Page 35 of The Major's Mistake
Scofield shook his head, but Gibbs cleared his throat, drawing a sharp look from the leader. “Well?”
There was a nervous shuffling of feet before the other man replied. “It’s just that, well, didn’t we overhear a bit about how that Mrs. Ransford was asking some questions about such things as no female should be concerned with.”
Scofield spat on the ground. “She ain’t nothing to worry about. Poor widow who spends her time nursing the sick in the area.”
“Aye, but I’ve also spotted that flash cove hanging around her and her son,” continued Gibbs.
“The marquess?” asked McTavish quickly.
Gibbs nodded, his expression betraying his satisfaction at having dug up a nugget of useful information overlooked by his cohort.
Scofield gave a snort. “She lives with the Marquess’s aunt—some sort of poor relation. It ain’t anything to worry on.” His lips curled into a slight leer. “There don’t seem to be a Mr. Ransford around. He’s no doubt just trying to turn the widow up sweet in order to get her in his bed. She’s a rare beauty, she is. Wouldn’t mind a poke?—”
“Shut up,” snarled McTavish. He turned to stare out at the wreath of smoke curling up from the river, his hand running over his stubbled chin. “Get moving. It’s time to meet up with the men,” he said after a few moments of silence. But as he followed the other two, his eyes remained narrowed in thought.
He, too, had not failed to notice the dark haired young widow on her solitary walks through the fields. It seemed there was now more than one reason to keep a careful eye on her.
Julian gavea last pat to the flank of the chestnut pony. The polished metal gleamed bright against the new leather of the saddle and bridle as he tossed the reins up to Sykes.
“A fine animal,” remarked his valet. “The boy will be ecstatic over him.” He shot a look at the other horse, a spirited grey filly with lovely lines. “A prime one, too,” he murmured. “You sure you don’t want to take them over to Lady Thornton’s yourself?”
The Marquess shook his head. “I would rather you deliver them.”
“Whatever you say, guv.” Sykes took hold of the filly’s reins as well and spurred his own mount into an easy trot.
The stableyard was empty as he rode into Lady Thornton’s estate. He dismounted and was about to go in search of one of the grooms when Miranda came out from a small shed behind the paddock.
“Good morning, Mr. Sykes. What brings you to—” She stopped short at the sight of the two horses tethered next to his.
He tipped his cap. “Good morning ma’am. Guv asked me to bring by this pony for his—for Master Justin.”
“I see.” Her brow knitted in confusion as her gaze shifted to the dancing grey. “But there are two animals tied over there. What is that other horse for?” As she spoke, there was a flashof admiration in her eyes as she took in the finer points of the magnificent filly.
“Well, er, he said as it was for you, ma’am. So that you may accompany Master Justin on his rides.”
Miranda’s eyes widened in surprise, then wrenched away from the horse. “I’m sorry, Mr. Sykes, but you will have to bring her back to His Lordship. I … I cannot accept it.”
“Can’t,” he replied.
“Can’t what?” she demanded.
“Can’t take her back.” As Miranda make to argue, he added, “I’ve a number of matters to attend to in Higham so I’ll just have to leave her here for the time being.” He untied the two horses and began to stroke the grey’s velvet nose. “A shame, she’s a prime goer,” he murmured, then began to lead them towards the stable.
“But Mr. Sykes …”
Sykes ignored her feeble protest and disappeared inside.
Angus laid aside his hammer and drew his large hands across his leather apron as Sykes halted in front of him.
“Morning to you.” His voice was full of good cheer as he extended his hand. “I’m William Sykes.
Angus made no effort to take it. “You His Lordship’s man?”
When Sykes nodded, the other man said nothing but turned his head and spit into the hay.
Sykes hid his surprise as he held out the reins. “I’ll leave these two in your care. They belong here now.”
Angus ran an appraising eye over them. “Knows his horseflesh at least. They look to be fine animals.”
