“It’s not far from here, and I’m fairly sure they’ll let us stay there for the night.”
Timms raised a skeptical brow. “Woodburn Hall? Why would we be welcome there?”
“Well,” Simon said with a shrug, “Lord Ashdown and I have become a bit… friendly.”
His eyes widened. “Is that who you’re going to work for? He’s the one with the gaming hell, right?”
“That’s the one. And yes, I will be going to work for him. Assuming he’ll still have me.”
“What will you be doing for him?”
Simon laughed. “I’ll let you know after I start the job.”
“Well, if you think we might be welcome, I certainly wouldn’t turn down the prospect of something more comfortable than what we’d find at any inn around here.”
A short time later, Simon rang the doorbell of the imposing house. Admittedly, he was a bit nervous. It was possible they could just turn them away. But when the butler opened the door, he raised his brow in recognition.
“Mr. Allister. What can we do for you, sir?”
“Well, we’re up here on similar business to my last visit. Arresting the man’s brother, in fact. We find ourselves in need of beds for the night.”
“I am not the person to make such decisions, but come in.”
Even though Simon had been in this house before, he’d forgotten just how much lavishness lived within its walls. The butler led them to a large drawing room.
“Make yourselves comfortable. I’ll have some refreshment brought in and inform Mr. Gibson of your arrival.”
A tray of tea and cakes was deposited on the table a short time later. Just as he finished filling his cup, a man who looked remarkably like Ash, strode into the room. Different surname, so perhaps a brother from the wrong side of the blanket?
“Mr. Allister, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Trent Gibson. I’m the manager here. Moulton says you were the one to arrest my predecessor.”
“That is correct. This is my colleague, Samuel Timms. He was here for that as well.”
“I suppose I owe you both my thanks, then. I wouldn’t have this job without you.” He flashed a teasing smile. “Of course you’ll be welcome here for the night. I already have two rooms being prepared.”
“That is very kind, Mr. Gibson.”
He waved his hand. “It’s not as if we don’t have plenty of unused rooms.”
“Well, your hospitality is appreciated all the same.”
“I hope you weren’t expecting to see Ash—Lord Ashdown, I mean. He doesn’t reside here.”
“I am aware. I’ve spoken with him a few times in London.”
Mr. Gibson nodded. “Do you need any food, baths, or anything else before you turn in?”
“No, thank you. Beds are all we require.”
A little girl poked her head into the room and Simon smiled at her. Trent turned to look and shook his head.
“Maggie, what are you doing out of bed?”
She padded into the room. “I heard men and I hoped it might be Uncle Ash.”
He picked her up and settled her on his arm. “It’s not Uncle Ash. This is Mr. Allister, and Mr. Timms. They’re going to be staying here tonight.”
“I am going to be seeing your uncle Ash soon, Maggie,” Simon said. “Do you want me to give him a message from you?”
