Page 10 of The Wise Daughter
“Everything,” he repeated. “I really did cause you to ruin your last dress, then?”
Slowly, she nodded. “I’m afraid there were too many debts and wagers.” She choked on the rest of the explanation.
“And now you are offering me your only means of travel.” He released a heavy sigh. “Miss Lacy, you are the kindest woman I have ever met.” He stared at her for several heartbeats. “But appealing to the duke will be difficult.”
“I’m aware. I’ve heard all the rumors, but my father is strangely determined.”
“I see.”
He rubbed Locket’s neck as gently as she was accustomed to doing herself.
“Please don’t worry about me. I intend to ask for a position as a servant.” She caught herself from saying more. Even if this man bore the marks of a gentleman, a singularly handsome one, the simple fact was she did not know him. “Please bring Locket to the duke. If he has turned us away by the time you arrive, then yes, send Locket to the inn, and I will look for her there.”
“I cannot tell you how much your generosity means to me, Miss Lacy. In addition to my thanks, allow me to advise you in this one matter. Go straight to the duke. Do not fear him. The real puzzle will be convincing those you meet at the door to admit you into his presence. Allow them to see that you are a true lady, though you are poor. You must be bold while being humble.”
“Are there other puzzles to solve?” She was intrigued by his confidence. Was it possible he was connected to the duke?
“Holmrook Castle is a place full of puzzles, but you strike me as a clever woman. Take heart. Whatever rumors you have heard, the duke always helps those who come to him in need. Do not judge him too harshly for his strange ways. I believe he has his reasons. Now, I must go. I hate to leave you like this, but I’m afraid I’m putting you in danger with my company. It would be safer for you if I left.”
“I don’t fear being alone. Besides, I think I hear my father calling.” Her father’s voice faintly carried over the sounds of the rushing river.
“Then I can leave without fearing for your safety. I promise to return your horse as soon as I am able. Your kindness will not go unpaid. In the meantime, tell no one we have spoken. Till we meet again, Miss Lacy.”
He turned Locket and spurred her into a soft trot.
“Sir!” Nora called before he could ride away. “What if you forget my name or fail to recognize me when all this mud is washed away?”
He turned Locket around to face her, again demonstrating his experience riding. “I won’t forget you. I have no doubt.” His words,spoken with conviction, had a strange effect on her. “I look forward to our next meeting, Miss Lacy.”
After he rode into the forest, she turned around and looked over the riverbank.Did I really just pull a man from there?The moon peeked out behind thick clouds, though the air grew heavier. Something tiny winked at her in the pale light. When she picked it up, she saw that it was a gold ring with the letterDsurrounded by detailed vines in an oval bezel. It looked like a signet ring that might be used for wax seals, the sort only a gentleman would possess.
Unless he had stolen it.
Oh dear.
With no choice but to trust the man she had rescued, she decided he must be acquainted with the duke to advise her as he did. Testing the ring on her slender fingers, she slipped it onto her thumb for safe keeping. She would return the ring to the stranger when he returned Locket to her. A smile formed on her lips. Perhaps in the bright of day, she would learn his name and the color of his eyes.
Chapter 5
“I can’t believe you lost your horse, Nora,” her father repeated.
“And I can’t believe you lost yours.”
Cold evening air blew through Nora’s wet skirts as they clung heavily to her every step. Raindrops fell lightly at first, then stung her cheeks as they gained speed. What she wouldn’t give for the warmth of a fire. Fighting off a shiver, she pulled her ruined riding habit tighter around herself though it offered no warmth.
“At least, I was helping someone who was injured. You lost yours in a wager.”
“If it improves your mood, I’ll admit, my pride is sorely injured.”
“It does not improve my mood at all. I hate to think where we will be tonight if the duke rejects us.” There was no point in chastising him for breaking his promise yet again. They were already miserable enough.
The castle walls grew taller as they neared the end of the extensive path that led to the gates, making Nora shudder from more than just cold. Framed by a great stone arch, the wrought iron gates hung open mere inches.
“Look, Nora. It’s a good omen, is it not? The gates are not yet locked.”
Nora had thought the same thing, but all she could do was stare. The two halves of the gate formed an elegant, ironDsurrounded by an intricate pattern of vines.
Coldness crept deeper into her skin, and a shiver ran through her. She was wearing the Duke of Ravenglass’s signet ring. She sifted through all the rumors.Heartless, shrewd, raving mad. What would he think when she presented him with his ring? Would he be grateful, or would he accuse her of stealing? If the ring was stolen, did that mean she had just helped a thief?
