* * *
Jeremy made his way back through the wood at the rear of Benningsgate to come out below the village on the road, Erasmus bounding along with his usual enthusiasm. The poor beast had been cooped up for so long in just the cottage and barn with the rain; today had been quite the treat to have received so much exercise. Indeed, Jeremy’s limbs were feeling the exertion of it all.
But, oh! The honor of being the first and only soul to know of the lord’s return! He felt his already considerable chest swell with pride. What a time he would have when all had been returned to Constantine Gerard and Jeremy could at last confess that he had known of the earl’s plans to reclaim Benningsgate from the bastard currently in residence at Thurston Hold.
He paused on the path to catch his breath and indulge in a bit of fancy. Perhaps Lord Gerard would even recognize Jeremy’s service before the household. Wouldn’t that be grand?
That Rosemont woman, however; she was a trial.
He slowly began moving up the road once again, his legs and back aching from the strain of the rope and the many steps he’d walked that day, but the discomfort of his body did nothing to diminish the satisfied smile on his face.
“I’m coming, I’m coming,” he said to Erasmus, who ran back to him repeatedly, seeming to urge him forward. The large animal was probably more than ready to eat, as was his master.
He entered between the first two cottages and a golden specter stepped out from the right, her thick arms crossed over her chest.
“And just where have you been?” Nell demanded. She glanced down at the loping dog. “Yes, I see you as well; good evening, Erasmus.”
Jeremy staggered to a halt, his hand to his chest. “Glory, woman! What are you thinking, jumping out at me like that?”
“You’ve been gone all the day,” she accused, her eyes narrowing in her broad face. “Save when you was skulking through the village with Harmon’s ladder. And now my best apron is missing from the line.”
Jeremy swallowed and his heart beat faster, although he waved the woman away and continued on through the village. “What use have I for your apron?”
“What use have you for Harmon’s ladder’s a better query, I should think,” she countered, trailing along behind him. “It’s not as though you can climb it.”
“What mean you I can’t climb it?” Jeremy demanded and stopped in the street to turn to face her, feeling his cheeks heat. He knew he must look a dreadful fright, being about the lord’s business all the day—and Nell’s hair was in its typical, round-the-head plait beneath her slight kerchief, the golden strands blending in such a comely manner with the gray. “O’ course I can climb it, lest I’d never have taken it!”
“So youdidtake it,” she said, looking at him sideways. “For what?”
“I don’t see how that’s any of your concern,” he said and turned back around to continue on to the safe haven of his cottage.
Nell didn’t follow him, but she did call out after him. “I’ve made a stew. I might need a bit o’ convincing on what to tell Harmon when next he comes ’round askin’ after his ladder.”
Jeremy stopped in the street again and half-turned to look back at Nell. “Why should you have to tell him anything? I took his ladder to place a trap.”
“Why didn’t you bring it back, then?” she demanded.
“Because I’ll need to get it down, won’t I?” he said with his arms spread, feeling rather proud of himself at his quick thinking.
“I don’t believe you,” she said simply, this time putting her hands on her hips. “I think you’re up to something.” She looked him up and down. “Something at the ruin.”
“Why on earth would you think that?” he said, wondering how she could have so accurately guessed his whereabouts.
“You’ve soot all ’round your tunic,” Nell said, and he couldn’t stop himself from glancing down at his middle. “I thought it was only mud from afar, but I see that it’s not. It’s clearly soot.”
Jeremy looked up at her, his tongue seemingly stuck to the roof of his mouth.
Nell quirked an eyebrow, and Jeremy had to admit her comeliness was no match for his brain. “I’ll expect you when you’ve had the chance to wash up.”
Jeremy nodded sheepishly and then turned toward his cottage.
It was only Nell after all. And she could keep a secret.
Chapter 14
Mary lifted her skirts and mounted the steps to the little guardhouse, Valentine reaching in front of her and courteously wrenching the door open with a familiar screech. He swept his other hand before his stomach and bowed.
“After you,mi amor,” he said.
