Page 58 of The Gift of Patience
“That only leaves us two suspects then. I am very grateful for Rupert’s lack of acquaintance. See to having them followed if Renforth has not already done so. This needs to end before anyone else is killed. Let me know if the men make it back safely tonight and if there are any further developments.” Westwood drained his glass and stood.
“Yes, Brother.”
“Now, I think I’ll go hold my son some more.”
Ashley shook his head. If you had told him a year ago his brother would be like this, he never would have believed it.
Now, he needed to prepare for the return of his troop. He had not really discussed with Westwood where to put Devil next, but he had an idea.
CHAPTER 15
It occurred to Patience, after she calmed down from the sight of Ashley covered in blood, that he might need help that night. Westwood was preoccupied with Faith and the baby, and now that Rupert had been killed, the threat was considerably higher.
Someone needed to be there to help him. What if someone had given away the plan and they were ambushed tonight just as they had been that morning? She could not prevent that, but she could at least be on the lookout. He would not want her help, of course. She also considered that Mr. Cunningham and Lord Montford could be of service and she hoped he would see reason.
Everyone was gathered in the drawing room to go in to dinner, and Major Stuart was there, but he was dressed informally in unrelieved black. He must be preparing to leave, she assumed.
He acknowledged her with a nod and she went directly to speak with him. “Are you to go out to meet them alone, then?”
“I am. Does this surprise you?” His brows drew together.
“I think after this morning’s events, that perhaps proceeding with more help might be wise.”
“After this morning, I think the more covert is the best way forward.”
She shook her head. “You should have more eyes, more cover.”
His brows straightened, then rose. “Are you suggesting yourself?”
“Assuming you would object, I would suggest Cunningham and Montford. But I can be quiet when called for and can wield a knife with deadly accuracy.”
“In the dark?”
“I’ve never attempted throwing in the dark as you well know.”
“Your suggestion is not without merit.” His tone surprised her.
“Why, thank you.”
“However, it would be putting yourself and others at risk when it is not their duty. As this morning was a prime example.”
“This morning, Sir Horace and Rupert were acting of their own accord against your wishes. Anything we did would be at your direction only—and only to serve as a lookout or as back up only in the most extreme necessity.” Patience could see that he was considering, which gave her hope.
“I am trying to think how best to employ all of you for the best advantage. First, I should speak with Cunningham and Montford to see if they are willing.” He called to both of the gentlemen, beckoning them over to his side.
“Gentlemen, you may have heard about this morning’s unfortunate events.”
“Horrific!” Mr. Cunningham acknowledged.
“As Westwood is indisposed, I wondered if I might prevail upon you two to assist me this evening. Mainly to serve as lookouts for trouble should our plans for the return of our troophave been compromised as this morning’s was. I do not believe there is any threat, but it is best to be prepared.”
“Yes, of course. What do you need from us?” Montford asked.
“Let us dine quickly, and then we must be gone to be in position well before dark.”
Patience thrummed with excitement, knowing a typical lady would be offended by her eagerness to participate in such a thing. She was hardly able to eat any of her food, then rushed upstairs to change into dark clothing, including the pair of breeches she’d used before. There was too much at stake to be risking her safety with propriety when no one would see her in the dark anyway. When she met with the others in the study for their departure, the men were checking their pistols and loading them.
Over dinner, they had planned their positioning, steering clear of the lookout tree in the clearing in case someone else was making use of it. Patience did not think the person would be so bold, but one could never be too careful.
