Their man from London, the former lieutenant colonel, sounded relieved to see them, like General Sir John Moore hearing that reinforcements had arrived from England. The explanation was swiftly made apparent when Ruby appeared at his side and lay hold of his arm, demanding his support as she took hesitant steps out into the sunshine.
‘Do help me, sir,’ she said in her breathless manner. ‘The ground is so slippery round here, don’t you find?’
Dora marched up and unhooked Ruby’s claws from Alex’s sleeves. ‘Unhand the poor man, Ruby. He’s not for you.’
Ruby pouted. ‘You can’t have two– though I would be very interested to hear the details if you’ve tried it.’ She batted her eyelashes at a very embarrassed Alex.
‘He was my brother’s friend,’ said Dora, guiding Ruby inside. ‘Hisspecialfriend.’
Ruby gave a growl of frustration. ‘Why are all the good-looking ones no good at all?’
‘Yes, yes, life is unfair. I know. Now stop tormenting him. He hasn’t come all this way to fall into your lures. He’ll be here because he has business with Jacob and me.’
‘Business, business: you two do nothing but ride about on your searches and your investigations. Don’t you realise how tedious it is for your guests?’
‘You’re a guest? Well now, remind me exactly when I sent out the invitation?’ The women’s voices faded as Dora took Ruby into the kitchen. From the clatter of metallic objects, Jacob guessed Dora was setting about supper. It wouldn’t be Ruby making the effort.
‘Let me see to our horses and you can tell me what brought you here,’ said Jacob. ‘All well in London?’
‘All well. Ren, Susan and Hugo send their regards.’
‘How are they?’ Jacob thought fondly of their theatrical recruits who had taken to investigations like the proverbial ducks to water. They made excellent undercover operatives, able to change their appearance in a trice.
‘Flourishing. I’ve left Susan in charge in my absence– I hope you approve? She has the steadiest head of the three. Kir wrote you both a note. He is enjoying his role as understudy butler at Lady Tolworth’s.’
Jacob’s heart warmed to think of their little charge following Yarton about Ginny’s great pile of a West End mansion. Yarton was the most efficient butler in the country and there was no better person for Kir to emulate. ‘No doubt he is having a fine time and Susan will manage admirably. What brings you here in person? No, strike that question from the record. Save what you have to say until we join Dora.’
Alex took his horse from the fence and followed Jacob round to his small stable where they unbuckled the saddles and gave both mounts a brisk rubbing down and a feed as Jacob filled him in on the recent events in the valley.
‘So this is your retreat from society?’ said Alex once Jacob had finished his account. ‘I can see why you like the place– it’s a gem of a valley.’
‘A gem where I hoard all my treasures like some Cumberland dragon dreaming on his pile of gold– until Dora dragged me away from all that.’
‘You have a hoard?’ smirked Alex.
‘A library with my collection.’
‘Oh, yes, your books and manuscripts. You must show me.’
‘If we’ve time.’ Usually the collection was a solace, his safe place, but since meeting Dora the forger he had had an unsettling fear that there were paste jewels among the diamonds. He hadn’t had time to go through it again and couldn’t be entirely easy until he’d reassured himself his collector’s eye had not erred.
Horses settled, they returned to the house to find supper laid on the table and Ruby sulking in an armchair with a plate balanced on her baby mound.
‘She’s sending me up to bed like a naughty child,’ she groused. ‘Says you have business to discuss.’
‘We do,’ agreed Jacob. ‘And rest is important for a woman in your condition.’
‘I’ve done nothing but rest all day. I’m bored.’
Dora came into the dining room carrying a pot of soup. ‘Ruby did stir herself to make soup with the ham bone. Wonders will never cease.’
Ruby very maturely stuck out her tongue. ‘I was hungry and no one came back for dinner.’
‘We thank you for saving some for us,’ said Jacob.
‘I was going to eat it tomorrow.’
‘We’ll get you something else for tomorrow. We are hungry now,’ said Dora reasonably. ‘And as I said, you are welcome to listen to our conversation as long as you don’t repeat the details to anyone.’
