“Well, gents, we should be in Guilford in about three hours,” Noah said.
“I don’t know why I let you talk me into this,” Robertson said.
“Um…maybe because you were nursing a bit of heartache and needed to leave London before a certain announcement was made.”
Robertson’s head snapped up. He didn’t appreciate Noah bringing up his failed courtship again, but he couldn’t deny his friend was correct in his assumption. He didn’t want to be in London when the betrothal of Miss Grandier to Lord Evans was announced. He hadn’t fallen in love with Ms. Grandier, but he had admired her, and some of thetonmistook his fine manners and attention to her for love. He was incapable of that emotion, but that never stopped anyone from speculating. “Please don’t mention it again.”
“My lips are sealed,” his friend said with a chuckle.
Three bowls of hearty lamb stew were brought to the table by the innkeeper’s wife. “I hope yougentlemen enjoy the stew. Made it fresh this morning,” she said with a smile.
“It smells delicious,” Robertson said, surprised that his stomach chose that moment to grumble loudly.
“Thank you, my lord,” she said, pleased, before heading back into the kitchen.
“Would you care for some ale with your stew?” the serving girl asked.
“That’s a fine idea. Thank you, Miss…” Noah said.
“Daphne, my lord.”
“A very pretty name for a pretty woman,” Noah said with a wink. “You must be new here. I haven’t seen you here before.
“I’ve only recently been hired,” Daphne said.
“No ale for me,” Robertson said.
“Me either,” Miles chimed in. “Coffee’s fine for now.”
Daphne nodded and hurried away to get Noah’s ale.
The coffee was helping clear out the fuzziness Robertson felt earlier, and he dove into the stew. He was pleasantly surprised at how good it tasted and soon felt more like his old self. Perhaps a hearty meal had been just what he needed.
Both Noah and Miles were enjoying their stew, although Miles was definitely eating slower. He still looked a little green, but soon even hiscolor improved.
After they finished eating, Daphne brought three slices of lemon cake to their table. “Mrs. Hutchins sent these with her compliments.”
“That was very kind of her. Please thank her for us,” Noah said.
“Of course, my lord,” Daphne said, blushing. She was obviously falling under Noah’s spell. It was the same scenario everywhere they went. Women flocked to his friend’s winning smile, unlike Robertson’s stoic composure, which seemed to say to young ladies to stay away.
Robertson took a big bite. “Mmm…this is delicious. Good choice stopping here, Noah.”
“I aim to please,” Noah said.
Miles didn’t say anything, but soon, his slice of lemon cake was gone as well. He finally sat back with a self-satisfied smile. “That was good. I agree with Robertson—good choice stopping here.”
“I’ve eaten here before and enjoyed it. Mrs. Hutchins is an excellent cook, and I’ve never had a bad meal here. Are we ready to head back to the carriage?” Noah asked.
“I suppose we must. The sooner we get going, the sooner we can all relax at Fleming’s estate,” Robertson said.
The three men stood.
“I’ll take care of the bill,” Noah said, leaving an extra tip for Daphne. He walked to the innkeeper. “My compliments to your wife, Mr. Hutchins. The lamb stew was outstanding,” he said to the innkeeper.
“Thank you, Mr. Hughes. We hope to see you again soon.”
Robertson and Miles were already seated inside the carriage when Noah joined them. The horses had been watered and fed and were stamping their feet in the yard, anxious to be on the road again. He banged on the roof, and could hear the driver telling the horses to walk on. After such a hearty meal, he felt sleepy for an entirely different reason than earlier this morning. He closed his eyes, and sleep took him within minutes.
