Page 53 of The Gift of Patience
He knew why he’d involved her—he wanted to share with her—be with her—even though it was putting her in danger.
“Should I follow all the way to London?” Ashley asked, riding his own horse.
“So long as you are back in place to signal tonight,” Renforth replied.
Ashley inclined his head and they all mounted up and followed the carriage.
When they turned down the drive, two riders were approaching. It did not take long for Ashley to recognize the round, pudgy form of Rupert, along with Sir Horace. He cursed under his breath. “What the devil is he doing back here?” He looked to Fielding, who shook his head. “I need to head them off. I will catch up to you.”
Ashley pulled up and spoke with a civility he was far from feeling. “Good afternoon. What brings you back to Taywards today?”
“I thought to assist you with the prisoner,” Rupert answered.
Sir Horace snorted.
“Good of you, but as you can see, we soldiers have it well in hand.”
Rupert could hardly argue with that, but his face evidenced visible disappointment. The carriage was surrounded by armed men. He appeared to be looking inside, not too subtly. Ashleywanted him to be the culprit, but for one, it was too obvious, and for two, he had not the wits to be secretive.
“I am glad to see you heeded my advice about removing him.”
Ashley continued, hoping to divert the visitors from the house. “And not a moment too soon. Lady Westwood is with the doctor right now.”
“Lady Fagge is just following us to pay a call on them.” Indeed, a carriage was waiting for the prisoner convoy to leave the drive so it could enter.
“Perhaps you can head them off and inform them that now would not be the best time for a visit.” Ashley did not bother with niceties. He feared they would be lost on them.
Sir Horace’s face indicated he would rather not inform his wife of anything of the sort. “I suppose not,” he conceded, as he began turning his horse.
They pulled to the end of the drive where Lady Fagge and her three daughters were stopped. Sir Horace hailed the driver. “Lady Westwood is indisposed and it is therefore not a good time to visit. We will be home later.”
Thankfully, Ashley could not hear what Lady Fagge said. He tipped his hat to the carriage in case they were looking, but dared not get close enough to engage in conversation.
“I bid you a good day,” he said, hoping to escape.
“Wait! We are going to follow,” Rupert called.
Ashley gritted his teeth, but he could hardly deny them. “Have you a fancy to see Newgate?” he teased, but wondered what he was up to. “I must catch up to the others.” If Sir Horace and Rupert wished to follow, they could do as they will. He had not the rank nor authority to gainsay them, but his commander did.
He caught up with the others just past the village. He could not gallop through it, so the Fagge men kept pace with him. What a devilish awkward situation this was and the look ofirritation on Renforth’s face when he saw his companions should have been a warning. Neither Fagge had any jurisdiction over the situation and they could certainly risk everything.
Renforth pulled up. “May I ask your destination?” he asked Sir Horace.
“We thought to follow along for extra security,” Rupert answered pompously.
“While I appreciate the thought, I must ask that you either turn back or proceed ahead of our convoy. I cannot be liable for your safety nor jeopardize the prisoner.”
Sir Horace looked taken back. Rupert sputtered.
Just then, four masked men shot out of the woods straight towards the carriage. Someone must have given them away!
“We are all armed and will shoot!” Renforth warned as all guns were raised, cocked, and aimed.
Ashley did not see any peaceful way out of this, but he knew his commander would not shoot first.
“Let ’em go, and we will leave in peace.”
Ashley recognized the voice from the night at the pub. It was Devil’s gang. Even with Chum and Manners following them, they would not have been able to prevent this or even send warning in time had they not left to participate in this ruse.
