“Then you won’t believe the rest.” And Ashley was not going to tell her at any rate.
“So I am supposed to believe that you and Lord Nicholas actually conspired—”
“I wouldn’t have said we conspired. We collaborated.” Oh, this was too amusing. She could not wait to tell Nick when they were alone again.
Maddie sighed. “Fine. You collaborated to ensure that Lord Blackthorne and I married. I find that difficult to accept.”
Ashley would have found it difficult to accept as well. It wasn’t true. Ashley gently changed the topic of conversation. “That’s how I felt when I realized you were eloping with a dog-breeder. Really, Maddie! Someone had to save you!”
Maddie frowned at her. “How did Lord Nicholas become involved? I didn’t even know you were acquainted.”
Ashley bit her lip. Maddie was like a dog with a bone. “That’s a rather long story.”
“I have time.”
She glanced at Nick and Lord Blackthorne. “Lord Nicholas wanted to do his brother a favor. He felt guilty for all the trouble he’d caused over the years.” That sounded reasonable.
“And I was the favor?”
“You needed to be saved and Lord Nicholas thought his brother needed a wife. I thought you two would be perfect together.” That was true enough.
“But that doesn’t explain the innkeeper who chased us, or the Duke of Bleven, or the drunk priest. You cannot possibly have orchestrated all of that!”
Ashley raised her brows. “You underestimate us. A little bribery goes a long way.”
“You bribed the Duke of Bleven!”
Oh, she’d forgotten about that part. “No. That was one factor we hadn’t counted on. I’m sorry he hurt you, Maddie. He was never part of the plan.”
They walked in silence for a moment. Up ahead, Nick slung his arm about Lord Blackthorne’s shoulder. She smiled.
“And what exactly was your relationship with Lord Nicholas?” Maddie asked.
“He’s an old family friend,” Ashley said quickly. Too quickly.
“I see. I find it hard to imagine the two of you consp—collaborating together. You didn’t seem to like each other very much.”
“We’ve had a few...minor difficulties.
“And now?”
“Now?”
“Ashley, stop being so evasive! What are your feelings for Lord Nicholas? You said before that you had trouble resisting him. Are you in love with him?”
“No!” Ashley cleared her throat. Was she being too obvious? Giving all away? “I mean, no. It’s a marriage of convenience. A marriage that worked out rather well for you.”
“I don’t believe any of this. I know you feel something for Lord Nicholas, Ashley, and he for you. I can see it—”
“Maddie!” Ashley rounded on her. “Stop trying to help.”
“I can’t,” she protested quietly.
“Think of something else.”
“Very well. Where have you been all this time?”
“Would you believe kidnapped by pirates?”
