AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 10
Charles lifted the tin cup to his lips and gulped the cold stream water before dipping it back in the bucket for another drink. Sweat beaded on his brow and ran down the back of his neck, his shirt sticking to his damp skin.
“Building this cottage has turned out to be far more work than I agreed to,” Nick said, accepting the cup from Charles before dipping it in the bucket.
“But is it keeping you distracted?” Charles asked with a quirk of his brow.
Nick grinned. “Yes, and Giulia appreciates it. She wanted me to thank you for occupying my time.”
That sounded like something Mrs. Pepper would say. “You must tell her it has been my pleasure. And anyway, I’d wager we’re past the halfway point with this cottage.”
“Then will you have another project you need help with? I’m all yours until Giulia allows me home again.”
Charles paused. “Allows you home?”
Nick dipped the cup for another drink before hanging it on the side of the bucket. He shot a dry smile at Charles. “Until the baby comes, I am not allowed in the house during daylight hours. I fret too much.” He hesitated. “She says I hover about her like a mother hen when I’m home.”
Charles barked a laugh.
“Those were her words, but I don’t disagree with her,” Nick said.
Charles cupped his friend on the shoulder. “And here I was feeling awful that I hadn’t offered to pay you for your trouble. It sounds as though I have indeed done you a favor.”
“You have. Though it is clearly Giulia who is most indebted to you.” Nick picked up his discarded coat and swung it over his shoulder. “So we meet back here tomorrow at sunrise?”
Charles rubbed his jaw. “I’ve been considering riding into Melbury tomorrow for some business. But I could meet you here at noon.”
Nick perked up. “Are you helping to organize the cricket?”
“No, is there to be a match?” Charles hadn’t heard of this, but he wouldn’t be surprised. The men of Melbury and Graton often challenged each other to friendly competitions.
Nick nodded. “I believe it is a fortnight away. You will be on our team, I hope.”
Picking at his shirt, Charles fanned it out to give his skin some relief. “Yes, but I’m warning you, I haven’t played cricket in years.”
“You’ll do great,” Nick said, slapping Charles on the back. They waved to Jennings as he crossed the vale toward his own cottage, then they headed for the edge of the trees where they’d left their horses. “What business takes you to Melbury?”
“The missing horses. I’ve made no headway in my search. I want to question the innkeeper there and find out if he’s heard anything. If the gypsies went through Melbury, he’d know.” And Charles really hoped the man would have something to share. He was growing anxious over his lack of progress.
“Have you asked Jolly?”
Charles scoffed. “Yes, and he claims to know nothing.”
Nick’s mouth bent in a grim line. “Did you offer him enough money?”
“I thought so, but maybe not.” The bag he had jangled had been on the smaller side. But he’d thought he made himself clear.
They untied their horses from the low hanging branches at the edge of the wood and mounted their saddles. Nick pulled his horse even with Charles. “For enough money, Jolly will always talk.”
“That’s what I thought, so maybe I didn’t offer enough. Perhaps I should return and jingle more coins in front of him.”
Nick rubbed the neck of his horse. “I’ll join you if you don’t mind.”
“In Melbury? Or at Jolly’s?”
“Both,” he said, his expression dry. “I have to leave the house at sunrise, remember?”
Charles laughed. “I’ll be glad of the company.”
