A quick glance to Mr. Flemming, and then she looked back out the slit. “Do you have any idea what happened?”
“It was foulness that took Welbury out, that be for sure. And he was only working on one case, Miss Silverton—yours.”
Brianna’s eyes closed, her chin dropping to her chest. She nodded, her eyes first going out to Sebastian, then to Mr. Flemming. “I understand. What had he discovered before he was killed?”
“Beyond what he told me, I do not know. His papers were gone—all out the window into the Thames.”
Brianna’s arms came up, wrapping her ribcage. This was exactly what she had feared. “That you sent the letter directly to Notlund—it was a risk—a risk you promised you would not take, Mr. Flemming.”
“Yes, but I thought you needed to be warned straight away, Miss Silverton. I have been here three days, waiting for you.”
“I apologize. I was away from Notlund or I would have been here sooner.” Her head dropped and she rubbed her forehead, giving a sideways glance to Mr. Flemming. “What is it that you know from Mr. Welbury?”
“Just that he was close. He said he would have true news for you soon. A location. That the man, Gregory, had been found.”
That shook Brianna, shook her to her core, and she stumbled backward. She had guessed it was the case, but to hear the words. To hear that Gregory was alive. Found. Her head spun.
Mr. Flemming grabbed her elbow, his thick hands steadying her.
“Are you solid again?”
It took her long seconds before she nodded and he released her.
“Do you know anything else, Mr. Flemming? Anything at all?”
“No. I am afraid not. Are you safe at Notlund, Miss Silverton? If not, I have places I can hide you. You and your sister.”
Brianna’s hand waved back and forth. “No, it is all right, Mr. Flemming. We are safe at Notlund.” She said the words, only half believing their truth.
“Shall I pick up on what little trail Welbury left?”
“No. Please do not. I do not wish another life to be at risk. Do nothing. Please just concentrate on Lord Newdale. And distance yourself from Mr. Welbury’s investigation.”
Mr. Flemming gave a nod. “I will.”
“And Mr. Welbury—did he have a family? Anyone he supported? I would like to make arrangements for their well-being.”
“No. It is kind Miss Silverton, but Mr. Welbury was alone. As are most of us in the trade.”
“Please be safe, Mr. Flemming.”
“To you as well, Miss Silverton.” Mr. Flemming moved next to her, pointing out the slit. “And this man that you rode up here with, can he be trusted, or do I need to determine a new place to meet with you?”
Brianna glanced out the slit. Sebastian still leaned against the tree, arms crossed over his chest. He had kept his promise—she truly hadn’t been sure if he would allow her privacy. “He can be trusted, Mr. Flemming. That man is my new husband.”
“A husband? That is a surprise. Congratulations on your nuptials.”
“Thank you, Mr. Flemming.” She pulled on the bottom edges of her gloves, tightening them to her fingertips. “I must leave now, but I trust that you will have definitive news on Lord Newdale for me soon?”
“Yes. Godspeed, and do keep a wary eye out.”
With a nod, Brianna walked over to the door, lifting it while kicking it open with the toe of her boot. Once outside in the fresh air, she stopped, her hand on the stone wall for support. She only made it five more steps before she had to bend over, swallowing silent sobs of terror that threatened to overtake her.
But she only allowed herself a few precious seconds.
Pulling her spine straight, her hand dropped from the rough stone. Walking slowly, her feet deliberate with each step, she took a deep breath, smoothing the skirt of her riding habit before she rounded the corner. She had to compose herself before Sebastian saw her. Which meant locking thoughts of Gregory into the back of her mind.
Sebastian would see the worry on her face immediately.
And that, she could not have.
~~~
“You have not wanted to ride in days, Brianna. Not once since you met with Mr. Flemming.” His shirt and buckskin breeches already on, Sebastian sat on the chair by the fire, pulling his dark boots up.
“And?” Brianna rolled from her side where she was watching him onto her back. Her bare arm came up, flopping across her forehead and covering her eyes.
“And it is not like you.” He stood, walking over to the bed to hover above her. “While I have enjoyed you not waking me at the break of dawn—and keeping you naked and warm in my bed until a reasonable hour—I am beginning to wonder what is rumbling about in that mind of yours.”
Her arm shifted to let one eye find his face. “It is Lily.”
“Planning something drastic?”
“No. And I take offense.” Her arm moved further up her forehead as she rolled her eyes. “I have come to realize how very soon our lives will be lived apart. She has been the one constant in my life—for as far back as I can remember. So I am trying to get in as much time as possible with her before Lord Newdale comes back to sweep her away.”
“So Lord Bepton has made no impression upon her in his time here?” Sebastian asked.
“None. She still talks about Newdale every chance she gets. Bepton is dull—she did not exaggerate that point. As safe a husband as he would be for her, even I would not wish a life with him upon Lily. She is far too vivacious for a man such as him, although I imagine there is a match out there somewhere for him.”
She lifted her arm from her forehead, her fingers slipping under the top seam of Sebastian’s breeches to pull him closer. “But do not let me keep you from riding. I know how very much you would like to break that new filly in. Maybe today luck will be with you.”
“Hopefully.” He tapped the tip of her nose. “This one is more stubborn than you.”
“Impossible.” She sat up, digging her fingers into his side, laughing.
He jumped away, grabbing her hand. “So quick to argue, my wife.”
Her fun squelched, she conceded her attack and pulled the coverlet up over her bare chest. “I do not know what Lily has planned for the day with Lord Bepton. If it is conducive, I shall be down to the stables to at least watch your trials with SilverStar.”
“To watch me get thrown repeatedly?”
She shuddered. “I have seen you get thrown in the worst possible way, so watching the little game that you and SilverStar have been playing with each other has been amusing. You are very good at falling.”
“A graceful faller, am I?”
She reached up, patting his cheek. “The epitome of a fall well done.”
He chuckled, leaning in to kiss her. “Later, then, my wife.”
“Yes.” Smile on her face, she watched him walk out the door.
The door had not even closed before her smile failed.
Two hours later, Brianna had escaped Lily and was walking around the stables. After passing by the empty pen by the first pasture, she found little Tommy poking at some hay, pretending to work.
“Tommy, where is the earl?”
Her sudden voice made him jump, and he spun to her, a sheepish look on his face. “’E break the new filly, mi’ lady. ‘E been out on her, riding ‘er good.”
“Will he be back soon?”
Tommy shrugged. “Don’t know, mi’ lady. Maybe a few hours?”
Brianna nodded, her face going hard. It was time. She had been anxiously waiting for just this opportunity—Sebastian far from the stables—since meeting with Mr. Flemming.
“Saddle Firesprite for me, Tommy—quickly.”
“Not Moonlight, mi’ lady?”
“No. Not today. I need to go up to the castle and will be back within a few minutes, please have her ready.”
Before her words ended, Brianna was already racing up to the castle.
{ Chapter 14 }
Brianna turne
d her horse to the left, sending it up along the path next to the church in Hoppleton. They moved upward between the buildings, passing the hill holding the graveyard.
The sleepy village was sized perfectly—large enough to welcome newcomers without suspicion, but small enough that the people would protect their neighbors.
She was going to have a hard time finding another village as perfect. Especially one within a few hours travel of Notlund.
Eyes going back over her shoulder, she scanned the main road through town. Normal activity. A few wagons. Several horses. People walking about. Her gaze swept back and forth on the empty hillside on either side of her. Nothing except for gravestones.
Clicking Firesprite forward, her eyes flickered to the middle of the five cottages positioned just above the graveyard. She guided the horse around to the rear of the row of cottages and slid down from her sidesaddle.
Tying her horse to the post near the well, she left enough rein for Firesprite to drink from the nearby trough and to nibble the tall grasses alongside it.
Her look still darting about, Brianna slipped between the middle houses, knocking on the side door to the center cottage. Before there was an answer, she opened the door, entering the house.
Brianna looked around the empty drawing room, ears straining in the quiet house. “Cousin Frannie?”
Footsteps echoed down the center hallway. “Thank goodness, child.” Frannie appeared in the doorway, carving knife in one hand. “You had me scared half to Hades.”
Brianna went across the room, pulling Frannie into a quick hug. “Were you cooking, cutting meat? I did not mean to interrupt.”
Frannie pulled away, flashing the fat knife. “This? Oh no, child, I was snapping peas.” She wiped her hand on her apron, then smoothed her grey hair into her bun. “I grabbed this when I heard the side door open.”
Brianna looked down the empty hall. “Where is Harry?”
“Just up the woods a bit. With some other rapscallions from town. They have young Mary with them—she is the Horten boy’s older sister, so she should keep them in line. They are supposed to be picking berries. But I doubt Harry will come back with many. He is a snitcher, that one. Cannot hardly keep a tart intact for dessert these days.” Frannie’s kind eyes narrowed at Brianna. “You do not look right, child. Do I need to round up Harry?”
Brianna shook her head. “Do not fret, Frannie. It is not an emergency, but I do think it is time to move you again. We have a few days while I find something suitable.”
“Harry is not going to take kindly to it. He is happy here.”
Brianna bit her lip. “I know. I saw last time I was here how very much he likes this place. But I am worried.”
Frannie put her thick hand on Brianna’s shoulder, squeezing it. “If you are worried, child, then we should move. Harry will be happy anywhere, you have taken care of that.”
Sighing, Brianna set her palm on the back of Frannie’s hand. “Thank you for that. But I realize that as he gets older—he remembers so much more now—I fear he will become less resilient.”
“He will be fine, child. Do not worry on it.” Frannie’s hand dropped from Brianna’s shoulder, and she turned, going down the hallway to the back room.
Brianna trailed her, passing the big pile of peas mounded on a table. “Can you be ready in two days’ time? I am afraid I do not have extra time today to help you pack. I only have a moment, truly, for this conversation, but I would like to say hello to Harry before I leave.”
Frannie pointed with the tip of the knife out the back window. “He is in those woods, not too far in. He knows to pop in and out so I can see him. He should be showing up again soon.”
“Excellent.” Brianna wrapped an arm around Frannie’s shoulder, leaning over her plump frame to peck her cheek. “Thank you for being so understanding. I will return within a few days when I have everything settled.”
“You always do well at it, child. No move has been as traumatic as that first time.” Frannie nodded at her. “We will be ready.”
Brianna opened the back door of the cottage, walking up the slight hill toward the trees. The woods were sparse, giving perfect dappled shade for growing wild berries. She looked through the trees, trying to spot movement.
“Nama, Nama, Nama.”
Brianna heard Harry’s squealing voice before she saw him. And then a tumbling tornado burst out of the woods, his short little legs carrying him as fast as possible down the hill. His head flew forward, his torso almost overtaking the pace of his feet.
Berries were smeared on his hands and across the lower part of his face. Brianna watched, cringing as Harry’s legs almost tangled under him several times. But he managed to keep upright, stumbling, then jumping at the last possible second into her.
Laughing, Brianna caught him from his flying leap in midair. She bent, her knees on the ground so she could balance him in her lap.
“Nama, Nama.” He yanked away, his blackberry hands pushing on her grey riding jacket so he could see her face. “Nama, I missed you.” A big purple smack of his lips went onto her cheek.
Brianna couldn’t stop laughing at his beard of purple berry juice while trying to avoid his sticky hands. Little hands he was determined to get all over her. Frannie had been quite right about the snitching.
“Brianna.”
The voice was so out of place for the moment, for where she was, that Brianna almost didn’t note it.
But then it sank in.
Sebastian.
She jumped to her feet, spinning, still holding Harry in her arms.
Sebastian stood ten paces from her, his hands clenched in fists, his chest heaving. Seething.
“Seb—”
“You have a blasted child?”
He turned, running down past the houses and out of view before Brianna could even take a breath, much less utter a word.
Dammit.
In shock, Brianna dropped Harry to his feet.
He grabbed her hand. “What wrong, Nama?”
Brianna looked down to see his cherub cheeks had gone from smiling to serious concern.
She had to shake herself into movement as his face turned panicked.
Scruffing his head, she bent down to his eye level, attempting to keep her voice light. “Nothing is wrong, Harry. I am very happy to see you, but I have to leave right now. I promise to be back in a few days. Can you please run inside to Auntie Frannie?”
He nodded, giving her a quick hug around the neck and running the rest of the way down the hill to his cottage.
Brianna’s feet started moving, slowly, then picked up speed until she was in a full run. Onto Firesprite within a minute, she tore through town, aimed in the direction of Notlund, praying that was where Sebastian disappeared.
Pushing the horse, her breakneck speed rewarded her a mile outside of Hoppleton when she caught a glimpse of Sebastian disappearing over the crest of a far-off hill.
She pressed Firesprite even harder, willing the horse to find wings on its hooves.
She had to catch up to Sebastian.
She had to.
An hour later, Brianna lifted her hand from the reins, trying to quickly wipe away stinging sweat from her eyes with the back of her glove. It only smeared the sweat further into her eye, blurring her vision.
“No one will find you, Brianna. No one cares. The only one that did was me, and even that was a lie you fell too easily for. Worthless chit. You do not even know what love looks like.”
The sneered words attacked her frazzled mind, and Brianna fought them, shoved them away, wiping her eyes from the stinging sweat again. She had to reach Sebastian. She had to.
Sebastian had been impossible to catch, much less gain any length on. She could see his cloud of dust, his fresh tracks, an occasional glimpse of him, but he didn’t slow. Didn’t stop.
And why should he? Not after what he saw. What he thought.
She pushed Firesprite down and through the stream again, crossing over to the swi
tchback trail through the woods. It would slow her, but it was slowing Sebastian as well, as she could see the fresh broken branches, and still hear his horse echoing through the trees.
“Seb.” She screamed his name, hoping the echo of her voice would reach him. Slow him just enough for her to catch him. “Seb.”
Still movement ahead. If anything, the echoes of branches crunching came faster, more brutal.
Brianna clicked Firesprite on, encouraging as much speed as she could as they dodged, whipping back and forth through the scrawny trail.
And then she saw him.
Saw the tail of his black horse. Saw him crouched low, pushing his horse through the last thin line in the woods before the land opened onto fields once more.
She could cut him off. She saw it in an instant. If she cut through the low brush, forging a straight trail, she could cut him off. Firesprite was nimble. She knew the horse could do it.
Brianna yanked on the reins, pulling Firesprite off the trail. The horse, exhausted, at first resisted, then put its head down, picking its way over the shrubbery. Firesprite fought Brianna with every step, but Brianna just held the horse on course. She could see Sebastian was near to the edge of the woods, and she had to get there first.
She dug her heel into Firesprite hard, something she never did with the horses, and Firesprite sprang forward into a full gallop.
Instantly realizing her mistake, Brianna sank forward on the horse, trying to avoid the low branches scratching at her. Firesprite’s brown mane flew into Brianna’s eyes, blocking her view, but she could see she was close again to the main trail.
“Seb.” She screamed again, lifting her head.
She saw him clearly. For just one moment he glanced her way and she saw it all—rage, betrayal ravaging his face, his entire being a mass of fury.
And then a tree limb blasted her straight across her chest.
It ripped her from Firesprite’s back, the limb cracking from the tree as she doubled over it. She floated for the tiniest second and then crashed into the ground.
Flailing, her body rolling, pain screeching through her limbs, she skidded to a stop on her side.
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