Page 11 of Persuasions of an Earl's Daughter

“Then find out where her aunt is and tell her her niece has run off and she and her driver must pursue her immediately.”

August doubted Lilly would catch up with any horse thieves nor would she find any evidence of Icarus, but she was out there, alone, riding bareback on a horse at speeds a woman like her had no business riding. Even without horse thieves in the mix, she was going to end up in trouble, and while it might be easier to find Icarus without her in the way, he didn’t wish any harm to her.

“Tell Mrs. Knighton I’m in pursuit,” he added.

Chapter Four

Not many people would accuse Lilly of being the most sensible of people. Not that she was insensible of course, it was just that she could make rather rash decisions. She never had the patience for sitting around and debating whether an action was the right one. Usually, however, it all turned out for the best.

As she slowed the horse to a canter and took several deep breaths, she glanced up and down the road. Well-travelled, the road was flat, worn smooth by the heavy usage. She’d already passed two wagons and a mail coach, though she hadn’t bothered to ask if they had seen Icarus. If he was taken last night, the horse thieves would be well ahead of her.

Poor Icarus. Was he scared? Confused? Hungry? What if the thieves harmed him in pursuit of a quick exit?

They would know this was a fine racehorse and needed looking after but desperate people made foolish decisions. All she could think of was getting to her horse and ensuring he was safe.

Though perhaps a small part of her had considered fleeing from August Beresford.

Augie.

She smirked to herself. It didn’t suit him—the nickname. It belonged to a homely sort of man, and she saw it made him scowl in annoyance when she used it. There was nothing homely about August.

His full name fit him like a beautifully tailored jacket, though. From bronzed skin to golden hair, he reminded her of the last days of summer and whenever he looked at her as though he could not quite understand her, she felt warm.

That effect, unfortunately, did not help her make sensible decisions. That’s why it was better she got out of there. Even if she was on a road she had only ever travelled by carriage.

Lilly was mindful of the fact there had been two incidents with highwaymen on the Great North Road in the past month. One such incident had turned violent, and she regretted reading about it now.

She had little to offer in the way of riches unless they liked gloves that were missing a button and the rather expensive mulberry silk ribbon that her bonnet clung desperately to. She did have some coin tucked into the bodice of her gown but it was mere pin money—nothing to stave off desperate thieves.

So it was with some relief when she spied The Red Lion. Her whole family had stayed in it on a journey to York a few years ago and it was comfortable and clean. The patrons were mostly travelers with a few of the local farmers popping by for pie and ale in the evening. Maybe she could get some answers and then...

She sighed. Then figure out what on earth to do next. How could she turn around and slink back to witness Lord Blackthorpe’s smug expression?

Well, she wouldn’t. She’d find answers. She and her sisters had not dealt with several mysteries and problems in the past few years for nothing. Surely she had learned something?

Set at a crossroads, the coaching inn occupied a large stretch of land. A triangular frontage set onto a long length of white painted walls and black timbers was topped with an uneven tiled roof. An arched gap in the building allowed access for carriages and Lilly spied several vehicles in the courtyard. No sign of Icarus, though, and her optimism deflated somewhat, but of course he could be being tended to.

She guided her horse into the courtyard and a boy no older than five-and-ten hastened out from the eaves. He paused, tugged off his hat, and scrubbed a hand through his hair when he found no reins to snatch.

“Uh...”

Lilly slid off the horse. “Can you ensure he is fed and watered?”

“Uh...” the boy repeated.

“And perhaps you might tell me if you have seen a horse this morning.”

The boy straightened and stuffed his hat back on his head, leaving it looking a little flat. “Well, I’ve seen plenty, ma’am.”

“That is, a specific horse.” She gestured above her. “Sixteen hands high, dun colored. A fine-looking animal. You would take note of him.”

The groom wrinkled his nose. “Don’t remember any horses like that, ma’am, but I’ve only been here since five. You might want to ask Tommy.”

“Where is Tommy?”

He glanced at the sundial mounted upon the courtyard wall. “Not back for another two hours I think.”

Lilly nodded and chewed on her bottom lip. She couldn’t think what other choice she had but to wait. If this Tommy knew anything of Icarus, she needed to know. There did not seem much point in riding blindly on and if Icarus had been taken this way overnight, there was a high chance the thieves stopped here.

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