“It won’t be necessary. I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying at Lord Fleming’s estate,” Noah said. “I can certainly take care of myself for a few days.”
The valet finished packing Noah’s valise. “If you wish to extend your visit, please send a note, and I’ll make arrangements to join you with your trunk.”
“Thank you, Searle. Why don’t you take a few days off to visit your family? I’m sure they’d love to see you.”
“Thank you, sir. I’d like that.”
“Good. I’ll see you soon,” Noah said, grabbing his valise and heading out to the mews.
“Good morning, Mr. Hughes,” the groom said. “Midnight is all saddled. He’s a bit frisky this morning.”
Noah chuckled, stroking the stallion’s head. “Good boy, want to go on a run today?”
The horse nickered, and the groom secured Noah’s valise to the saddle.
Noah was climbing into the saddle when he saw Miles come down the path on his stallion, Vulcan. He waved to his friend.
“Good morning,” Miles said as he came alongside Noah. “Good day for a ride, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Absolutely. Now, shall we depart so we can get out of London before the streets become clogged with all manner of folk?”
“Absolutely. Lead the way.”
As luck would have it, they made it out of London in fairly good time. They set a leisurely pace so as not to overtire the horses and finally made it to theWhite Swan Innby late afternoon.
“Good day, Mr. Hughes,” the innkeeper, Mr. Hutchins, said. “Always a pleasure to see you again.”
Noah had been stopping at the inn on his way to and from his uncle’s estate in Oxfordshire for a number of years. He’d never been disappointed with the service or the food.
“Good day, Mr. Hutchins. You remember my friend, Mr. Walker.”
“Indeed I do. Good day, Mr. Walker,” he said before showing them to a table near the back. “My wife has made a lovely stew today. Would you care for some ale?”
Both Noah and Miles nodded.
“Do you wish to stay the night?” Noah asked Miles. “I don’t relish the idea of being in the saddle for another three hours.”
“That will be fine,” Miles said. “Fleming isn’t expecting us until tomorrow. I thought there’d be a chance you’d want to stop for the night.”
The kitchen maid, Daphne, brought over their mugs of ale. “Gentlemen, your food will be ready soon.”
“Thank you, Daphne,” Noah said, giving her a brilliant smile. “Could you ask Mr. Hutchins to attend me when he has a moment?”
“Of course, sir,” she said and scurried away to find the innkeeper.
It took only a few moments before Mr. Hutchins was at their table. “Mr. Hughes, is something amiss?”
Noah shook his head. “Not at all. Would you have accommodations available for the night?”
“Of course. Would you like one room or two?”
“Two, if they’re available,” Noah said.
“Very good. I’ll have your rooms prepared while you eat dinner,” the innkeeper said before rushing away.
The aroma of lamb stew made Noah’s stomach rumble. “This smells delicious,” he said when Daphne placed two steaming bowls of stew and slices of freshly baked bread on the table.
“Would you care for anything else?” she asked.
