Page 80 of The Miracle of Love
He slapped his hands to his knees. “None of this will matter if we expire from hunger. I’ll find us some food.”
She quickly shook off her distress and nodded. “I’ll unpack our pouches. What about the horses?”
“I’ll take them to the local stable once you are settled in. You first, Grace. As I said, you are always my priority.”
He was about to leave the parlor in search of food when he heard voices by the front door. He withdrew his pistol and moved with a predator’s silent steps to stand behind it as it opened and two people stepped in. “Coo, Lettie. Better run for the constable. I think someone’s broken into–”
Deklan stepped out from his hiding spot. “Stay where you are, Mrs. Hyde. And I presume you are Mr. Hyde,” he said to the older man who was staring at his pointed pistol with his mouth agape.
“Yes, sir. I am. And just who might you be?”
Deklan placed the pistol back in the lip of his boot. “Captain Driscoll, owner of this house.”
Grace emerged from the parlor with fire iron in hand.
“All is well, my dear,” he said. “You needn’t worry about coshing our intruders. This is Mr. and Mrs. Hyde, the couple who takes care of our house when we are not in residence. Remember? Mr. Brayden advised us he had retained them on our behalf.”
“Oh, yes.” She cast the pair a gracious smile. “A pleasure to meet you.”
Mr. Hyde’s eyes widened at the sight of Grace and he puffed out his chest. “Will you look at that? You’ve got yourself a very pretty bride, Captain Driscoll. Look at them, Lettie. Aren’t they a match? So, you are the mysterious owner?”
“Yes,” Deklan said, putting a possessive arm around Grace’s waist. The gesture appeared affectionate, but was mostly because he wanted to be able to subtly signal her if she started to give something away in their conversation.
Mr. Hyde shook his head and said in a whisper they all heard, “My wife was certain the house had been acquired by the king himself for one of his mistresses. Meaning no disrespect, Mrs. Driscoll. We are relieved to know we are working for a properly married couple.”
“What a sweet thing you are,” Mrs. Hyde added. “You look newly wed.”
“We are,” Deklan said. “Two weeks.”
Grace blushed.
Mrs. Hyde cooed over her. “Oh, what a dear. She is still the blushing bride.”
Deklan needed to put an end to that conversation before Grace burst into tears. Not that she was one to cry at the drop of a hat. Her eyes did mist up on occasion. But the only time he’d seen tears pour down her cheeks unrestrained was at Vixen’s grave.
However, being unmarried and sleeping with him, then also lying to everyone about it, was never going to be anything but a humiliating torment for her. “Mrs. Hyde, would you mind preparing a light repast for us? We have traveled a long distance today and my wife is exhausted.”
Grace cast him a look when Mrs. Hyde eyed her belly as though she might be in the family way.
Deklan cleared his throat. “Mr. Hyde, our horses need attention.”
“Right away, sir. Mr. Gambol’s stable is close by. I’ll take them over and see they are properly fed and quartered. What about your belongings? Have those been brought in yet?”
“I’m afraid we have little with us at the moment. Our baggage cart is miles behind. We’ll make do with what we have for now. Mrs. Hyde, might we trouble you for some tea? Or cocoa if you have some in the house. It is Mrs. Driscoll’s favorite. She could do with a little warming up.”
Mr. Hyde guffawed. “Aw, I’m sure ye’ll have no trouble warming her up. The two of ye cannot seem to let go of each other. Mrs. Hyde and I were just like you. Lovebirds we were and still are. Married going on thirty years and I love her more each day.”
His wife rolled her eyes, but it was obvious she was pleased. “Get on about your business, you old goat.”
“You are right, Mr. Hyde. Ours is a love match.” He turned to Grace and took the fire iron out of her hand. “We don’t need this. Let’s put it back in its place.”
Within the hour, their horses had been tended and so had they. Mrs. Hyde had put the kettle on for tea and fixed them a broth with bread for dunking which was more than ample to hold them until morning.
While they were eating, Mrs. Hyde ran upstairs to freshen their bedchamber, merely assuming they would share. He meant to correct her mistake, but Grace gave his hand a light squeeze. “It is all right,” she said when they were momentarily left to themselves. “I will jump at every creak on the stairs or rattle of windows if I am alone in my bed. The damage is already done and I’d rather have you beside me. We only need the one.”
He set down his spoon and regarded her. “It is a good idea, Grace. I would not have slept a wink for worrying about you.”
Mr. Hyde brought more wood in and immediately went upstairs to light a fire in the hearth in their bedchamber. The pair walked back down together just as he and Grace finished their meal. “Our quarters are just off the kitchen,” Mr. Hyde said. “There is a bell cord at the side of your bed, Captain Driscoll. Just tug on it if you wish to summon us.”
