Page 147 of The Trouble with Tigers
“There’s an inn a block and a half down the street.” Caden jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “We’ve already made arrangements to get you clean and fed.” With that, Caden and Randall turned on their heels and marched off, leaving Zeke to grudgingly follow.
“How is the lady, by the by?” Randall asked over his shoulder. “You have been in communication with her since…er…she announced her plans?”
An image of Kitty as he’d last seen her sprang to mind. Zeke felt the blood rushing up his neck. “I have.”
“Good. I for one have been worried sick about our Kitty,” Caden said.
“She’s quite well, despite her brother’s best efforts.”
“Poor darling. All ready to deliver herself up on a silver platter,” Randall said, shaking his head.
Zeke grunted.
“Speaking of which—what’s Hastings got to say for himself?” Caden demanded.
Zeke coughed into his palm. “I…er…haven’t spoken to him.”
Caden stopped short and Zeke nearly rammed into him. “How is it you can assure us of Kitty’s well-being as if you spoke with her only this morning, yet you haven’t made your presence known to her guardian?”
“Yes, rather neat trick, that,” Randall added, also at a standstill.
“I’ll be happy to explain my strategy as pertains to Kitty’s safety as soon as you fill me in on this so-called news you felt the need to travel from London to continue withholding from me,” Zeke barked.
“After food,” Caden replied, and he and Randall resumed their brisk stride.
“Anyone ever tell you you’re both stubborn as a mules?” Zeke groused.
“I learned from the best,” Caden replied. “Here’s the inn.” He produced a turnkey from his waistcoat jacket and tossed it to Zeke. “Second floor, room two. We’ll wait for you in the dining hall.”
Within thirty minutes, Zeke was relatively clean, having availed himself of a quick shave with a sharp razor, thanks to Caden, and a quick scrub in the steaming bath he found waiting for him. He dried hastily and donned the clean travel clothes Caden brought, then made for the pub style eatery.
The rich scent of roasted meat and fresh baked bread assailed his senses when he entered the dining room. He was hungry. Ravenous. Taking time to eat over the last few days hadn’t been a priority. Now his mouth watered to the point of a drool. Caden’s instinct to clothe, feed, and water him was spot on.
But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t string Caden up by his boot straps if he didn’t reveal his information immediately and let him get back to Kitty. Leaving her alone with James and Hastings left him uneasy. He couldn’t help fearing they’d drag her to the altar while his back was turned.
She wouldn’t go along with it in any case, he told himself. Not while there was a chance she carried his babe. A hot rush of tenderness and need roiled up in him. Oddly, it felt good. Right.
He spotted Caden and Randall and dropped onto the bench-style seat across from them.
Immediately Caden shoved a bowl of steaming beef stew and crusty bread under his nose.
“There’s a frothy pint here for you, too, if you’re a good boy and eat your meal,” Caden drawled. “You almost look like yourself.”
Zeke picked up his spoon and aimed it at Caden. “Tell me what you know.”
Caden eyed the food meaningfully. “Eat.”
Zeke glared. “Speak.”
“Bloody hell. Caden will talk. You will eat.” Randall shook his head.
Both brothers grunted their assent.
Zeke reached across the table to grab the pint Caden had thought to withhold and lifted it to his mouth.
Caden locked eyes with Zeke. “Garrick James never inherited Maidstone. Hastings is still the rightful heir by law.”
Zeke managed to slog several gulps while frowning over the rim. He set the pint down with a thud and picked up his spoon. “That can’t be.”
