Page 12 of The Gift of Patience
“I cannot think that would go unnoticed, but anything is possible.” They both remounted and followed the path back over the bridge, now looking from a different perspective.
“I think it might be worth organizing a search from the bridge forwards. The rain will have made any freshly dug earth less obvious, but we must look. We can discount the stables and barn as they are never unoccupied.”
“What of the dovecote, the chapel, the gamekeeper’s hut, one of the follies…” Ashley began naming the estate’s buildings that would be unused part of the day.
“We will leave no stone unturned,” Westwood agreed with a heavy sigh.
“I will send for the others post haste. With luck they can be here this afternoon.”
“I will meet with my steward and begin organizing a methodical search.”
When they returned to the house, Armstrong informed them that the sisters and guests were breakfasting.
“Please tell them that I will join them shortly. I will have a letter for one of the footmen to ride to London as quickly as possible,” Ashley said.
“Very good, sir.”
“And please send for the steward. I will need his attention as well after breakfast,” Westwood added.
Ashley did not mince words in his missive. He would fill them in later. He simply requested as many hands as possible to assist, because someone had been found camping on the grounds. They were going to begin searching as soon as possible to see if the arms were hidden on the estate.
Whether or not Renforth would deem that necessary to send anyone, Ashley could not say. He folded the letter and gave the direction to Armstrong, then joined the others for breakfast.
It was rather a more domestic scene than he was used to for breaking his fast. The beauty of all the sisters next to each other never failed to surprise him. He bowed and greeted them, along with Lord Montford and Mr. and Miss Cunningham.
He piled his plate high with kippers, bacon, eggs, and beans. He’d already worked up quite an appetite from the ride this morning. A footman placed a cup of black coffee before him. Just the way he liked it.
“Did you find anything on your ride this morning?” Miss Whitford leaned over and asked quietly, her breath on his ear almost making him jump. He cleared his throat and took a sip of his coffee before answering.
“Unfortunately, nothing. We are going to conduct a thorough search of the grounds.”
Why was he telling her this? She was much too nosy for her own good. He did not need her meddling. She had been much the same when they were trying to catch Sir Julian. It had taken all of his wits to divert her from interfering.
“I am glad to hear it. I have already felt like a prisoner within the house from the rain. If I thought I could not wander about freely, I might soon have attics to let.”
He refrained from comment and attacked his kippers with devoted intent. He would be much more comfortable if shewould move back. Her citrusy scent overwhelmed him. She was still much too close for his own sanity.
“I am glad to hear the water had receded enough for you to cross the bridge.”
“On horseback,” he corrected, knowing very little deterred her. “I am still not certain it would be wise to do so on foot.”
She waved her fork as though she need not be told.
He cursed in his mind. Not only would he have to keep a lookout for the arms smuggler, now he was going to have to watch out for her! Neither Westwood nor Faith seem to understand what trouble she was capable of getting into.
Westwood whispered to his wife, then stood. “Gentlemen, when you have finished, would you mind joining me in my study? There is something we could use your assistance with today.”
Ashley could feel Miss Whitford’s senses set to attention as she stilled with curiosity. Why could Westwood not have waited until the sisters had left? Now there would be no way to deter her. He waited for her to speak up, then almost groaned when she met his expectations.
“Are you searching for the intruder?” she asked.
“Yes,” his brother answered. “We do not expect to find anyone, but it will give me peace of mind.”
“May we help? We will go with a group, of course, so as not to be alone, but that’s three more pairs of eyes helping. And we are quite familiar with the estate.”
Ashley tensed, wanting to object. But he had no good reason that would not make him sound like a pompous arse. She was right, devil take her, and they were all excellent riders. Westwood looked at him in question, and he inclined his head. It was certain to be a decision he would regret.
“Very well. Meet us down here in riding gear in one hour. That will give us time to sort through our plan.”
