Page 24 of The Time Of Queens

“Leave it with me. You just find me a trusted rider to deliver my message,” Pip assured, prompting Sophia to remind her,

“I can do that, but don’t forget we are to dine with the Bennett’s tonight.”

“Well, what if you write the letter and I pass it on to a rider? No one would take notice of me doing it,” I offered, and they both agreed.

“Perfect, we have our next plan then. After we hear back from Cerberus, we can plan our travel to town and make our excuses,” Sophia said, rising, and no doubt off to get ready for the evening ahead.

As for me, I couldn’t help but ask myself, would my own include a chance at seeing…

My Draven again?

Just before Pipwas about to go down for drinks, she handed me the letter, and some sugar cubes for the horses. She told me they were for Draven’s horse in particular, as he was said to be a beast.

Then she wished me luck and made her way to the green saloon before dinner was to be served. Something which would give me plenty of time to wait for the rider to appear, as they would all be busy for the rest of the night.

However, what I hadn’t accounted for was the fact that I had to creep around the house. The lower levels were a flurry of activity with the servants all preparing for dinner. Apparently, a few of the neighbouring families were to join them tonight, so there was double the amount of people to get ready to entertain.

I decided that while everyone was busy inside the house, I would have less chance at being seen outside of it. Unfortunately, this also meant creeping past the side of the house where the green saloon was situated, and therefore the party of people. Although it was at least dark enough outside that the cloak that I had taken from Pip’s room would concealme as I snuck past. So, after first glancing up at the tall windows that were illuminated from the many candles inside, I pulled the cloak further down. Then I covered my face and followed the path around the house.

The stables were at the other end, on the east wing, however, this still appeared to be the quickest way, as it was the clearest path. This also saved me from passing the church at night, which I had to say always creeped me out.

So, I continued making my way around the back of the house that faced the gardens, including the fountain. Still, stone figures were nothing but shadows in the distance as if mocking me with what lay beneath. And speaking of shadows, I kept looking behind me as I swear it felt as if someone was following me. I even stopped at the conservatory, peering inside and trying to see if I could see a reflection behind me. Although there wasn’t enough light to do so, meaning I couldn’t tell either way.

I had no choice to put it down to paranoia and continue on past Louis XVI Court. A sheltered area lined with fruit trees and arched niches displaying statues that looked eerie in the night.

I then walked through the open gates that held two coach houses either side, before I made my way across the coach yard, continuing on and slipping into the south stables. I was supposed to meet the rider here but with nothing to do but wait, I made my way towards the horses. Draven’s was easy to spot, as he was the biggest of all of them and no doubt the most unruly. In fact, he was a beast standing at least over seven feet tall and was clearly a black shire, hence his bulky, muscular body. Oh yeah, this was Draven’s horse alright, no doubt about it.

So, I wisely stayed clear of him, and instead went to a much calmer grey dapple. The mare was beautiful, with what seemed like a lovely temperament. Unlike the beast that matched its owner’s temper, making me jump when it kicked out its stable door. A little like Draven slamming the door earlier.

But as for the dapple, I couldn’t help but giggle the second she nudged my hand with her velvet soft muzzle. I then pulled a few of the cubes from my pocket, making sure the letter was still there, before holding them out for the horse to enjoy, grinning when she chomped them down.

“Beautiful girl.”

“I must agree.”

The second I heard his voice, I jumped, before tensing as I realised I had been caught. I then turned to find Draven in all of his finery, looking out of place among all the hay and dirt. His dinner suit was of course black, but this time he combined it with a white shirt and cravat. The sight took my breath away as usual. He was just so handsome, he was almost painful to look at and had my heart fluttering from just being in his presence.

Which was no doubt why my wide eyes made him smirk and before I could respond to the compliment, he nodded to the mare. Now making me wonder if he had truly meant the horse or me.

“I see you are taking a great interest in my newly acquired Dapple… tell me, Miss Williams, do you ride?” I scoffed, something that ended in a very unattractive snorty sound that made him look surprised at hearing it.

My cheeks flamed, just like they did the first time he had heard it in my own past. His surprised expression quickly turned into a knowing smirk at this new discovery.

“No, I am afraid my talents do not extend to riding,” I replied, making him step closer, stopping when there were only a few feet between us.

“And pray, what talents do you possess my dear?” Okay, so he was really flirting with me now.

“You mean, apart from my ability to find snuff boxes and get lost in grand houses?”

He laughed at that before asking,

“And what of this grand old house? Is Witley Court to your liking?” I was surprised he asked, and my face must have said as much, as he almost looked embarrassed to have asked me.

“I don’t think I have ever seen a finer house, my Lord, for I doubt it wouldn’t be to everyone’s liking,” I told him, and was rewarded with his handsome smile. He even bowed his head a little in gratitude.

“Were you a lady’s maid in another household like this, before being employed by Mrs Fitzwilliam?”

I wondered why he didn’t call her Ambrogetti. Although I guess they had to change their names as time went on and in England, Fitzwilliam was a far more common name.

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