Page 43 of The Gift of Patience
Realizing what she must look like with her pale gown soaking wet and stuck to her skin, she only wanted him to leave. “I think it best if you will just return to the stables. It would be hard enough to return to the house without putting on a show for the servants.”
“Very well.” For once, he behaved as a gentleman, turning his back and walking away.
She climbed from the trough, then attempted to wring the water from her gown before she took off running for the house.
Apparently,Ashley was no gentleman. He watched Patience run back to the house, unable to look away. Part of him rationalized that he wanted to make sure no one accosted her, but the other part knew he was likely the biggest threat to her. He wanted her badly and he knew that was not what was best for Patience.
He had to clear his head so he could concentrate on resolving this matter and leaving. As he made to return inside the stables, he saw Rupert riding up. Never would he say he was glad to see the man, but perhaps it would give them a clue as to whether he and Devil knew each other. Thankfully, Baines was there and they could each watch one of them.
“Well met, Stuart!” Rupert called as he rode near and dismounted. One thing he could say for the man, at least he seemed to know his way about a horse, despite his garish outfit. Today he was in hues of pink and puce, with a bright green neckcloth.
“Coming a courting?” Ashley asked with a wave up and down at the man’s attire.
“Indeed, I have.” He beamed. He pulled a bouquet of pink roses from his saddlebag. “Do you think she’ll like them? I do not know what her favourite flower is, but roses are universally well liked.”
“Yes, they are. How can she not approve?”
Rupert smiled as one of the grooms took his horse.
“Do you think I could trouble you to assist me in the matter we spoke about? Miss Whitford may be a little while. She had a little mishap when walking the dog this morning and went in to change into a fresh gown.” Ashley barely said that with a straight face as he recalled the incident fondly.
“If it will not delay my courting, then by all means,” he said with a smile that sickened Ashley. He did not think the buffoon would harm Patience, but neither did he intend to give him the opportunity.
“Where is this man? The sooner he is away from the ladies, the better.”
“We have arranged transport for today,” Ashley assured him. “But if you think you can pry any information from him more the better.” If nothing else, it would be amusing to see Rupert make the effort.
“Yes, of course.”
Ashley led him through the stables to the master’s office. Ashley opened the door and paused to signal Baines before Devil was able to get a glimpse of him.
Baines gave a slight nod of understanding and turned his eyes on the person behind Ashley while he kept his eyes fixed upon Devil.
“I brought someone new for you today, Devil. A guest if you will.”
The prisoner grunted, unimpressed.
Ashley stepped aside to allow Rupert to enter. Devil narrowed his gaze when he saw the sight before him. Was it because of recognition or was it because of the outlandish attire?
Ashley could only pray they gave something away if there was anything to give.
It seemed Rupert was not going to speak. “Any recognition?” Ashley prompted.
“None at all, I am afraid.” He lifted his chin and his eyes darted towards the prisoner. He was lying.
“I was hoping you might have seen him with someone in the village that might lead us to his associates.”
“Why would you think I associate with his sort?”
Was he nervous, or was he just not used to being around criminals?
“Thank you for trying, my man. Perhaps Miss Whitford is prepared to receive you by now.”
Rupert seemed to snap back to his normal affectious self.
“I will walk you out.”
Rupert hurried through the stables. Ashley needed to determine why.
