“I’ll stay,” Connery suggested, nonchalantly leaning against the door.
“As will I,” Gerald’s father offered. “My hair might be gray, but I can still fire a gun and throw a punch.”
The men chuckled.
“Thank you both,” Gerald said, feeling relieved that both Connery and his father would remain. His father was an excellent shot and Connery could probably wrestle a wild boar with his bare hands. Gerald wanted to be with Selena, he had to track down those bastards and make sure they never hurt Selena or Lady Fleur ever again. Even if they had managed to avoidPrinny’s men, they might find some clues at Rose Point as to their whereabouts, anything that could point them on their trail, or what they were planning next.
~*~
Chapter Seventeen
An hour later
Bellwood stables
“Gerald, are you sure you have to leave?” Selena asked. She had a bad feeling and couldn’t shake it. The back of her neck prickled—something that always seemed to foretell bad luck.
The two of them were standing in front of Hermes’ stall. The horse was already saddled and waiting.
“Aphrodite might be upset that you aren’t taking her,” she said, hoping to lighten the conversation.
“It was a hard decision, but Hermes needs to stretch his legs, and I won’t be here for several days.” He leaned down and kissed her lightly. “Selena, you have to promise me something.”
“Anything…what do you want me to promise you?” She tried to be positive but couldn’t shake the feeling something would go wrong. Selena had the urge to pull him close, buther mother and Connery were standing behind her, talking. She didn’t want to embarrass Gerald.
“I want you to promise me you won’t ride Azure without two footmen with you. I’d rather you let Joshua exercise Azure while I’m gone. It will just be for a few days. And please don’t go anywhere on the estate grounds without an escort.”
She was very familiar with how long it took to get here from Rose Point. She had ridden for almost two days…freezing and in the rain. She opened her mouth to say something, but closed it, not wanting to sound like a shrew.
“You will be all right, love. We won’t be gone too long,” he said, pulling her close. “My father will be here, as will Connery. We are taking two of the security details that Wright and Banbury hired, but that will still leave you with plenty of security here—men we’ve hired and those that Wright brought. Plus, from my understanding, the Prince Regent has another security detail on its way from London. They should be checking in here, soon.”
“I’ll be here, too, Lord Lawrence,” Ben said, coming out of a nearby stall with Dutch right behind him. “I’ll be here protecting your home and the people here.”
The dog barked and Gerald laughed.
“Dutch! You rascal. I know you will be here, too!” Selena said, laughing. “He’s been very protective of me.”
“Take care of Selena for me, Dutch. I’ll be back soon, boy,” Gerald said, reaching down and petting the large white dog.
Dutch gave his hand a lick.
“Aye. Dutch is a warrior through and through,” Connery chuckled.
“Mrs. McDonald and my wife packed some food for your journey, Ben said. “I secured it in the small satchels next to your canteens.”
“That was very thoughtful of them. Thank you,” Gerald said.
“I think we’re ready to go,” Wright said.
The men trotted out of the stable and headed for the main road. Gerald lagged behind and turned on his mount.
His eyes met hers and Selena’s breath hitched as she worried about his safety and the others. But couldn’t help the growing feeling that something might go wrong. She stood with Dutch, Connery, her mother, and Ben, and watched the five men ride off. It took everything inside for her not to run after Gerald and beg him not to leave, to stay with her. She knew that wasn’t the kind of man Gerald was. He was honor-bound to find Vern and Grom and bring them to justice. A small tug on her dress caught her attention. Dutch looked up at her, smiling and giving her a gentle reminder of his presence.
“I know you are here, sweet boy. It’ll be all right.”I’m just a little sadand scared.The hair on the back of her neck prickled again. Each time she felt it, she glanced behind her…but there was nothing there. Was it her instinct or was she overreacting? It wasn’t surprising that she couldn’t trust her own instincts given all that had happened of late.
She recalled that Diana and Lady Bellecote were eager to decorate the manor before Christmas. That would certainly keep her mind occupied while the men were gone. She would be able to count on her mother and Maggie—and Gabby as well.
As she watched her mother drift off towards the gazebo with Connery—her mind turned back to the picnic she and Gerald had shared there, only days ago. It was the most special day she could remember ever having. So romantic. And Gerald had made it special for her. She had thought to go there herself, but not after realizing that it was her mother and Connery’s destination.
