Page 48 of The Heir's Fortune
But it provided a fine place for the five of them to be alone, and he needed to make sure that his friends understood the importance of their task tomorrow.
He stood in front of them, leaning back against the table behind him while they sat on chairs and the sofa that had been pushed against the wall.
“I know that we have undertaken a great many adventures before,” he began. “But this is, perhaps, the most important. Not because of what the treasure might mean to me, but because of how high the stakes are. We all know that danger has been met upon this quest before, and of primary importance is to keep the women safe.”
“Do you think the Spaniards that captured Madeline will come after us again?” Devon asked.
“I would consider it to be a high probability,” Gideon said. “Where have they been since Madeline and I returned? They must be waiting until we find the treasure.”
“That is rather disconcerting, to think that they might be nearby,” Ferrington said. “Should we look for them, to try to find them before they find us?”
“No,” Gideon said, shaking his head “I think we draw them out. It will save us time and I would rather fight them on my home land.”
“What about this group of people that seems to be on our side?” Rowley asked. “Who are they and why are they doing this?”
“I wish I knew,” Gideon said, “but I can only hope that will be revealed in time.”
“Faith tried writing to Abello, the butler in San Sebastian who helped Faith and me escape,” Ferrington said, crossing his arms and leaning back. “He knew who we were, as well as what we needed. There has to be a connection there.”
“You have not received a response?” Gideon asked, and Ferrington shook his head.
“No. But it could take some time.”
“Very well,” Gideon said. “We will go ahead without knowing, for we cannot wait any longer. You all have lives to return to and I have taken up far too much of your time.”
“We want to be part of this, Gideon,” Devon said in a low voice. “We wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
Gideon nodded, not wanting any of them to see the emotion they were causing within him.
“Thank you,” was all he said. “Now, who is up for a game?”
They all joined heartily, and as Gideon looked around the room, he appreciated all that he had before him.
Even if he didn’t have the words to say it.
CHAPTER 18
Madeline was surprised at how on edge she was when they began their walk through the gardens the next morning. Were anyone to come upon them, they would likely think they were a country party out for a lovely walk on a pleasant day considering the lateness of autumn.
They would have no idea of their true purpose.
Gideon was at the front of the group, holding the compass before him.
“The path starts here,” he explained as they stopped at the edge of the gardens. “Then we are to continue this way.” He pointed to the right.
“This will take us toward the lake?” Devon asked as they walked, and Cassandra shook her head.
“We will near the lake, but this path will continue round the back of it and follow the river.”
“And where does that go?” Whitehall asked.
“Eventually it leads to a clearing beyond the lake, where the water trickles down in a small waterfall. More of a pond. Then it continues to a neighboring property. I am not certain how far we will be going, although I am sure we will remain on our land.”
“Is there anywhere that a treasure could be hidden?” Ferrington asked.
“Not that I am aware of, but one never knows,” Gideon said as they continued.
The ten of them were quiet the rest of the way, the only sounds being the calls of the robins and finches, the rustling of the leaves in the wind and underfoot, and the very distant lowing of cows and sheep that carried from the fields beyond the woods that they walked through.
