Poor Jack. He looked frustrated. As usual, Lord Nicholas looked amused.
“What else do you want to know?” Ashley finally said. “I told you what happened.”
Maddie shook her head. “But I don’t believe it.”
“Then you won’t believe the rest.” Ashley’s sea green eyes stared back at her levelly.
“So I am supposed to believe that you and Lord Nicholas actually conspired—”
“I wouldn’t have said we conspired. We collaborated.”
Maddie sighed. “Fine. You collaborated to ensure that Lord Blackthorne and I married. I find that difficult to accept.”
“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?”
Ashley bit her lip. “That’s a rather long story.”
“I have time.”
“Suffice it to say that Lord Nicholas wanted to do his brother a favor. He felt guilty for all the trouble he’d caused over the years.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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, Lord Nicholas slung his arm about Jack’s shoulder. Jack looked like he wanted to shrug it off, but he didn’t.
“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 don’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. “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.
