Page 44 of The Artisan and the Duke
In a small clearing, there was a wagon with two horses tied nearby. The lantern swung on a post above the wagon. It looked to be well-worn. “Is anyone about?” Gregory called cautiously.
“Aye,” an old woman said as she stuck her head out of the wagon. “Oh, I say, what are you?”
Gregory chuckled and said, “Just a traveller. I was wondering if you had any water to spare. We’ve ridden our horses hard, and they could use a drink.”
“I’m afraid I don’t, but there is a stream up the road. It’s clear and cool,” the woman said helpfully.
Gregory nodded and then ventured, “Have you seen any other travellers tonight? We are missing some friends and ride in search of them. They should have been in a carriage.”
“I can’t say that I’ve seen much like that in the last while. It has been quite for a few hours now,” the woman said with a frown. “If you don’t mind, Sir, I have to be about early in the morning. I’ve goods to get into London.”
Gregory nodded and said, “Of course. I apologize for disturbing you. Thank you for your kindness, good lady.”
The woman gave Gregory a pleased smile before she ducked back into the wagon. The three men turned their horses around and made their way back onto the road. As the woman had said, just a mile down the road, they came to a stream which ran near enough to the road that the horses could drink.
While the horses drank, one of the young men who went by the name of Talbert asked, “Do you think they are perhaps at the next inn? Haven’t seen any signs of a broken carriage.”
“Could be,” Gregory said with a nod. “If the Duchess saw the lightning, she might have wanted to stop. She is not much on storms.”
Olly, Talbert’s older brother, said, “I sure hope we find them soon.”
“Me too,” Talbert said.
Gregory could only nod. He understood how tired the two young men probably were. The fatigue was wearing on Gregory as well. “Looks like they’ve had their fill of water for now,” Gregory said, and he guided his horse back towards the road.
“Back to it,” Olly said as he swung up onto the mare he was riding.
Gregory and Talbert were soon mounted up as well. This time they did not push the horses quite so hard. The next inn was a long way, and they needed the horses to make it there in one piece.
***
Jules called over to the stable boy, “Have you seen a man with a cane?”
“Oh yes, Ma’am,” the boy said with a vigorous nod. “He’s just over there talking to someone.” The boy pointed towards the back of the stables.
The relief flooded through Jules as she rushed out the backdoor of the stables. She could hear David’s footsteps right behind her. “There you are,” Jules said with a smile as she caught sight of Fredrick leaning on his cane and talking with Thompson who was mounted upon a horse as if he were about to leave.
“Duchess,” Fredrick said, “I thought you were waiting inside. Ah, who is this?” Fredrick looked behind Jules at the tall, lanky young man who was following behind the Duchess.
With a smile, Jules said, “This Mr David Larkin, Journeyman Mason.”
David gave Fredrick a nod of his head. “And you must be Sir St Claire. The Duchess was most worried about you. We were afraid you had decided to ride on without us,” David said with a smile.
“After only a few minutes’ absence?” Fredrick asked with a laugh. “I had no idea that my loss would be so keenly felt. Now, what is this about your going with us?”
Thompson cleared his throat. “Sir?”
“Yes, ride on ahead, Thompson, and tell the Duke that we will meet him in the morning at the manor house. The hour is so late now that I think it would be better to rest, especially since there appears to be a storm on the road towards London.” Fredrick nodded towards the lightning that lit up the skies in the direction of London. “Ride fast and ride safely,” Fredrick said to Thompson who in turn nodded and urged his horse forward.
Once Thompson was gone, Jules nodded as well. “It is probably for the best to wait until morning,” she said.
“Nonsense,” David said. “I have to be back in London tonight. If you wish to truly help, then you will accompany me. Otherwise, I will assume that your loyalties are not with the guild at all.”
Fredrick bristled. “You don’t speak to the Duchess in such a way,” he ground out as his fist tightened around the cane.
“I apologize,” David said quickly, and he gave both the others a bow. “I’m just overly anxious to be back where I can do some good for the guild.”
Jules nodded. “We understand, Mr Larkin,” she said gently. “Perhaps we could ride on and Lord St Claire could join us in the morning.”
