, that would be good and I’ll start with the village. I spoke with the senior staff and they have several who live in or near town. They’ll pass the word to be on the lookout for strangers. I feel strongly within two days the entire district will be alerted,” Eli added, just as Peter stepped in to announce dinner.
Chapter Fifteen
With a smile, Brittany glanced over to Samuel as they rode down the drive to the Sexton mansion. For the past two days they’d been out talking with the tenants alerting them of possible strangers in the area.
In the evening they reviewed several of the books on Africa she’d brought from London. Slowly, she’d noticed a pattern developing which she brought to his attention.
“M’ lord, do you believe my godmother and Lord Cole will arrive today?”
“If everything goes as planned I can’t think why not. The other question, when is someone going to make another attempt on the book?”
That had been something which had weighed on her mind ever since they’d arrived. Of the tenants they’d spoken with and the staff who lived in or around town no strangers had arrived. Could this person believe the book to be enroute and wished to wait its arrival? But to what end? Wouldn’t it be easier to grab the tome while bringing it to the estate? That is, if they knew who’s possession it was in.
“My dear, they must be aware the tome isn’t here. I believe they need to set certain events in motion before they try to relieve you of it. Before you ask, I’ve no idea what they could be? We’ve done everything possible to ensure its safety,” Samuel said, as he leaned over, patting her on the hand.
Then she had an idea. Where might they obtain another copy without having to return to London? The closest large town where they could purchase one was about three hours from here. Who, though, could they trust to make the trip?
“M’ lord, I might have a suggestion on how to protect our copy when it arrives but I wish to discuss this plan with my parents first,” she told him, then tapped her heel against Patti’s side sending the mare into a comfortable canter.
The sound of hooves catching up brought a smile to her lips. As they raced up the drive and not until they were about to enter the courtyard did she slow to a walk. There, she saw not one, but two traveling carriages. Examining the seals on the doors she knew one was her godmother’s, while the other belonged to Sally’s parents.
“It would seem Cole is going to be occupied if Miss Sally Crocker traveled with her parents,” Samuel said, swinging off Tempests’ back, he turned the reins over to a groom then marched over to Brittany still seated on her horse.
With a smile Brittany waited for him to free her left foot from its stirrup, then gently grasped her around the waist and he lowered her to the ground. Everything seemed to slow. Her breathing. Her thoughts. They became the only two in the world. Standing so close to him, she had to tilt her head up to look at him, becoming easily entranced in his lips. How would they taste? Granted, she’d never been kissed, but now more than ever she wished he would put aside appropriate behavior and do what she longed for. Yes, she’d read about kissing in some of the romance novels she loved to read. Could it be as heavenly as the characters suggested? Unfortunately, a joyful squeal brought Brittany back to reality.
Released from Samuel’s gentle grasp she spun around just as Sally rushed up. Brittany found it interesting that Lord Cole trailed behind Sally, as a puppy dog would.
“Yes, it seems your friend is smitten by mine,” she whispered, earning a chuckle from Samuel.
“On that you’re correct, but he refuses to admit it,” he replied in a low voice, before stepping aside so the two ladies could hug.
Once separated, Brittany stepped back.
“I hadn’t expected you for a few more days. Why the early arrival?”
“Dear Brittany, your mother recommended I come down earlier than planned. I suspect to keep young Lord Cole occupied, within proper bounds, of course,” she answered, then curtsied to Samuel.
“Wonderful. Are your parents here also?”
“No, with the countess and Lady Wallace in residence they felt I would be well chaperoned. Their arrival isn’t until a few days before the ball, as planned.”
Brittany gave her a warm smile then turned her attention to Cole.
“Welcome, m’ lord. It’s a pleasure you and Lady Wallace will be joining us for the Christmas ball,” Brittany said, giving him a curtsey.
“Lady Brittany, I wouldn’t miss this event for the world.”
With a regal nod she recommended they retire inside so she could greet her godmother.
“And befo
re you inquire, the Hersey book is in the earl’s safe keeping,” Cole told her and Samuel.
Stepping in they were greeted by the butler.
“M’ lords and ladies, the earl, countess and Lady Wallace, await your pleasure in the family sitting room,” he said, bowing the four into the mansion.
“Thank you, Peter. Please show Miss Crocker and Lord Cole the way and inform my parents Lord Samuel and I will join them shortly after we refresh,” Brittany ordered.
“Certainly, m’ lady,” he answered.
With Samuel at her side she led everyone up to the first floor then continued up one more flight. She went right while she watched Samuel take the left hall. With a sigh, if things worked out, soon they’d be going to the same suite.
Walking into her suite, she smiled upon seeing Aggie already had a simple brown day dress laid out along with fresh undergarments.
“We must hurry. I don’t wish to keep my parents or godmother waiting any longer than necessary,” Brittany instructed, then turned so the back buttons on her riding habit could be undone.
After shrugging out of the outfit she stepped into her private room and took care of her needs then returned. Climbing into the dress held for her Brittany took a seat at the dressing table.
“A simple braid curled at the base of my neck is the quickest.”
Accepting a nod from Aggie, Brittany sat while her maid carried out the restyling.
With her hair done she wiggled her stockinged feet into a pair of slippers. With a final glance in the mirror she started for the door, collecting a matching shawl as she went.
“For dinner, I’ll wear the deep blue silk gown and yellow shawl. I’m not sure what time I’ll be up to bathe and dress.”
“M’ lady, worry not. You will be seated at seven so I’ll have everything ready for you by six.”
Not surprised her maid knew of the goings on in the house, Brittany shook her head then departed her suite. Whether by design or sheer luck she arrived at the top of the stairs as Samuel did.
Lady Brittany's Love Page 8
