Page 24 of Trapped with the Earl of Sin

“I know,” he agreed. “What was that about?”

Unfortunately, they could not take the time to dissect everything that had just been said, because Luke was already showing his guests the horses and asking which one they wanted to ride.

Susanna made sure to choose the friendliest-looking white horse, which Luke informed her was named Snowflake. She was a good rider, on horses she knew well, but she was always a little uncertain with new creatures. She feared being thrown off and injured.

But with her sister and Martin around her, even Luke, she knew that she would be cared for if the worst happened. Although, of course, she hoped it would not. That wouldnotbe helpful in the lead-up to her sister’s wedding.

It did not take long for Susanna to start to relax on the horse. She had chosen well, this was a beast that she could get along well with. But her horse was not as fast as everyone else’s. She could not seem to keep up with Mary and Luke, and it seemed like Edwin was absolutely determined to stay at their side.

She did not know if it was a good thing that Martin stayed back with her. She did not want to be alone, but she was also worried about leaving Edwin like that. Especially after he had just made such odd comments.

“What do you think about that?” Martin asked her as they trotted. “That was a little strange, do you not think?”

“It most certainly makes me want to investigate him further,” Susanna admitted. “But I do not know how.”

“Do you think perhaps we should try and find out what he might be hiding… in his bedchambers or something?”

Susanna stared at him in shock. “Are you suggesting that we really spy on him like that? What if we get caught?”

He gave her a knowing smirk, as if he was used to breaking the rules like that. She knew that her heart should not skip a few beats, but it did regardless. “I will ensure that we do not get caught, no matter what.”

She cocked an eyebrow. Perhaps she should be happier with the calmer talk that they were having, but that small part of her wanted to ignite that cheeky flame in him again. “Are you telling me that you are a master criminal?”

“Have you not heard of my reputation?” He chuckled. “I am a bad man.”

“Well, I suppose we need you to be a bad man,” she responded. “If we are going to find out what Edwin is up to.Ifhe is up to anything at all… I do have to keep reminding myself that he might not be. It is hard not to let my imagination get the better of me.”

“Ooh, how I would love to see inside your imagination.” Martin laughed. “I bet it is very fun inside your mind.”

What did he mean by that?

Susanna wanted to ask him about that, but she was not sure she was quite ready for the answer. Martin often liked to knock her off kilter, and she did not need that when she was already doing her best to keep her balance on this horse.

One thing at a time.

That was the only way to take this…

The ride continued, the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves and the gentle sway of the horses providing a semblance of calm. The group moved along a scenic path that wound through the estate’s lush grounds.

Mary and Luke rode ahead, their laughter floating back to Susanna and Martin, who followed at a more leisurely pace. Edwin’s presence loomed just ahead, his gaze occasionally flicking back towards them, his expression inscrutable.

As they approached a clearing, Luke called out, “Let’s take a break here. The view is quite lovely, and we can let the horses rest for a bit.”

They all dismounted, the horses whickering softly as they were led to graze nearby. The clearing offered a panoramic view of the estate, the rolling hills and manicured gardens stretching out before them. It was a picturesque scene, but Susanna’s mind was too preoccupied to fully appreciate it.

Martin sidled up to her as they stood at the edge of the clearing, his voice low. “As soon as we get a chance to, we shall search Edwin’s quarters. I will keep an eye out for the perfect moment.”

Susanna nodded, her heart thudding in her chest. “Alright. But we have to be extremely careful.”

“We will be,” Martin assured her. His eyes held a seriousness that was both reassuring and unsettling. “If he is hiding something, then we need to find it before the wedding. We cannot leave this for too much longer.”

All of a sudden, their conversation was interrupted by Luke, who had wandered over with Mary. “What are you two conspiring about over here?” he asked with a grin.

“Just admiring the view,” Martin replied smoothly, his demeanor shifting back to one of casual friendliness.

Luke chuckled. “It is a fine view, indeed.” He glanced at Mary, who was busily arranging the wildflowers they had picked earlier. Did he even notice Edwin standing far too close to her? “Shall we head back soon? We have a full day ahead of us.”

“Yes, I think we should.”

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