Page 19 of The Gift of Patience
“The view of the docks is incredible,” Renforth remarked as he looked through the glass they had brought along. “It has to be why he remained even after he was discovered. I think one of us will need to keep watch here. There is still a chance they do not know we have taken him captive.”
“He still has not spoken?” Ashley asked Baines.
“Not yet, but he will.”
“I will stay for now,” Manners offered.
“I think it best if we keep two men out here at night. We will rotate the grooms out here to help. You can easily get someone’s attention from the stables during the day with a whistle,” Ashley suggested. “I will have someone send provisions for you to keep you comfortable.”
“And I will come back and check on you often,” Renforth added. “I cannot think we will have to wait too long. If only we knew what they were waiting for. Is it a chance to move whatthey’ve already stolen? Or do they plan to steal more? I need those dossiers.”
“I will enquire of my father to see if there are any more arms shipments expected,” Manners offered.
With those plans decided, they returned to the house. Westwood greeted them. “Anything?” he asked Ashley.
“An excellent view of everything going on at the docks. We will take turns keeping watch. If you could have provisions sent, that would be much appreciated.”
“Consider it done. I should have thought of the lookout myself. By the by, Sir Horace is expected here within the hour. I received word as soon as you left.”
Not only did Sir Horace arrive, but also his lady, his heir, and their three marriageable daughters. Westwood exchanged amused glances with his brother, though he did not think Faith would be amused to entertain in her current condition.
Ashley wanted to hide, but unfortunately, they would have to pass by the cacophony of frills and furbelows who were attached to their pretentious mama. Perhaps Ashley was being harsh, but regardless of how innocuous and countrified Lady Fagge looked, she was a predator, just like all the others he knew. If only he had escaped to the study with the others a few moments before.
The guests were shown into the drawing room, and Ashley could not help but want to murder his brother. “Were you not specific in your wording on the invitation?” he asked quietly before they followed them inside.
“Believe me, I was. I would never deliberately put Faith through a visit. I’ve half a mind to make her excuses, but I sent up word and will allow her to make the decision. However, I have sent for Patience to entertain them in her stead, and she’s likely to murder me in my bed for it. Rupert is overly fond of her.”
“The son? What do you mean overly fond?” Ashley bit out a bit too harshly.
“As in he worships the very ground she walks on. It’s nauseating to watch.”
“I gather she does not appreciate the adoration?”
“Let me say that the man does not understand hints or even overt rebuffs. He attributes her protestations to her maidenly modesty.”
“I am beginning to feel sick. I vaguely remember him as a pudgy youth, but have not interacted with him since.”
“Consider yourself fortunate. We are forced to interact with them on a daily basis. They have called every single day we’ve been at Taywards, at least until the flooding began.”
Ashley saw Miss Whitford come down the stairs towards the drawing room, and she was most definitely shooting daggers from her azure orbs. He could not help but smile.
“I am only doing this for my sister,” she grumbled at Westwood.
“And I appreciate it more than you know.”
“You do not intend to feed me to the wolves alone, do you?”
“Where are Grace and Joy and Miss Cunningham? Or Montford and Mr. Cunningham?” Stuart asked.
“I assure you I would have sent for them, but they all conveniently went into the village,” she snapped.
Westwood exchanged glances with Ashley. “Would you mind accompanying her?” he asked. “I feel as though I should be there at least for the initial discussions with Sir Horace since he is unknown to the others.”
“Yes, do come. If you can keep Rupert’s clammy paws off me, I will be eternally grateful.”
Ashley frowned. Hopefully it was an exaggeration on her part, but he followed her into the drawing room. “I hope you will return the favour. At least you are not outnumbered.”
Miss Whitford entered the room and greeted the guests. “What an unexpected surprise. How lovely to see you, Lady Fagge. Unfortunately, my sister is late in her confinement and is not up to receiving guests this morning. I do hope you’ll excuse her.”
