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“A hundred turtle dinners? Can you imagine?” Musgrave shuddered.
“It’s precisely what I am trying not to.”
A quick grin lifted Musgrave’s lips. “But come man. You must stop with this ridiculoussupposed herothing. One cannot but be supposed a hero when he is directly responsible for dragging one hundred men to safety.”
“That was not all me, as you very well know. Edgerton was there, as was Langley, and Stamford too. You all helped.”
“We all were quaking in our boots, wondering what course to take when you took charge.”
“You exaggerate.”
“Says the one commended by the King himself.” Musgrave stretched out his long legs. “What were the words he used? Conduct most valiant and honorable?”
“Your hearing is not at fault, at least.”
“Nor your understanding. Although it beggars me to comprehend why a man of such valor should remain incognito.”
Daniel offered a wry smile. “You do recall London?”
“Why, yes. Oh. I see.”
Another memory sparked. “Remember what you once said there? How you would like to be me? Well, here is your opportunity.”
“That is extremely obliging of you, but—”
“I would consider myself indebted to you, as I have no desire to be toad-eaten.”
“And you think I have?”
Daniel raised his brows and dipped his chin.
Musgrave gave a crack of laughter. “I cannot believe you think so lowly of me.”
“I don’t. You are loyal and ever supportive of your friends in their hour of need.”
“Does nobody know the truth?”
“Miss Stapleton guessed it at once.” Daniel adjusted the blankets. “Her mother, grandfather, and the servants here and at Mannering know too. And you did not think I could hide such a thing from my niece, did you?”
His friend studied him with something akin to fascination in his eye. “I find I don’t quite know what to think anymore. Who have you been purporting to be?”
“I haven’t purported to be anyone. I was only here a short time when the blighted event happened. Since then, I’ve been ensconced at Stapleton Court, not seeing anyone really, save the doctor, the reverend, and Mr. Cleever, the solicitor. I had to let them know, but they’ve been sworn to secrecy.”
“The solicitor and reverend I understand, but why did you tell the doctor?”
“I’m afraid that was more Miss Stapleton’s doing than mine. After my injury, she convinced him that I should go to her home rather than an inn, and it was deemed proper only because of my relationship to my niece.”
“She did, did she?”
His friend’s misgivings drew heat to his chest and his protest. “Do not misjudge her,” he said quietly, but with firmness. “She is as honorable and excellent a creature as I have ever met.”
Musgrave’s brows pushed up.
Daniel had to change the subject. Quickly. “But in answer to your question, most people in these parts believe I am Captain Balfour’s steward, as suggested by my initial note. Lady Bellingham and Mrs. Riley know me as Mr. Daniel.”
“Hmm. That is your name. Half of it, anyway.” Musgrave picked up a bottle of laudanum the doctor had prescribed, then set it down.
“I do not like the pretense but had no plans to stay here long enough for it to matter.”
