Page 35 of Good Duke Gone Far

A young boy jaunted over with long hair covering his eyes. His lopsided smile and clear eyes relayed sincerity and honesty.

Quinn looked him up and down, and to the boy’s credit, he didn’t flinch.

“And he’ll do a good job?”

“Aye.”

“And how do you know?”

“He’s my son. He knows what a good job is.”

Quinn wanted a reason to say no, but in looking for a reason to say no, he found more to say yes. The boy looked trustworthy. The horse would be home. At ease. The father was obviously proud of his son. Watching the father and son pair stirred his heart. He had always been close with his father. The truth between them was unwavering. The love, constant. He missed his father. His family. He wanted to have one of his own. The thoughts rustled through his body, leaving a trail of restlessness and something else. Perhaps, hope.

It was settled. Muffin would return to London and Quinn would head to Scotland with Kat.

The short stroll back to the inn had Quinn reassuring himself of the plan. Except, he didn’t fully know the plan yet. Muffin was taken care of now, but that was a side issue. The primary plan, the one of which he knew so little, was now his main concern. He needed to ask some questions and get some answers. Shouldn’t be too hard.

“How’s Muffin?” Kat asked Quinn when he walked through the door.

“She’s fine. Looks like it was nothing, so I told them to take her back to London. That way she’s in a familiar place.”

“That must have been a difficult decision.”

“Not really. It’s better for everyone.” Actually, that was a partial white lie. It had been an incredibly difficult decision. He didn’t want to leave Muffin, but he also didn’t want her to travel unnecessarily when she might not be in perfect condition. To stay with her or to leave her? It had plagued him all morning, but he knew he would ride on with Kat. There was no point in bringing Muffin. There was also no reason to leave her in a strange environment. After he met the rider who would take Muffin home, he felt as though he was leaving her in good hands. Especially seeing the boy’s eyes light up to hear how he’d be compensated upon arriving at his destination.

All in all, he hadn’t lied about everything, itwasbetter for everyone.

“Time to go.” He didn’t want to continue analyzing the decision though. The two walked out of the inn, arm in arm.

Quinn helped himself and Kat settle in for a long carriage ride. The last of the journey to finally reach Scotland and confront the duke. Quinn was almost sure he didn’t want to know, but he had to ask.

“What’s the plan?”

“We’re going to have a chat with the Duke of Dunbarshire to find out why he proposed to my sister.”

Quinn held his breath. “How does he know we’re coming?”

“He doesn’t.”

“How do you know where he’ll be?”

“I don’t.”

Fingers itched to pinch the bridge of his nose, but he opted for pulling on his ear instead. For many reasons, now was not a great time for any outward displays of vexation. Not only had they just shared an incredible night and morning together, but they had to share an enclosed carriage space for the next several hours. It would not do to create an environment where one felt they had to arm themselves or retreat.

“What if he’s not in when we arrive?”

“We’ll wait.”

“And if he’s traveling?”

Kat ran her hand up her forearm a couple of times.

“I suppose that’s where you’ll come in handy.”

“Do explain.”

“We’ll either track him down to ask him my questions, or we’ll find someone else who should know the answers to them.”

---