Page 34 of The Ice Queen
Francis looked up at Julian, then patted Julian’s horse on the rump before strolling off toward the door of the inn. “I will be back shortly,” he said.
“You might want to get down off your horse, Newhall. The lad, no doubt, has other jobs to do,” said James.
With a resigned sigh, Julian climbed off his mount.
As the stable boy led all three horses away for a well-earned drink of water, James stood, hands on hips, and surveyed the yard. “I’ve never stopped in this town before. I’m usually in too much of a hurry to get to Burton-on-Trent,” he said.
“You know this area?” replied Julian.
James nodded. “Yes, I have some old school friends who regularly come up to Burton. I was hoping to try and squeeze a visit in to see them while we were staying at Newhall Castle. I thought that with all your guests taking up your attention, you wouldn’t mind if I went missing for a day or so.”
Julian’s hopes for a full house were diminishing by the minute. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Francis returning. The look on his face said it all.
“No coaches, no carriages. In fact, I am the first gentleman they have seen all week,” said Francis.
Julian growled. “She couldn’t leave it alone.”
Francis and James exchanged a quizzical look. “Who?” replied James.
“My mother. She was adamant in having a hand in settling the house party guest list. I would not be the least bit surprised if she has done something to set my plans all to waste,” he said.
“But she is your mother. Why would she do such a thing?” said Francis.
Julian felt a familiar pang of pain in his heart. How did one explain to other people that not all families were loving and caring?
“Gentlemen, I need a drink. No, make that several drinks. In fact, I would like to start drinking and when you think me unable to ride back to Newhall, I would ask that you buy another round,” he said.
He didn’t want to talk about the countess, or even think about her. He needed very badly to dull his brain. To imbibe as much alcohol as his body could stand, as long as it numbed the pain.
Francis nodded. “James and I shall take care of the drinks.”
