Page 67 of The Smuggler’s Escape

Dorothea showed her the adjoining chambers, with a dressing room in between, that had been allotted to her and her mother.

“This is Lady Boltwood’s.” Noelle indicated the room next to Dorothea’s. “Mine is opposite hers. It could be any of the others along this side of the passage. I suppose we’ll have to knock.”

Dorothea looked shocked, but unexpectedly, she persevered in following Noelle. “Why is a tinker staying here?”

“Because the excisemen shot him. He would have bled to death if Richard hadn’t brought him here.” Noelle wished she could give Lucretia her due praise as well. She tapped on the first door. Dorothea hung back, clearly scandalized by the notion of knocking on a man’s bedchamber door. Probably disgusted that a tinker would be the guest of a nobleman, as well.

No one answered the first door. Noelle opened it to a tiny gasp from Dorothea, but the room was dark and empty. The second was opened by a stately individual with an incredulous frown.

Noelle put her nose in the air. “Mr. Holmes, how convenient. I’m looking for Johnny Magee. How is he faring?”

“As well as can be expected, miss.”

What was that supposed to mean? “I wish to see him. Which is his chamber?”

“I will inform Mr. Magee that you enquired as to his health. As to visiting his bedchamber, miss, her ladyship would not approve.”

“Perhaps not, but his lordship won’t object. Is this Lord Boltwood’s chamber?”

Now the valet didn’t even attempt to hide his affront. What if he came in on herself and Richard in bed? She’d die of mortification.

“Yes, miss, but—”

“He’s next door, then.” Noelle left Holmes to his disapprovals and affronts and knocked on the third door. A low, canine growl answered her, followed by another, more intelligible one from Johnny Magee.

“Oh, good, he’s awake.” Noelle opened the door and peeked in. The dog, Spot, stuck his nose out. Noelle reached a hand to greet him. “May we come in? My friend Miss Darsington and I, that is.”

Behind her, Dorothea made a sound of protest. “I really mustn’t . . .”

“Sure, and I’d be happy to visit with a couple of pretty young colleens.” Johnny was propped up in bed, reading, but set his book down. “That valet of Dicky’s is enough to make a man long for his grave.”

“Come.” Noelle grabbed Dorothea by the hand. “He won’t bite, and neither will the dog.”

“I’m not afraid of a dog,” Dorothea hissed. “Nor of a tinker.”

Twenty minutes later, when Richard and Lady Boltwood came in, Noelle was curled up contentedly in the armchair, while Johnny and Dorothea, already on a first name basis, were deep into discussion of The Romance of the Forest.

Dorothea, who had advanced from standing nervously to perching on the edge of a chair by Johnny’s bed to search for passages in the book, sprang to her feet and put her hands to her suddenly flaming cheeks. Noelle stood as well.

Time was running out. Any minute now, Richard would demand his rights as protector. She scowled at him.

But he wasn’t looking at her. Richard grinned at Dorothea. “Fallen victim to Johnny’s charms, have you? If he weren’t stuck in bed, he’d have kissed you by now. He never could resist an attractive woman.”

Dorothea went even redder.

“Mind your manners, Richard,” Lady Boltwood said. “Miss Darsington is your guest, and you must treat her with respect. Miss Darsington, I suggest you slip out quickly before your mother discovers you are here.”

Dorothea, ever polite, said, “Thank you, Mr. Magee, for such an interesting conversation. Good night, everyone.” She hurried out the door.

Tomorrow morning, Noelle decided, she would speak to Dorothea and make sure she visited Johnny again. She wasn’t naturally scandalous, so she must be pushed.

“You too, Noelle,” Lady Boltwood said. “My maid is waiting to assist you. This has been a long day, and we shall be very busy tomorrow.” She waved an imperious dismissal.

“Wait a minute, Noelle,” Richard said. “I wish to speak to you.”

Noelle narrowed her eyes at him, but complied.

Lady Boltwood handed a slim leather-bound book to Johnny. “I believe this is the volume you requested from your wagon, Mr. Magee. I trust my staff is taking proper care of you?”