The point south was a further distance away, close to Sir Richard who was a villain…and likely a smuggler. She stood up and rubbed her forehead. A source had pointed to this cove.
“Who provided the information?” she asked.
“I’d rather not say, just now,” Father said.
Of course, he wouldn’t. She wondered if Fox knew. She would ask him later. “Do you trust this person?”
The only noise in the room was a scant rustle of wool as Farnsworth uncrossed his leg.
“His intelligence has been reliable so far,” Father said.
Well, that was nicely parsed. “But Davy is more trustworthy since we have his son below in our kitchen.” Did they have enough men to split up and go to both locations?
No, belay that.They were four here, plus the MacEwens and two more men. Eight split two ways—she would not want to risk Fox in either fight. She’d seen how dangerous these men could be.
“Well?” Father asked. “Your advice?”
“The north, so close to Gorse Cottage, might be merely barrels of gin or crates of dry goods. The south may be a feint, or a trap.” She leaned on the edge of the table. How would Father think? “I would rather go south and see what that is about. Have your cutter keep them away from the north or force them to go south.”
He nodded. It was as much approval as she would ever get, and it emboldened her. “I should like to go with you, Father.”
“I know, my daughter. Another time. I thank you for your thoughtful counsel. Tonight, I need you here to prime your pistols and protect Lady Jane, your maid, and the boy.”
With the men all away, theycouldbe in danger.
She nodded. “Very well.”
Farnsworth cleared his throat and the men began talking about dragoons and the coastal patrol cutter. When she lifted her eyes, Fox was watching her. She went to stand next to him, and Father’s momentary pause was gratifying.
She had withstood Father’s test regarding the landing spots. She would protect Gorse Cottage and defer her revenge, but she would have her reckoning with Sir Richard and his groom. Perhaps, if she was very, very lucky, Father would capture them and it would be tonight.
“We should all rest now,” Father said. “It’s likely to be a long night.”
He nodded to her. He meant for her to leave, but no one else was stepping away.
Next to her Fox, stirred. “I’ll be in the stables.” He glanced her way and held her gaze for a moment.
She followed him out.
Fox tuggedher up the stairs to the door of her bedchamber and turned her to face him. Dark smudges hollowed his eyes.
“We need to talk,” he said.
“You didn’t sleep at all after Lady Jane’s arrival.” He was dead on his feet and she’d only just now noticed.
Selfish, spoiled aristocrat.
“I’ll be fine.”
“I know you will.” She opened the bedroom door and pulled him in.
“Your father—”
“Won’t find us in this comfortable bed together. Much as I’d like that. I’m going to help Jenny and Jane in the kitchen.”
“Perry.”
She dropped a kiss on his chin. “We can’t talk sensibly when you’re exhausted and going into battle. Take my bed and sleep.”
