Page 42 of The Duke of Ruin
“We met your other guests—Sir Fletcher and his wife.” The harridan.
“I suspected that had occurred,” she said carefully.
“Did you hear the conversation? I won’t be angry if you did.”
She met his gaze then, her cheeks turning a pale pink. “I did, but I didn’t mean to. Lady Dunford-Whaley has a rather loud voice.” There was a wealth of disdain buried in that true statement.
“She does indeed.”
“Would you think terribly of me if I told you I’d hoped they would keep to their room until they left?” She winced, and tiny lines fanned out from the corners of her eyes. “I could only imagine what her presence would’ve done to our pleasant activities.”
“I think my opinion of you, and of this entire establishment, just improved tenfold.” He leaned forward with a wink. “And it was already quite good.”
Her blush deepened. “Pshaw! You’re too kind, Mr. Byrd.” Her eyes widened, and her mouth rounded briefly. “Begging your pardon, Your Grace.” She dipped into a curtsey.
He waved a hand, gesturing her to stand up. “Knock that off. I prefer Mr. Byrd. I travel with that name whether I’m eloping or not.” Just saying that he was eloping sent a little shiver up his neck. He ignored the sensation. “Would you have a few minutes to go up and help Mrs. Byrd prepare for bed?”
“Of course, Your—Mr. Byrd.”
“Very good. And remember, she’sMrs. Byrd.” He gave her a pointed look.
Mrs. Woodlawn nodded enthusiastically. “Certainly. And may I say, whatever your names and your current situation, you are a delightful couple.”
Again, a shiver raced up his spine.A delightful couple.Dianawas delightful. He was only delightful by association. And they weren’t a couple, not really. But the fact that Mrs. Woodlawn believed they were filled him with a sense of satisfaction and at the same time left him feeling hollow.
“Thank you. We do appreciate your hospitality. However, I hope you’ll understand when I sincerely pray we’ll be able to leave at first light.”
“I absolutely understand. I’ll make sure to pack up plenty of food for you to take along.”
Simon nodded, about to turn, then recalled what else he needed. “Our clothing is still drying in the kitchen, I believe. Will you be able to pack that up too?”
“It would be my pleasure. I think it’s about dry now. I’ll take care of it directly. After I see to Mrs. Byrd.” She offered a smile before leaning her broom in the corner and heading toward the stairs.
Simon opened the door and stepped outside. A gust of cold wind stole his breath, and he pulled his coat tighter around himself as he walked briskly to the stable. While still chilly, it wasn’t as cold as it had been last night. He hoped the temperature wouldn’t drop too much more, if at all. He looked up, thinking they needed some divine cooperation. “For her, not for me,” he whispered.
A young man greeted him at the stable door. “Can I help ye?” He opened the door wide to allow Simon to enter.
“I’m looking for my coachman, Tinley,” Simon said, moving inside, where it was much warmer without the wind.
“Here.” Tinley came from a doorway at the back. That had to be where the grooms and coachmen were staying.
The young man slipped away, leaving Simon and Tinley alone. The sound of a whinny from a nearby stall broke the silence before Simon spoke. “Will you be ready to leave first thing? And I meanfirstthing—as soon as we have enough light.”
“I can be ready whenever you tell me to be, but it all depends on the weather. It was a bit muddy this afternoon.”
“Yes, but the temperature has dropped enough to harden much of it. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. We have to leave in the morning, even if we only transfer to another inn.”
Tinley’s brows rose. “Problem?” he asked quietly.
Simon’s lip curled. “Couple of bloody scandalmongers.”
Tinley grimaced. “They recognize you?”
“And her.” Simon exhaled. There was nothing to be done about it now. He could wallow in frustration and anger, or he could push it to the recesses of his mind along with the other emotions he chose not to deal with.
“Well, that’s a bloody mess.”
“It could be, but hopefully it won’t. We have a bit of time, but only a bit.”
