Page 80 of The Lord's Compass
“Have we heard what happened toDonRaphael?” Faith asked, trying not to allow the rest of them to see her concern. She had been saved from the men, yes, but that didn’t mean that she wasn’t fearful that they might catch her unaware, without her weapons this time. She couldn’t walk around wearing her bow and arrows.
“We have, as it happens,” Lord Ashford said. “I heard from the magistrate thatDonRaphael and his men were delivered to London and put into prison until it is decided what to do with them.”
“Prison?” Faith said, surprised. “Are we certain that they will not find a way to be released?DonRaphael is a nobleman.”
“A nobleman in Spain – not England,” Lord Ashford said. “He tried to abduct the daughter of an earl. Your father, Lady Ferrington, has been very much involved in ensuring thatDonRaphael pays for what he has done.”
“My goodness,” Faith murmured. “I had no idea.”
“It took some time for word to arrive to us,” Lord Ashford said. “I didn’t want to concern you with it until we were sure that Ferrington, here, had recovered.”
“I should send word to my brother,” Eric murmured. “He will likely be concerned.”
“We have already done so,” Ashford said. “He asked if he should return but I told him that I would write if anything changed for the worse. We were most hopeful that it would only be for the better.”
“And here we are,” Faith said. “Thank you for providing your hospitality while Eric recovers.”
Ashford laughed. “After all that you have done and being injured in trying to help me? It is the least that I could do. Once we find the treasure, then I?—”
Eric held up his hand. “You will do nothing. The treasure is yours. We are only along for the fun of it all.” He looked over at Faith. “I think we are ready to return home now.”
“You do not want to stay and see what happens next?” Ashford said, surprise on his face. “This could be quite the end to the adventure.”
“If you need anything, we are but a letter away,” Eric said. “We shall leave you to find this treasure and be on our way tomorrow as we eagerly await news of your discovery.”
“Well, then,” Ashford said, looking around the room, “we best make the most of tonight. Anyone interested in a glass of brandy?”
They all knew the answer to that question.
CHAPTER28
Faith had never been to Eric’s family home.
She had visited their London house and, of course, the estate where his brother and Percy had married, but never here. It was not as though their parents were friends, and Faith could see why now after the exchange between their mothers at the wedding breakfast.
“My goodness,” she said, standing in front of the vast estate made of finely cut, polished stone. They had travelled up a long, winding driveway, through manicured gardens and rolling landscapes until the carriage came to a stop in front of the grand portico supported by imposing columns.
The entrance, flanked by large windows, was open, the house perfectly symmetrical as long wings flew out to each side of the main building.
After having disembarked from the carriage to find the staff fanned out and waiting for them, Faith shifted from one foot to the other when Eric’s mother stood in the entrance, perfectly framed on all sides.
“There you are,” the previous Lady Ferrington said, hurrying down the stairs. “I have been waiting for days.”
“Good to see you, Mother,” Eric said, hobbling forward, kissing her on the cheek, but she quickly drew away from him the moment she noticed the change in his gait.
“My word, what happened to you?” she asked, looking down. Eric tried to laugh it off at first but sighed when he realized his mother wasn’t having it.
“It is quite the story,” he said. “Why do we not go inside and I shall tell you all about it?”
“Very well,” his mother said, holding her arm out, apparently believing that Eric was going to escort her in.
“Mother,” Eric said without criticism, “we shall wait until Faith is ready.”
“Of course,” his mother said, dipping her head, and Faith smiled at her, wanting to set things right from the start.
“It is wonderful to see you,” she said. “Thank you for looking after everything while you awaited us.”
“I shall do all I can to make you comfortable,” his mother said as the three of them began the slow walk up the stairs, one of the footmen having recognized the situation and striding forward to offer his assistance to Eric. “I have moved my things out of the lady of the house’s bedchamber. I was not sure exactly where to move them as of yet. If you would prefer that I move to the dower house, I am happy to do so.”
