Page 40 of The Gift of Patience
“Indeed, you do.”
“So you’ll help me?”
Ashley pretended to think. He swirled his port back into another nice vortex. “How do you suggest I help?” he asked.
“Help me meet with her alone. Maybe draw her to the western gate so we can walk.”
Ashley frowned. “I’ll not be party to compromising her,” he said. “That is quite a different matter than helping your courtship. Besides, Westwood has forbidden her from going out alone.”
Rupert scoffed, which drunk, produced an inordinate amount of spray.
Ashley was compelled to take his handkerchief and dab at the unfortunate remains that had hit his face. “Why scoff, sir?” Ashley asked in a tone that was difficult to disguise as other than irritation.
“Because I met her out alone only thish morning.”
“I see.” Ashley took a fortifying sip of his own port. “And where did you meet her?”
“She was near the turnstile between the estates.” He spluttered more as though he realized what he’d confessed.
Ashley’s suspicion grew more and more by the moment.
“I was coming to speak with Lady Westwood about the dinner.”
So he says. “I tell you what, I will put some favourable words into Miss Whitford’s ear about you, though I am certain your own charms will do more than any of my words could.”
“You really think sho?” he slurred pitifully.
No, nothing short of public compromise would ever compel Miss Whitford to accept this man’s suit, and that would happen over Ashley’s dead body.
“Say, Missh Whitford did mention you still have that vagrant you found on the property. Why is he shtill there? I wouldn’t think you’d want him near the ladies.”
Ashley felt Fielding stiffen beside him. He would have to warn Patience to hold her tongue. She would compromise their efforts!
Ashley waved his hand. “He will be gone shortly. It’s only been a matter of transport, but I assure you, the ladies are well-protected from him.”
It occurred to Ashley that if Rupert were the go-between, he might be provoked into revealing himself. If they could somehow involve him—or make him think he was—and give him access to Devil, it ought to be quickly apparent if there was a link.
Ashley glanced at Fielding, who seemed to be considering the same thing, and then nodded. He leaned forward and slapped Rupert on the back, acting as though he was just as inebriated. He lowered his voice and looked around. “I’ll say, Rupert, we’ve been trying to get the man to talk a little and tell us where his friends are. We don’t think he was vandalizing the properties alone.”
“Why, why would you think that?”
Ashley shrugged. “Just a hunch my commander has.”
“Oh?”
Ashley nodded. “Mayhap with your superior knowledge of the area, you could help us.”
“Me?” he asked us, though no one had ever asked for his help before. It seemed to be a common theme with him.
“Why not? We aren’t having any luck. Why don’t you give him a go? Fresh eyes and all that.” Ashley waved his hand back and forth.
“I suppose I could.”
“Excellent!” Ashley slapped him on the back again then refilled his glass before raising his own. “A toast! To a new partnership.”
“A new partnership,” Rupert slurred as he barely managed to raise his glass.
One thing Ashley knew for certain, Patience was not going to like his next plan, and he almost felt guilty for asking it of her.
