“You don’t talk much, do you?” His smile was tender and kind and the moonlight sparkled in his eyes.
“A virtuous woman should be neither seen nor heard unless it is required of her.”
His brow dipped dangerously and she took a quick step back and lowered her gaze, suddenly afraid she’d made an error. His gentle hand came to rest on her shoulder.
“You needn’t be afraid of me, Madelene. I will never hurt you, and you are free to speak your mind with me.”
She nodded, unsure of what to say to that.
He laughed softly and patted her shoulder. “Let’s get you back onto the horse. We need to keep moving.”
She felt awkward in the saddle, not only because she had never ridden astride, but also because both men continued to walk. Nothing in all the many books she’d read had prepared her for this.
Fingers of light were just beginning to stretch above the horizon when they made their way down the drive toward a grand house. Was this his home? Simon helped her down from the horse, but didn’t put her on the ground. Instead, he cradled her in his arms.
“I won’t try to run,” she said quietly.
“I’m glad to hear it, but I’m carrying you because the gravel will hurt your bare feet.”
Why would a stranger concern himself with the comfort of her feet?
Once they were on the doorstep, he carefully put her down and Brennan rang the bell. Not his house, then.
A short time later the door was opened by a butler, an older man, perfectly pressed and not a single grey hair out of place. His lips turned up in recognition. “Mr. Brennan.”
“I’m not sure how you remember me considering the size of our party the last time, but it’s good to see you again, Mr. Beecham. Apologies for the unexpected visit, and at such an early hour. Lord Ashdown said to stop here if we find ourselves in need of assistance.”
Lord Ashdown? Is that who the house belonged to?
The butler smiled and pulled the door open wide. “Please, come in.”
“Simon Allister.” Simon shook the man’s hand after the door closed behind them. “We really don’t need to be a nuisance. We just need another horse, or perhaps a carriage, if you have one you can spare for a day.”
The butler’s eyes swept over their group. She lowered her gaze to the floor and wrapped her arms around herself. What a sight she must present. Bare feet and dressed in naught but a nightgown and a man’s overlarge coat.
“Forgive me for saying so, sir, but you need more than just a carriage.”
“I don’t want to be any more of an inconvenience than is necessary, Mr. Beecham.”
“It wouldn’t be an inconvenience, Mr. Allister. We have a houseful of staff with very little to do most of the time. At least allow us to provide you with some food and warmth, and perhaps a change of clothes for the lady.”
Madelene’s cheeks burned.
Simon rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Her name is Madelene.”
“Welcome, Miss Madelene.”
She looked up nervously, and the butler smiled kindly. “Thank you,” she said quietly.
A woman who must be the housekeeper bustled into the foyer, tall and thin, back straight, chatelaine rattling against her leg.
“Mrs. Lamb, this is Mr. Allister and Mr. Brennan. I will see to them. Will you please show Miss Madelene up to a room and see that she has a change of clothes and anything else she may require?”
“I’d be happy to. Right this way, Miss Madelene.”
She looked up at Simon, unsure what to do. He nodded. “Go ahead, you’ll be safe here.”
“Are you leaving me here?”
