Page 102 of The Bastard's Iberian Bride
“What of the grounds?”
“I’ve a boy near the gate.”
“And the others?”
“Getting sleep, sir.” He sounded weary, as if he envied the others. That was to Bink’s advantage. “Found cots for them in the servants’ quarters. His Lordship wants them rested afore you leave.” He glanced at the sky. “A couple more hours, I reckon.”
Bink looked up also, hiding a great look of glee. The grooms and guards were in the house, not stretched on a blanket in the stable loft. Not having to saddle the horses quietly was a boon. He had a timepiece to gauge the hours, and knew every second would count if he and Paulette were to have a head start. Galloping cross-country in the dark was out of the question.
Trickery wasn’t. He took a long breath. What he had in mind, wouldn’t take long.
“There’s a fire in the hearth, and bread on the board. Go have a hot cup and something to eat and a rest. I’ll watch out here.”
Bink helpedPaulette up into the saddle and handed her his reins. “One more thing,” he whispered.
“Shouldn’t we leave soon?” she hissed.
He’d reminded her there were times a soldier nodded agreement, even in the dark. There were times when a soldier didn’t talk. It had been a difficult lesson for her. The sooner he had her away from here, the better.
He’d opened the stalls and the horses had already started to mill. He’d stopped short of leaving the stable door open—it went against his grain to endanger the animals. Yet if Bakeley’s men had to run through the fields to catch an errant horse, they’d be slower still. He didn’t think he would hang for it.
He patted her leg and shushed her. “I’ll be right back.”
A branch crackled nearby and he froze. His hand went to the pistol at his waist.
Johnny stepped out of the brush, and Bink’s breathing eased a fraction.
“Sir.” The darkness almost swallowed the greeting, but Bink could see the man touch his cap.
Though Johnny had agreed to come work at Little Norwick, though he’d made his claim upon Paulette’s jolly maid, Johnny had been Bakeley’s groom, which meant he’d been Shaldon’s, and Shaldon’s men might not truly shift loyalty so easily.
On the other hand, all spies were liars and some could be bought, and the affections of Paulette’s maid might just be the price. He mustn’t give up.
“Well, Johnny?”
“Horses is all out of their stalls.” He still spoke in a hush. “Hmm. Don’t know how it happened but I’ll see to them. Should take a good while. Won’t bother the others.”
He could hear Paulette’s excited breath, too loud, behind him. “See to it then. Quietly. And thank you.”
Johnny saluted. “Overheard there’s a third man at watch in the line of trees just off the meadow they didn’t want you to know. I can keep secrets too. You and this boy here take care.”
“Mabel.” Paulette’s voice came softly.
“Don’t worry yourself, lad. She’s a tough bird, as is that young one.”
Johnny disappeared into the darkness.
“Can we trusthim,” she breathed.
“Aye. I believe so.”
“Will they hurt him?”
Hurt Johnny? “No.”
He took the reins and led them off down the edge of a hedgerow to the back of the property. Paulette was an inexperienced rider, and the horses untried. He would walk this part of the journey until the shadows started to lift and they’d reached a road.
It required concentration but still wasn’t enough to distract from her question.Will they hurt him?
